RICS Level 2 Survey in Kerry

The RICS Level 2 Survey in Kerry provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space, walls, windows, doors, floors, and permanent fixtures. Our surveyors examine the condition of the building's structure, looking for signs of damp, rot, subsidence, or other defects that could affect the property's value or require costly repairs. The survey covers both the interior and exterior of the property, providing you with a complete picture of its current condition. We lift accessible floorboards where safe to do so, inspect within cupboards, and examine the roof void where access is available, ensuring we don't miss any areas that could hide problems.

In Kerry's diverse property market, which includes everything from period cottages in the village centre to modern developments on the outskirts, our surveyors adapt their inspection approach to suit the specific property type and age. We pay particular attention to common issues found in Powys properties, including roof condition given the area's weather exposure, damp penetration in older buildings, and the condition of septic tanks and private drainage systems that are prevalent in rural Kerry. Our team has inspected hundreds of properties throughout the Kerry area, giving us intimate knowledge of the construction methods and materials commonly used in local homes. This experience means we know exactly what to look for when inspecting a property in this part of Mid Wales, from traditional slate roofs to solid wall construction.

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure, giving you clarity on the property's worth in the current Kerry market. If our surveyor identifies any significant defects, we provide clear RAG-rated recommendations (Red, Amber, Green) so you can easily prioritises repairs and negotiate with sellers if needed. Our reports are written in clear, jargon-free language that you can understand and act upon immediately. We include photographs of key defects alongside our findings, so you can see exactly what issues have been identified. The RAG rating system allows you to quickly assess which problems require urgent attention and which are less critical, helping you make informed decisions about your Kerry property purchase.

Beyond the core inspection elements, our Level 2 Survey also includes assessment of any outbuildings, garages, and the general condition of the property's boundaries. We check the condition of fences, gates, and retaining walls, as well as any paths and driveways that form part of the property. In Kerry, where many properties include large gardens or agricultural land, this additional assessment can be particularly valuable. We also note any obvious signs of issues with neighbouring properties that might affect your purchase, such as shared drainage arrangements or boundary disputes that may not be immediately obvious to buyers unfamiliar with the area.

• Structural inspection
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Roof and chimney condition
• Window and door operation
• Electrical and heating visible components
• Drainage and plumbing visible parts
• Market valuation
• Insurance reinstatement value
• Outbuildings and boundaries assessment
• Visible timber decay

Properties in Kerry and the surrounding Powys area present specific challenges that our surveyors know to look for. The rural nature of Kerry means many homes rely on private water supplies, septic tanks, or cess pits rather than mains services. Our Level 2 Survey includes a visual inspection of these systems and will flag any concerns that may require further investigation by specialists. Given the area's exposure to wet weather, we pay particular attention to roof condition, gutter integrity, and signs of damp penetration that are common in older Welsh properties. In our experience surveying properties in Kerry, these are among the most frequently identified issues that buyers need to be aware of before completing their purchase.

Many properties in Kerry are constructed with traditional solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction, which can be more susceptible to damp and condensation issues. Our surveyors assess wall insulation and ventilation, providing advice on improvements that may be needed. Additionally, the age of properties in Kerry's historic core means we frequently identify issues with original windows, chimneys, and roofing materials that require ongoing maintenance or repair. Traditional wooden sash windows, for example, are common in older Kerry properties but often suffer from decay to the frames and sills that may not be visible from the ground. Our surveyors lift these issues during inspection, ensuring you know about any deterioration before you commit to the purchase.

The Level 2 Survey also examines the condition of any extensions or alterations that may have been made to the property. Our surveyors verify where possible that any work has been carried out with appropriate building regulations approval, though we always recommend you verify this independently through the local authority. In Kerry, where many properties have been extended over generations, this is an important aspect of the survey that can reveal unexpected costs or legal issues. We have found numerous cases in the Kerry area where additions such as garage conversions, conservatories, or kitchen extensions were completed without proper planning permission or building regulations sign-off, creating potential complications for buyers. Our survey will highlight any such concerns so you can address them before completing your purchase.

Another common issue we identify in Kerry properties relates to the condition of septic tanks and drainage systems. Many homes in the Kerry area use private sewage treatment systems that require regular maintenance and occasional emptying. Our survey includes a visual inspection of accessible drainage components and will note any obvious defects or concerns. However, we always recommend that buyers arrange for a specialist drainage inspection on properties with private sewage systems, as these can be expensive to repair or replace if problems are identified after purchase. In our experience, this is one of the most commonly overlooked areas when buying property in rural Kerry, and addressing it early in the purchase process can save significant expense and hassle later.