RICS Level 2 Survey in Pembroke

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, focusing on the issues that affect value and safety. We inspect all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe to access, walls, floors, windows, doors, and key utilities. Our chartered surveyors in Pembroke examine the property for signs of structural movement, damp penetration, timber decay, and roof defects. These issues are particularly relevant given the age and construction methods of local housing stock, much of which dates from the Victorian and Edwardian periods when solid wall construction was the norm rather than the exception.

The survey includes a comprehensive evaluation of the property's services, checking electrical consumer units, plumbing condition, and heating systems. We assess the overall energy efficiency and highlight any obvious areas where improvements could be made. For properties in Pembroke's conservation area or those listed buildings, we note any visible issues that may require further specialist investigation or listed building consent. Given that many properties in the town centre are constructed from local Carboniferous limestone, we pay particular attention to the condition of render and pointing, as these traditional materials can deteriorate over time and allow water penetration.

Our report uses the RICS traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent issues requiring attention, amber for defects that should be addressed, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach helps you understand exactly what you're purchasing and provides a powerful negotiating tool if significant issues are identified. We include a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure in every report, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth and the potential cost of rebuilding should the worst occur.

• Structural condition assessment
• Damp and moisture inspection
• Roof and rainwater goods
• Timber floors and joinery
• Walls, chimneys, and foundations
• Windows, doors, and glazing
• Services (electricity, gas, water)
• Energy efficiency notes

Our experience surveying properties across Pembroke has identified several recurring themes that buyers should be aware of. Damp is perhaps the most common issue, particularly in older properties with solid walls that lack proper damp-proof courses. Rising damp affects many Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the town, while penetrating damp can occur where render has cracked or where roof defects allow water ingress. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the extent and cause of damp problems, distinguishing between minor condensation issues and more serious structural damp that could affect the health of occupants and the structural integrity of the building.

Timber defects are another frequent finding in Pembroke's older housing stock. Woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot can affect floor joists, roof timbers, and window frames, particularly in properties with inadequate ventilation or a history of damp. We carefully inspect accessible timber elements and report any signs of decay or infestation that could compromise the structural integrity or require expensive remedial treatment. In some older properties, we have found significant timber decay that was not immediately obvious from a casual inspection, highlighting the value of a professional survey.

Outdated electrical systems and plumbing are commonly encountered in properties built before modern regulations were introduced. Consumer units with old fuse boards, insufficient socket outlets, and dated wiring that doesn't meet current Part P electrical safety standards are regular findings. Similarly, lead pipes, galvanised steel plumbing, and old heating systems often require upgrading. Our survey highlights these issues so you can budget for necessary improvements. Many properties in Pembroke still have original Victorian or Edwardian plumbing that, while historic, may be nearing the end of its useful life and could require significant investment to bring up to modern standards.

Properties in certain areas of Pembroke may also be affected by the county's mining heritage. While Pembroke itself is not a primary mining area, some locations to the north and east of the town have legacy coal mining that can cause ground instability. Our surveyors are aware of these local geological factors and will note any signs of ground movement or subsidence that might be related to historical mining activity.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Slate roof defects and tile slippage
• Woodworm and timber rot
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Old plumbing and heating systems
• Defective render and pointing
• Window and door joinery decay