RICS Level 2 Survey in Skerries

The Skerries property market has seen considerable growth, with 105 sales in the past year alone and new developments like Barnageeragh Cove and Kelly's Bay bringing modern housing to the area. Whether you are purchasing a period property in the historic core near the harbour or a new-build home in one of these developments, a RICS Level 2 survey provides essential protection for your investment. Our inspectors examine the property structure, roof condition, damp levels, and electrical and plumbing systems, giving you a clear picture of any repairs or improvements needed before you commit to the purchase.

Properties in Skerries range from traditional rendered blockwork or brick houses with slate or tile roofs in the older areas around Church Street and Main Street, to newer concrete block constructions with uPVC windows in the modern estates. Each construction type has its own typical defect patterns, and our surveyors are familiar with the issues specific to both older and newer properties in this coastal town. The Level 2 survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, helping you understand the true worth of your investment and ensuring you are not overpaying for a property with hidden problems.

Skerries sits on geology comprising Carboniferous limestones and shales with overlying glacial till, sand, and gravel deposits. Some areas have clay content that can cause shrink-swell movement affecting foundations, particularly during extended dry or wet periods. Our surveyors know to look for signs of subsidence or movement that might indicate foundation issues, especially in properties built on ground with moderate to high shrink-swell risk. During our inspection, we pay particular attention to walls near windows and doors, as these are often where movement manifests first.

• Identify structural issues
• Detect damp and rot
• Assess roof condition
• Evaluate electrical safety
• Check for pest infestations
• Provide market valuation

Skerries has seen significant new development activity, with Barnageeragh Cove on Barnageeragh Road being one of the most notable current projects by Ardale. This development offers 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes priced from approximately €450,000 for three-bedroom properties up to €700,000 or more for larger detached units. While new builds come with the benefit of modern building regulations and structural warranties, they can still have defects that only a professional survey will uncover. We have inspected numerous properties in new developments and regularly identify issues that builders need to rectify under their warranty obligations.

Even in new properties, our Level 2 survey can identify issues such as inadequate ventilation, poor workmanship visible in finishes, or problems with windows and doors that have not been properly installed. The Kelly's Bay development, a well-established large estate in Skerries, also offers resales of newer builds ranging from €400,000 to €550,000. If you are considering a resale in this or similar developments, our survey can reveal any issues that have emerged since the property was built. Common problems we find in new builds include insufficient insulation in roof spaces, inadequate sealing around windows leading to drafts, and drainage issues that may not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye.

Many buyers assume that new builds do not need surveying, but this is a costly misconception. Our surveyors regularly find defects in recently constructed properties that require attention under the builder's warranty period. Getting a survey ensures you can address these issues while they are still the developer's responsibility, potentially saving you thousands in repair costs. The warranty period is typically 10 years for structural defects, but issues like poorly fitted windows or inadequate ventilation may not be covered if not identified promptly. We provide you with the documentation you need to approach the builder or warranty provider with confidence.

The housing stock in Skerries reflects its growth from a small fishing village into a thriving coastal town. Approximately 25-30% of properties are detached homes, typically found in areas like Barnageeragh and along the coast road towards Rush. Semi-detached properties make up around 40-45% of the housing stock, with terraced houses accounting for 20-25% concentrated around the town centre and older residential areas. Flats and apartments represent only 5-10% of properties, primarily located above commercial premises on the main street and in some modern developments.

Property age distribution varies significantly across Skerries. Properties built before 1919 are concentrated in the historic core around the harbour, Church Street, and Main Street, featuring traditional rendered brick or blockwork construction with slate or tile roofs. The 1945-1980 period saw significant expansion with semi-detached and terraced housing estates. Post-1980 developments including large-scale projects like Kelly's Bay have added modern concrete block construction with various external finishes. Our surveyors understand these construction eras and know exactly what defects to look for in each type of property.

The predominant building materials in Skerries reflect both tradition and modern practice. Older properties typically feature rendered blockwork or solid brick walls with traditional slate or concrete tile roofs. Modern developments predominantly use concrete block construction with render, brick slips, or stone cladding finishes. uPVC windows are standard in properties built since the 1990s, while older homes may still have timber windows that require careful assessment for rot and decay. Our inspection covers all these element types, identifying maintenance needs and potential problems before they become expensive repairs.

Skerries has a designated Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) covering its historic core, including the harbour area, main street, and surrounding streets with traditional buildings. If you are purchasing a property within this conservation area, there are additional considerations to factor in. Many properties here are Protected Structures, similar to Listed Buildings in the UK, and require specific planning permission from Fingal County Council for any alterations. Our surveyors understand these designations and can advise on the implications for future renovation or maintenance plans.

Our surveyors are experienced in assessing older properties in conservation areas and can identify issues common to period buildings such as rising damp, timber decay, or outdated electrical and plumbing systems that may not meet current building regulations. The cost of bringing a historic property up to standard can be substantial, and our detailed report helps you budget for any necessary works. We can also identify where historic features may be affected by repair work, helping you make informed decisions about preservation versus modernisation.

Properties in the historic core around the harbour, Church Street, and Main Street often date from the pre-1919 period and were typically constructed with rendered blockwork or brick and feature slate or tile roofs. These older properties require careful inspection for structural movement, roof condition, and the integrity of traditional features. Our Level 2 survey provides the information you need to make an informed decision about these characterful but potentially high-maintenance homes. We pay particular attention to the condition of traditional joinery, the state of older roofing materials, and any signs of past structural movement that might indicate ongoing issues.