RICS Level 2 Survey in SA66 Pembrokeshire

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, also known as the Home Survey Level 2, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof structure, walls, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical systems, and damp-proof courses. We specifically look for common issues affecting Pembrokeshire properties, such as weathering on traditional stonework, slate roof deterioration, and any signs of damp in older solid-wall constructions. Our surveyors use thermal imaging cameras where appropriate to identify hidden damp or heat loss issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's main structural elements, including foundations, walls, floors, and the roof framework. Our surveyors document any defects found, explain their implications using the RICS traffic-light rating system, and provide clear recommendations for further investigation or repairs. We also assess the condition of outbuildings, garages, and boundaries, giving you a complete picture of the property's overall condition. Each report includes clear photographs showing the specific defects identified, so you can see exactly what our surveyor found.

In the SA66 area, where approximately 49% of properties are detached homes and a significant proportion are over 50 years old, our Level 2 Survey is particularly valuable. Older properties in Pembrokeshire often feature traditional construction methods, including solid stone walls and original slate roofs, which require expert assessment from surveyors familiar with these building types. Our team regularly inspects properties built before 1919 with original lime mortar pointing, properties from the interwar period with their characteristic render finishes, and post-war homes that may contain asbestos in artex ceilings or soffits.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Our experience surveying properties throughout the SA66 area has revealed several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp is particularly common in older properties with solid stone walls, where modern damp-proof courses may be absent or inadequate. Properties in this region can suffer from rising damp due to bridged or failed damp-proof courses, penetrating damp caused by driving coastal rains especially on exposed westerly elevations, and condensation issues in poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens. We recently surveyed a property in Saundersfoot where penetrating damp had caused significant rot to window frames despite appearing sound from the outside, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection.

Roofing problems are another frequent finding in SA66 surveys. Many properties feature traditional slate roofs that, while durable, can develop issues with slipped or broken slates, deteriorated pointing along ridges, and failing leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Our surveyors pay particular attention to these areas, as roof repairs can be costly and water ingress can cause significant damage to internal finishes and structural timbers. In older properties, we often find that original slate nails have corroded, allowing individual slates to slip, particularly on north-facing roof slopes that receive less sun and stay damp for longer periods.

Timber defects, including woodworm and rot, are often identified in older properties throughout the SA66 postcode. This is particularly relevant for properties with original timber windows, doors, and floorboards, which may have been in place for decades without comprehensive maintenance. Our inspectors also assess for any signs of structural movement or subsidence, which can affect properties on reactive clay soils or those near trees with extensive root systems. In the Narberth area, we have seen several properties affected by vegetation-related subsidence where trees planted too close to properties have caused foundations to shift over time.

Outdated electrical systems are commonly found in properties built before the 1980s, which make up a substantial portion of the housing stock in this area. We frequently identify older fuse boards with rewireable fuses, inadequate earthing, and lighting circuits that do not meet current regulations. Rewiring can be disruptive and expensive, often requiring walls to be chased and redecorated, so identifying these issues before purchase allows you to factor these costs into your decision-making. Similarly, older plumbing systems with galvanized steel pipes or lead joints may require updating to meet current standards, and we often find that stopcocks are missing or non-functional in older properties.

Our surveyors operate throughout the SA66 postcode area, providing RICS Level 2 Surveys in Saundersfoot, Tenby, Narberth, Whitland, and the surrounding villages. purchasing a modern family home near the coast or a traditional Pembrokeshire cottage in a rural village, our team has the local knowledge to identify area-specific issues and provide accurate, helpful advice. We understand the local property market intimately and can tell you how the property you're considering compares to others in the street or village.

We understand that the property market in Pembrokeshire has seen some adjustment, with average prices in SA66 decreasing by 3% over the past year and down 11% from the 2020 peak of £323,171. In this environment, a thorough survey is even more important to ensure you're making a sound investment. Our reports help you identify any issues that might affect the property's value or require significant expenditure after purchase. With 578 properties having changed hands in this area recently, the market remains active, but buyers need to be vigilant about property condition.

All our surveyors are RICS-qualified and have extensive experience in the local property market. They understand the construction methods common to Pembrokeshire, from traditional stone-walled cottages with their characteristic thick walls and narrow windows to modern developments built with contemporary materials and techniques. When you book a survey with us, you're getting expert local knowledge combined with the rigorous standards of the RICS profession. We are regulated by RICS and follow their strict codes of conduct, ensuring you receive a professional and reliable service.

We aim to inspect properties within 3-5 working days of booking, and reports are typically delivered within 3-5 working days of the inspection. For those with tight timelines, such as those in chain transactions or with imminent completion dates, we offer an expedited service where available. Our customer service team is based in the UK and can answer any questions you have about the survey process or your report. We can also arrange for the surveyor to call you after the inspection to discuss initial findings before the written report arrives.