RICS Level 2 Survey in SA62

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying any significant defects or issues that might affect its value or safety. The survey includes an assessment of the main structural elements, including walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows. Our inspectors examine the condition of the building fabric and highlight any areas requiring immediate attention or future maintenance. Each survey follows the strict RICS guidelines, ensuring you receive a consistent and professional service regardless of where in SA62 your property is located. We take photographs of all significant findings and provide clear, practical recommendations for any remedial work needed.

In the SA62 area, our surveyors frequently encounter issues specific to the local housing stock. Properties in this region often feature solid wall construction using local stone or traditional brick, which can be prone to damp penetration if not properly maintained. The coastal location means many properties face exposure to salt air and weathering, which can accelerate the deterioration of external render, joinery, and roofing materials. We pay particular attention to roof conditions, given the age of many properties in the area and the common use of slate and tile roofing that may have deteriorated over time. Our surveyors are trained to identify the early signs of these common problems so you can address them before they become expensive repairs.

The survey results are presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format with traffic light ratings for each element of the property. You will receive a detailed report outlining our findings, including photographs of any defects discovered during the inspection. Our reports include practical recommendations for addressing any issues identified, from urgent repairs to routine maintenance tasks. This information proves invaluable when negotiating the purchase price or requesting that the seller rectify problems before completion. We provide a summary at the front of the report highlighting the most important issues, so you can quickly understand the property's condition.

Your survey report will also include an assessment of the property's energy efficiency and general condition, helping you understand ongoing maintenance costs. We check visible insulation in roof spaces and walls where accessible, and note any obvious areas where heat loss may be occurring. For properties in SA62, where older construction methods are common, this information is particularly valuable for planning future energy improvements and understanding your likely utility costs.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible work
• Floor structures and surfaces
• Chimneys and breastwork
• Garage and outbuildings

Our experience surveying properties across SA62 has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp problems feature prominently in our survey reports, particularly in older properties with solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses. The coastal climate of Pembrokeshire, with its high humidity and salt-laden air, can exacerbate moisture penetration in external walls and roof spaces. We routinely recommend investigations where rising damp or penetrating damp is suspected, and our reports include guidance on appropriate remediation measures. Many properties in SA62 were built before modern building regulations and may not have the damp protection expected in newer construction.

Roof conditions represent another significant area of concern in the SA62 housing stock. Many properties feature slate or clay tile roofs that, while traditional and attractive, require ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement. Our surveyors inspect roof spaces where accessible, checking for slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating felt underlays, and the condition of roof timbers. Properties in exposed coastal locations may show accelerated wear to roofing materials from wind and salt air exposure. We also examine chimney stacks and leadwork, which often require maintenance in older properties. In our experience, roof issues are one of the most common problems identified in SA62 surveys, particularly following periods of severe weather.

Electrical and plumbing systems frequently require attention in properties built before modern regulations. Many homes in SA62 still have original wiring from the mid-twentieth century or earlier, which may not meet current safety standards and could pose a fire risk. Similarly, lead pipes and old heating systems are commonly encountered. Our survey includes a visual assessment of visible electrical and plumbing work, with recommendations for further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers where necessary. We always advise that a qualified electrician checks the electrical installation before purchase, particularly for older properties.

Properties located near the coast in SA62 may face additional considerations including coastal erosion risk and flood exposure. Areas around Little Haven and Broad Haven, along with other coastal settlements, can be susceptible to flooding from both the sea and surface water. Our surveyors note the general setting of the property and any visible signs of previous flooding or water damage, though we always recommend that buyers consult specific flood risk data from Natural Resources Wales for their intended property. We also check for signs of ground instability that can affect coastal properties, particularly in areas with challenging geology.

Understanding the construction methods used in SA62 properties helps explain why certain issues are common and what to look for when viewing properties. The predominant housing stock in this postcode area consists of traditional solid wall constructions, typically built with local stone, render over stone, or traditional brick. These construction methods were standard before cavity wall construction became common in the mid-twentieth century, and they behave differently from modern buildings. Solid walls have no cavity to provide insulation or moisture protection, which means they require different maintenance approaches and are more susceptible to damp penetration if not properly maintained.

Many properties in SA62 also feature traditional timber roof structures with slate or clay tile coverings. These roofs were designed to last many decades but require ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement. The timber rafters and purlins can be affected by condensation in poorly ventilated roof spaces, particularly in properties where modern insulation has been added to older structures. Our surveyors pay close attention to these areas, checking for signs of rot, insect damage, and inadequate ventilation that could compromise the roof structure over time.

The geology of Pembrokeshire varies across the SA62 area, with older Red Sandstone, Carboniferous Limestone, and various shale formations underlying different parts of the postcode. This varied geology can affect ground conditions and the type of foundations used for properties. Some areas may have clay deposits that are prone to shrink-swell movement, which can cause structural movement in buildings. Our surveyors are aware of these local geological factors and will note any signs of foundation movement or subsidence that may be related to ground conditions.

Modern properties built in SA62 over the last few decades typically feature cavity wall construction with concrete or timber frame structures. While these newer properties generally require less maintenance than older buildings, they can still have their own issues, including problems with insulation, ventilation, and the durability of modern building materials. Our Level 2 Survey is suitable for all property types and will identify any issues regardless of the construction method used.

The SA62 postcode includes St Davids, Britain's smallest city, which boasts a significant conservation area surrounding its historic cathedral. Properties in these designated areas often require more detailed inspection than a standard Level 2 Survey can provide. If you are purchasing a listed building or a property within a conservation area, we generally recommend considering a RICS Level 3 Building Survey instead, as this provides the comprehensive assessment necessary for older properties with unique construction features and protected status. The additional cost of a Level 3 Survey is often worthwhile given the complexity of historic building ownership.

Listed buildings in the SA62 area may have construction elements that are centuries old, requiring specialist knowledge to assess properly. These properties often feature traditional building techniques that differ significantly from modern construction methods. A Building Survey provides the detailed analysis needed to understand the condition of historic fabric, identify necessary repairs, and advise on works that may require Listed Building Consent from the local authority. Our team can discuss your options and recommend the most appropriate survey type if your intended property falls into these categories. We have experience surveying many listed buildings in Pembrokeshire and understand the particular considerations that apply to historic properties.

If you are buying a property in a conservation area, there may be additional restrictions on what alterations you can carry out in the future. Our surveyors will note the general character of the area and any relevant designations that may affect your plans for the property. While we do not provide legal advice on planning matters, we can highlight areas where you may need to seek further information from the local planning authority. This is particularly relevant for properties in St Davids, where the conservation area encompasses much of the city centre and surrounding streets.

For most standard properties in SA62 that are not listed or in conservation areas, the RICS Level 2 Survey provides comprehensive information about condition and any significant defects. However, if your intended property has any unusual features or if you have concerns about its age or construction, we are happy to discuss whether a Level 3 Survey might be more appropriate. Our team can advise on the best approach based on the specific property you are purchasing.