Guides and advice

Home Surveys in South Devon, Torbay and Plymouth

We carry out RICS Home Surveys across South Devon, Torbay and Plymouth, from the Teign estuary to the South Hams. You deal with the same small team of chartered surveyors from the first call to the final conversation about your report.

Where we survey

We cover Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Shaldon, Bovey Tracey, Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Ivybridge, Modbury and Plymouth, including Plympton, Plymstock and the villages of the South Hams.

Homes we see in South Devon

Victorian villas and terraces in Torquay, Teignmouth and Dawlish, many on steep sloping sites and many divided into flats. Retaining walls, drainage on sloping ground and shared roofs are common points.
Period and listed homes in Totnes, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. Alterations to listed buildings need consent, and we flag works your solicitor should check.
Coastal and estuary homes in Salcombe, Brixham and along the Teign and Dart, exposed to wind-driven rain and salt air.
Plymouth's post-war city. Much of central Plymouth was rebuilt after the Second World War, and the city has a large number of post-war houses, including some of non-traditional construction. Non-traditional homes need a Level 3 survey, because some types affect mortgages and insurance.
Modern estates around Newton Abbot, Paignton and Plymouth. A traditionally built home under 50 years old that has not been extended usually needs a Level 2 survey.

Local points we look out for

Torbay's limestone and sloping sites, river flood risk in Newton Abbot and Totnes, and coastal exposure all affect what we look for. Around Dartmoor's edges and in parts of the South Hams, older stone buildings often have damp issues made worse by hard cement pointing and render.

Which survey level is right?

We follow the RICS Home Survey Standard and recommend the level that fits the property, not the one that costs most.

Level 1 Condition Report: only for a new-build home that has not been altered.
Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey: for a traditionally built home under 50 years old that has not been extended. It rates the condition of each part of the property and gives advice on repairs and maintenance. A market valuation and rebuild cost can be added.
Level 3 Building Survey: for homes 50 years old or more, and for any home that has been extended or altered, is of non-traditional construction, or is listed, thatched or unusual. It describes construction and defects in full, with likely causes, options and outline repair costs.

Not sure? Use the helper on our RICS Home Surveys page, or call us on 01392 933392 and we will tell you honestly.

What you get

An inspection by a RICS regulated chartered surveyor from ClystCore, not a subcontracted panel surveyor.
A report written in plain English, with the important points first.
Drone and thermal imaging where they help, for roofs, chimneys and hidden damp.
A call from your surveyor once the report is ready, to talk it through and answer your questions.
Points for your solicitor to check, such as alterations, planning and building regulations.

Other areas we cover

Get a survey quote

Tell us the address, the type of property and when you need the report. Request a quote online, email info@clystcore.com or call us on 01392 933392.

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