RICS Level 2 Survey in Pembrokeshire

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas. We examine the roof, walls, chimney, windows, doors, floors, and ceilings, as well as the condition of any extensions or outbuildings. Our inspectors check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and other common defects that you might not notice during a viewing. We've found that roof condition is a particularly common concern in older Pembrokeshire properties, where traditional slate and stone tiles can deteriorate over time due to the coastal weather conditions.

The survey includes an assessment of the property's services, such as plumbing, heating, and electrical installations, though we note that we do not test these systems. We also examine the exterior of the property, including gutters, fascias, and pointing, which are particularly important in Pembrokeshire where older properties may have traditional lime mortar pointing that requires specific maintenance. Our team understands that improper repointing with cement-based mortars can trap moisture in historic walls, causing significant damage over time.

For properties in areas like Haverfordwest and Pembroke, where medieval architecture and historic buildings are prevalent, our surveyors pay particular attention to the unique construction methods used in older properties. Traditional stone construction, which is common throughout the county from the streets around Pembroke Castle to the older quarters of Haverfordwest, presents different considerations to modern cavity wall builds. We assess the condition of solid walls, check for signs of settlement or movement, and identify any previous alterations that may affect the property's structural integrity.

• Structural condition assessment
• Damp and rot detection
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Windows and doors evaluation
• Services overview (visual only)
• Advice on urgent repairs

Pembrokeshire's unique geography presents specific considerations for property buyers. The county's extensive coastline means many properties face potential flood risk from both tidal sources and rivers such as the Pembroke River and the Eastern Cleddau. While the area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this coastal environment can accelerate wear on building materials, particularly on properties close to the sea in areas like Tenby, Saundersfoot, and the villages along the coast path. Salt-laden winds can cause accelerated corrosion of metal fixtures and deterioration of certain building materials.

The housing stock in Pembrokeshire includes a significant proportion of older properties, particularly in towns like Haverfordwest and Pembroke where medieval architecture is still evident. These older properties, while full of character, often require more maintenance than modern builds. Common issues our surveyors find in older Pembrokeshire properties include damp penetration through traditional solid walls, roof condition concerns on period properties, outdated electrical installations that may not meet current regulations, and the condition of traditional lime mortar pointing which can be damaged by incorrect maintenance. The age of the housing stock means that many properties will have some level of wear that needs identifying.

We've inspected properties throughout Pembrokeshire and understand the specific challenges that come with this area. Properties in coastal locations may have specific issues related to coastal erosion and sea spray exposure, while those in rural areas might have septic tank or private water supply considerations that aren't covered by standard utility connections. Our surveyors are familiar with the common defects found in local housing stock, from the traditional stone cottages of the Preseli Hills to the Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses in town centres.

The recent market data shows that property prices in Pembrokeshire have seen a modest decline of around 1% over the past year, with flats experiencing slightly larger decreases of around 6.9%. This shifting market makes it even more important to understand exactly what you're buying. A survey helps you identify any issues that might affect the property's value or require investment after purchase, giving you leverage in negotiations with sellers. In a market where prices are adjusting, having a detailed understanding of the property's condition becomes even more valuable.

While you might assume that new build properties don't need a survey, this isn't always the case. Developers like Lovell Homes are building new homes in Haverfordwest, and even these modern properties can have defects that aren't visible to the untrained eye. A Level 2 survey on a new build can identify snagging issues, problems with construction quality, or issues with fixtures and fittings that the developer should rectify before completion.

New build properties in Pembrokeshire are typically constructed to modern building regulations using contemporary methods such as cavity wall construction with brick or render external finishes. However, this doesn't mean they're immune to problems. We've seen issues with insulation installation, window sealing, and drainage systems in new properties that weren't apparent during the initial viewing. A survey gives you that your new home is built to the expected standard.

If you're purchasing a new build from a developer, we still recommend booking a Level 2 survey to ensure you're getting exactly what you paid for. The investment is relatively small compared to the property value, and it could identify issues that the developer is responsible for fixing under their warranty obligations. Our surveyors will check the obvious things and look for signs of poor workmanship that might indicate bigger problems down the line.