RICS Level 2 Survey SA32 - Carmarthenshire

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property's condition, focusing on issues that affect value and safety. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. For properties in SA32, we pay particular attention to common issues found in Carmarthenshire's housing stock, including the condition of slate roofing, the presence of damp in traditional stone-walled properties, and the state of aging utility systems.

The survey includes a thorough visual inspection of the property's structure, identifying defects such as cracks in walls, signs of subsidence, rot in timber elements, and issues with gutters and drainage. We also check for compliance with current building regulations where visible, though this is not a full building control inspection. The report provides an objective assessment of the property's condition, using traffic-light ratings to clearly indicate areas requiring urgent attention, further investigation, or maintenance.

SA32 encompasses a mix of property types, from traditional Welsh cottages and farmhouses to more modern developments. Our surveyors understand the specific construction methods used in this region, including locally sourced stone, rendered walls, and slate roofing, and they know what to look for when assessing these traditional buildings. We also check for signs of historical mining activity that affects parts of Carmarthenshire, which can cause structural issues in some properties.

The geology of Carmarthenshire varies across SA32, with some areas sitting on clay-rich soils that present shrink-swell risks during periods of drought and rainfall. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of ground movement that may indicate these geological challenges, and we will recommend a structural engineer if we find evidence of significant subsidence or heave affecting the property's foundations.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp proof course
• Floors, stairs, and joinery
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Garage and outbuildings
• Drainage and gutters
• Grounds and boundaries

Properties in Carmarthenshire, including those in the SA32 postcode area, often display characteristics common to traditional Welsh buildings. Many homes in this area were constructed using solid-wall methods, which can be more susceptible to damp than modern cavity-wall constructions. Our surveyors check for rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation issues, particularly in properties with original features that may have been altered over the years. We use moisture meters to assess wall dampness and will note any signs of damp staining or damage to timber skirting boards.

The roofing on properties in SA32 frequently uses natural slate, which is durable but can suffer from cracked or slipped tiles, deteriorating flashings, and issues with leadwork around chimneys. Our inspectors examine roof slopes from within the property where accessible and use drones where appropriate to assess difficult-to-reach areas. We note the condition of gutters and downpipes, which are essential for directing water away from the structure and preventing damp problems. Many traditional properties in the area also have stone chimney stacks that can suffer from weathering and mortar decay.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties may not meet current safety standards. We visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring, and plumbing where visible, and we flag any obvious concerns that would require inspection by a qualified electrician or plumber. Properties with older fuse boards, fabric-covered wiring, or lead pipes will be highlighted in our report as requiring attention from relevant specialists before or after completion. We cannot test systems or remove socket covers, but we can identify obvious visual concerns that warrant further investigation.

Given the rural nature of parts of SA32, some properties may have private water supplies or septic tanks rather than mains connections. Our survey includes visual assessment of these elements, though we note that specialist testing of water quality or septic tank condition may be recommended as separate investigations. We also check for signs of flooding risk, particularly in properties near watercourses in the Towy Valley area. Our inspection is not a specialist flood search, but we will note if the property appears to be in an area where flooding could affect the ground floor or access.