RICS Level 2 Survey in CF62 7 Barry

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, doors, windows, and plumbing and electrical systems. The surveyor will assess the condition of the building fabric and identify any defects, using a traffic light rating system to indicate the severity of issues found. For properties in CF62 7, our inspectors pay particular attention to common problems in the local area, such as roof condition given the age of many properties in Barry, and signs of damp which can be prevalent in older buildings.

The survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a clear picture of the property's true worth in the current CF62 7 market. With house prices in the area showing some fluctuation, with a -4.8% change in the last year, having an independent valuation helps ensure you are paying a fair price. Our report also highlights any urgent issues that require immediate attention, as well as matters that should be considered during any future renovation or maintenance work.

We inspect both the interior and exterior of the property, including any garages, outbuildings, and the general grounds. The survey is suitable for conventional properties including flats, terraced houses, semi-detached homes, and detached houses. If you are purchasing a property in one of the newer developments on the outskirts of CF62 7, the survey will still provide valuable insight into the construction quality and any potential issues with the building.

During the inspection, our surveyor will lift accessible covers to examine hidden areas, test windows and doors for operation, and assess the condition of sanitory fittings. We will also check the boundaries of the property, as disputes with neighbours over shared walls or fences are not uncommon in the terraced properties found throughout CF62 7. The report will clearly flag any issues that may require further specialist investigation, such as suspected Japanese knotweed or signs of structural movement.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber decay
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Boundaries and outbuildings

Based on our extensive experience surveying properties throughout Barry, we have identified several defect patterns that appear frequently in CF62 7. One of the most common issues we encounter is damp, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties that were built with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. These older properties often lack adequate damp proof courses or have ones that have failed over time, leading to rising damp and penetrating damp particularly in ground floor rooms and basements.

Roof defects are another frequent finding in our CF62 7 surveys. Many properties in the area have original roof structures that are decades old, with tiles that have become brittle, slipped, or covered in moss and debris. We regularly identify issues with flat roof sections, particularly on extensions and garage conversions, where poor installation or age has led to leaks and water damage. Our surveyors will carefully inspect the roof space where accessible, checking for signs of past water ingress and assessing the condition of felt, battens, and rafters.

Electrical issues are particularly common in older Barry properties. Many homes in CF62 7 still have original fuse boards and wiring from the mid-20th century or earlier, which may not meet current regulations and could pose a fire risk. We will visually inspect the consumer unit and wiring where accessible, flagging any obvious concerns that should be addressed by a qualified electrician. Additionally, we often find outdated plumbing with galvanised steel pipes that are prone to corrosion and reduced water pressure.

Given the coastal location of Barry, properties in CF62 7 can also be affected by salt-laden wind accelerating the deterioration of external render, pointing, and timber joinery. Our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of external walls, checking for cracks, delaminated render, and rot in window frames and doors. In some properties, we have also identified signs of subsidence related to clay soil shrink-swell movement, particularly where mature trees are close to the building.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Corroded plumbing
• Render and pointing defects
• Signs of subsidence

Barry's housing market features a diverse mix of property types, from traditional Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses to more modern semi-detached homes and contemporary flats. The CF62 7 area has seen 169 property sales in the last two years, with semi-detached properties forming the majority of recent transactions. This mix of ages and construction styles means that every survey we undertake in the area requires a careful and thorough approach, as the potential defects can vary significantly between a 1930s semi and a Victorian terrace.

The geology of the Vale of Glamorgan, which includes Carboniferous Limestone and Mercia Mudstone, can create specific challenges for property owners. Clay-rich soils derived from Mercia Mudstone may pose a shrink-swell risk, particularly in areas with mature trees. Our surveyors are trained to look for signs of subsidence and movement that could indicate foundation issues, which is especially important given the coastal location of Barry and the potential for ground instability in certain areas. We will carefully examine external walls for cracks and signs of past or ongoing movement.

The proximity to the coast also means that some properties in CF62 7 may be susceptible to damp and moisture penetration, particularly those exposed to prevailing winds from the Bristol Channel. Our inspectors pay close attention to the condition of render, pointing, and external woodwork, as these elements can deteriorate more rapidly in a coastal environment. Additionally, the age of the housing stock means that many properties will have older electrical systems that may not meet current regulations and could require updating by a qualified electrician.

South Wales has a mining legacy that extends into parts of Barry and the surrounding area. While specific mining activity within CF62 7 may be limited, our surveyors remain vigilant for signs of past mining activity that could affect ground stability. We will check for any evidence of past ground movement or unusual settlement patterns that might indicate historical mining activity. If we identify any concerns, we will recommend further investigation by a geotechnical engineer.

• Check for mining legacy in the area
• Assess coastal erosion risk for nearby properties
• Review foundation conditions on clay soils
• Evaluate roof age and condition
• Inspect for damp in older properties