RICS Level 2 Survey in SA62 6

The SA62 6 postcode area, encompassing Crundale, St Davids, and surrounding villages, has a housing stock dominated by older properties that present unique challenges for buyers. According to ONS Census 2021 data, approximately 35% of properties in this area were built before 1919, with a further 15% constructed between 1919 and 1945, and 30% built between 1945 and 1980. This means roughly 80% of homes in SA62 6 are over 40 years old, putting them in the category where a RICS Level 2 Survey provides the most value. Older properties often have hidden defects that aren't visible during a standard property viewing, making professional survey essential.

Traditional stone properties in the Crundale area frequently exhibit problems with pointing and render deterioration. The freeze-thaw cycles experienced in Pembrokeshire can accelerate damage to mortar joints, leading to moisture penetration and internal dampness. Our surveyors know to look for these specific issues, checking wall surfaces for signs of deterioration, testing for damp using professional moisture meters, and assessing the overall structural integrity of solid wall construction. Many properties in the area also feature original features that may require specialist attention or could be subject to listed building regulations.

The local geology of SA62 6 includes areas with clay-rich superficial deposits, which can present a moderate shrink-swell risk for foundations, particularly where large trees are present near properties. Our surveyors understand these local ground conditions and know to look for signs of foundation movement such as diagonal cracks, uneven floors, and door alignment issues. While not widespread, this is a known issue in parts of Pembrokeshire that our team specifically checks for during every inspection.

Additionally, the rural nature of SA62 6 means many properties rely on private water supplies, septic tanks, or cess pools rather than mains connections. Our Level 2 Survey includes assessment of these drainage and water systems where accessible, identifying any potential issues that could involve significant remediation costs. We can also advise on the condition of oil-fired heating systems, which are common in off-mains properties throughout the area.

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, focusing on the main structural elements and any significant issues that might affect value or safety. The survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas, covering the roof structure and covering, walls, foundations, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, chimneys, and external elements such as boundaries, garages, and outbuildings. We examine the property's foundations, walls, floors, and ceilings, looking for signs of movement, dampness, or structural distress.

Given that slate is the predominant roofing material in this area, we check for slipped tiles, deteriorated flashings, and the condition of leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Many older properties in Crundale and the surrounding villages will have original roofing that requires careful assessment. Our inspectors will access the roof space where safe and accessible, examining rafters, joists, and insulation levels while looking for signs of past or current leaks. We also assess the condition of fascia boards and soffits, which can deteriorate rapidly in properties with aging roofline installations.

The survey includes detailed assessment of dampness and timber condition throughout the property. Using visual inspection and moisture detection equipment, our surveyors identify rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation issues that commonly affect older stone properties. We check timber floors, door frames, and window surrounds for signs of rot or woodworm infestation, which can be particularly problematic in properties with poor ventilation or chronic damp issues. Our report will clearly identify any areas of concern and recommend appropriate remediation.

We also examine the property's plumbing and electrical systems, assessing the condition of visible pipework, wiring, fuses, and consumer units. Many homes in the SA62 6 area still have original fuse boards, cloth-covered wiring, and galvanised steel pipes that require updating to meet modern safety standards. While we cannot test hidden or inaccessible systems, our visual assessment will identify obvious safety concerns and flag items requiring further investigation by qualified electricians or plumbers.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations, and subsidence signs
• Dampness and timber condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Energy efficiency assessment

Our experience surveying properties across the SA62 6 area reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of before purchasing. Traditional stone properties, which make up a significant portion of the housing stock, commonly exhibit problems with pointing and render deterioration. The freeze-thaw cycles experienced in Pembrokeshire can accelerate damage to mortar joints, leading to moisture penetration and internal dampness. This is particularly prevalent in properties where original lime mortar has been replaced with cement-based mortars, which can trap moisture and cause surrounding stone to deteriorate.

Roofing defects are frequently identified in our surveys, particularly on properties with original slate roofs. Slipped or broken slates, deteriorated lead flashings around chimneys, and inadequate ventilation in roof spaces all feature prominently in our reports. Many properties in the area have traditional Welsh slate roofing that, while durable, reaches the end of its serviceable life after 100+ years. We check for signs of previous repairs, patchy slate deterioration, and the condition of ridge tiles and hip tiles which are common failure points.

Outdated electrical wiring and plumbing systems are common in properties built before modern building regulations. Many homes in the area still have original fuse boards, cloth-covered wiring, and galvanised steel pipes that require updating. Our survey will identify these safety concerns and flag them as urgent matters requiring professional attention from qualified electricians and plumbers. We also check for the presence of obsolete consumer units, missing RCD protection, and inadequate earthing arrangements.

Properties near agricultural land or with mature trees nearby may show signs of subsidence or movement related to clay shrinkage. While not widespread in SA62 6, our surveyors know to look for diagonal cracks, uneven floors, and door alignment issues that could indicate foundation movement. We pay particular attention to properties with large deciduous trees within falling distance of buildings, as the seasonal moisture variation in clay soils can cause measurable ground movement affecting foundations.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof slate deterioration
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Outdated electrical systems
• Pointing and render failure
• Foundation movement

While the SA62 6 area is predominantly characterized by older housing stock, The Paddocks development in Crundale (SA62 6EB) represents recent new-build activity by Morgan Homes. This development offers detached and semi-detached bungalows from £275,000, providing modern alternatives to the area's traditional properties. Even new builds can benefit from a Level 2 Survey, as our inspection can identify defects in build quality, snagging issues, or problems with specification that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Newer properties, particularly those built in the last 30 years, may still have common defects that our surveyors check for. These can include issues with window seals, roof tile fixings, render cracking, and drainage arrangements. Our survey will also verify that the property's energy efficiency features are properly installed and functioning, which is particularly important for modern properties that rely on specific ventilation systems to prevent condensation and mould.

For properties at The Paddocks and any other recent developments in the area, we assess the quality of construction against current building regulations at the time of construction. We look for signs of differential settlement, which can affect newer properties as ground conditions stabilise, and check that all warranty documentation is in order. While mortgage valuations may focus primarily on the property's market value, our detailed inspection provides about the actual condition of your investment.