RICS Level 2 Survey in SA72 Pembroke Dock

We provide a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our chartered surveyors examine walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and bathrooms, identifying any defects, visible signs of damp, structural movement, or other issues that could impact the property's value or require future repair investment. The survey includes a traffic light rating system that clearly indicates condition - red for urgent issues requiring attention, amber for defects that should be addressed, and green for satisfactory condition.

In Pembroke Dock, where many properties are likely to be over 50 years old, we pay particular attention to common issues found in older construction. This includes checking for signs of damp penetration, assessing the condition of roofing materials, evaluating window frames and joinery, and inspecting electrical consumer units where accessible. We also examine the property's foundations and any visible signs of subsidence or movement, which is particularly important in areas with clay soils that can shrink and swell with moisture changes. Our surveyors are trained to spot the subtle signs of movement that less experienced eyes might miss.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market value assessment and reinstatement cost for insurance purposes, giving you a complete picture of the property's financial implications. If we identify any urgent defects, we flag these immediately so you can make an informed decision about proceeding with the purchase. Our survey reports are clear, comprehensive, and written in plain English that any buyer can understand. We avoid technical jargon where possible and always explain our findings in context.

We understand that buying a property is a significant financial decision, which is why we focus on giving you the information you need to proceed with confidence or renegotiate based on factual evidence. Our reports typically run to 30-40 pages for a standard property, providing comprehensive coverage of every accessible element.

The housing stock in Pembroke Dock reflects its history as a town that grew significantly during the naval dockyard era. This means a substantial proportion of properties are likely to be mid-terrace or semi-detached houses built between the late 19th century and mid-20th century. These properties often have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can be more prone to damp penetration if not properly maintained. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing traditional construction methods common to this region of Pembrokeshire and know how to identify hidden defects that affect solid wall properties.

Roof conditions are a particular focus for our inspections in SA72. Many older properties will have original or aged roofing materials, whether tiles or slate, that may have deteriorated over decades of exposure to the Welsh climate. We inspect roof coverings, flashing, chimneys, and gutter systems for signs of damage, leaks, or potential future maintenance needs. Given the coastal location, salt air exposure can also accelerate weathering of external materials, something our local surveyors understand well. We often find that properties within a mile of the coastline show more advanced deterioration of roof tiles and external render than those further inland.

Electrical safety is another important consideration for older properties in the area. While our visual inspection cannot test the functionality of every electrical circuit, we do assess the consumer unit, visible wiring, and socket outlets to identify obvious safety concerns or outdated installations that will require updating. Properties with original electrical systems from the mid-20th century or earlier will typically require rewiring before meeting current standards, and our report will highlight this if observed. We see this particularly in Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties where original rubber-insulated cabling may still be present.

Many properties in Pembroke Dock will also have solid concrete floors rather than suspended timber, which can be prone to dampness if no damp-proof course was installed or if it has failed. We check for signs of rising damp and will recommend a specialist damp survey if we have concerns. The local clay soil conditions in parts of SA72 can also affect foundations over time, particularly during periods of drought or excessive rainfall, and our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of this movement.

Once your survey is complete, you will receive a detailed report that follows RICS standards and uses clear, accessible language. The report begins with a property summary including basic details, approximate year of construction, and type of construction. This is followed by sections covering each major building element - from the roof down to the foundations - with our findings and condition ratings clearly presented. We include photographs of key defects so you can see exactly what we are referring to.

Each section of the report uses a traffic light system to quickly indicate the condition - red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for issues that should be repaired or investigated further, and green for areas in satisfactory condition. This makes it easy to scan the report and identify which issues are most critical. The report also includes a section on legal considerations highlighting any issues that may need to be referred to your conveyancing solicitor, such as missing documents or potential boundary disputes.

If we identify urgent defects that could affect the property's habitability or safety, we provide a clear recommendation for further investigation by specialists. This might include a structural engineer for foundation concerns, a damp specialist for moisture issues, or a qualified electrician for electrical installations. Our goal is to give you complete information so you can make the right decision about your purchase in SA72. We don't just list problems - we explain what they mean for you as a buyer and what next steps we recommend.

We also include in our report a market valuation based on current SA72 property data, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and for understanding how the property compares to others in the area. The reinstatement cost we provide is the figure your insurer will need to rebuild the property from scratch, which is essential for buildings insurance. Both of these valuations are included as standard in our Level 2 Survey.