RICS Level 2 Survey in CF23

Our Level 2 survey - formally known as the RICS Home Survey Level 2 - is designed for conventional properties in a reasonable condition. It is the most widely used survey type for buyers in CF23 and is suitable for standard terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes built using standard construction methods across the district.

During the inspection, our surveyor carries out a detailed visual examination of all accessible parts of the property. This includes the roof structure viewed from ground level and from within loft spaces where accessible, chimney stacks, guttering and drainage, external walls and pointing, windows and doors, floors and ceilings, internal walls, kitchens and bathrooms, and all visible services including electrical consumer units, boilers, and plumbing where accessible.

We use damp testing equipment to check for moisture in walls and floors, and our report clearly identifies any areas of concern using the RICS condition rating system. A green rating 1 indicates no repair is needed, a yellow rating 2 means defects that need attention but are not urgent, and a red rating 3 flags defects that are serious or require urgent action. This structure makes our reports straightforward to understand, even for first-time buyers who have never commissioned a professional survey before.

• Roof coverings, chimney stacks, and flashings
• External walls, pointing, and render
• Windows, doors, and external joinery
• Damp and moisture testing throughout
• Floors, ceilings, and internal walls
• Loft space inspection where accessible
• Visible services including electrics and heating
• Drainage and outbuildings where accessible

All of our surveyors are qualified members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and operate under the RICS Home Survey Standard, which sets mandatory requirements for how surveys are conducted and reported. This means every Level 2 survey we carry out in CF23 meets the same professional standard - regardless of which of our surveyors conducts the inspection.

We assign surveyors with direct experience of the CF23 area and the types of properties commonly found here. Our inspectors understand the construction characteristics typical of Cardiff's eastern suburbs, including the terraced housing stock that dominates the area and the specific defect patterns that are most likely to arise in this type of housing. This local knowledge means we look in the right places and can put any findings in meaningful context for you as the buyer.

After the inspection, our surveyor writes a clear, structured report covering every element of the property. We do not use generic boilerplate text - every section of your report is written specifically for the property we have inspected. We include photographs of any defects we find, so you can see exactly what we are referring to, and we write our recommendations in clear language that does not require specialist knowledge to understand. Our reports are typically delivered within two working days of the inspection date.

When our surveyor arrives at the CF23 property, they follow a systematic inspection process covering the exterior and interior of the building in full. Starting outside, we examine the roof from ground level and from internal loft access where available, checking for missing or slipped tiles, defective pointing at chimney stacks, blocked guttering, and any signs of movement or bulging in external walls.

Inside the property, our inspector works through each room methodically. We check for signs of damp using a calibrated damp meter, paying particular attention to ground floor walls, below window openings, and around bathrooms and kitchens. We examine the condition of floors, looking for movement or springiness that may indicate a problem beneath the surface, and we check ceilings and walls for cracking patterns that might suggest structural movement or settlement.

In the loft space, we inspect the roof structure, insulation levels, and any signs of water ingress or pest activity. We check the condition of visible services including the electrical consumer unit, boiler, and visible pipework, noting their apparent age and condition. We do not carry out specialist tests on these services - if we identify concerns about electrics or heating, we recommend specialist inspection by a qualified electrician or heating engineer as a follow-up step.

Throughout the inspection, our surveyor photographs any defects or areas of concern. These photographs are included directly in your report, giving you a visual record of what was found and where it is located in the building. If the property has outbuildings, a garage, or a conservatory, we include these in our inspection where they are accessible and structurally connected to the main dwelling.