RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in Splott Cardiff

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of residential properties up to 2,500 square feet. Our surveyors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space, walls, floors, windows, doors, and building services. We assess the condition of each element and flag any defects that may affect the property's value or require urgent repair. The survey follows RICS guidelines and provides a clear red, amber, green (RAG) rating system that makes it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention. We visually inspect from a distance where appropriate, using ladders and torches to examine roof spaces, sub-floor areas, and other concealed locations where safe access is possible.

In Splott, where the housing stock predominantly consists of terraced properties, our inspectors frequently identify issues common to older Welsh construction. These include roof condition concerns, damp penetration in solid walls, outdated electrical systems, and the condition of original windows and joinery. The typical Victorian and Edwardian terraces in this area were built with solid walls rather than modern cavity insulation, which requires specific assessment for moisture and thermal performance. Our detailed reports provide you with the information needed to budget for any remedial works or negotiate with sellers. We commonly find that original slate roofs in this area are reaching the end of their practical lifespan, with slipped tiles and deteriorating ridge pointing requiring attention.

The survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth. If our surveyor identifies significant defects, we provide clear recommendations for further specialist investigations, such as timber decay surveys or structural engineering assessments. This comprehensive approach ensures you enter your property purchase with full knowledge of any issues affecting the investment. The rebuild cost figure is particularly important for insurance purposes, as many homeowners in Splott have discovered their properties are underinsured after purchasing without obtaining an accurate valuation.

Our inspection covers all key structural elements and building services. We check the roof structure and covering, examining tiles, slates, flashings, and chimneys for signs of damage or deterioration. Wall construction is assessed for cracks, movement, and weatherproofing integrity. We test windows and doors for operation and draughtproofing, assess floors for softness or subsidence, and evaluate the condition of the electrical consumer unit, wiring, and heating system. Every accessible area receives careful attention, with photographs documenting any defects discovered during the inspection.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and heating systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Building extensions and alterations
• Drainage and gutters

The terraced properties dominating the Splott housing market often date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, meaning many homes are over 100 years old. These older properties characteristically feature solid brick walls, traditional slate roofs, and original architectural details that require experienced assessment. Our surveyors understand the typical construction methods used in Cardiff's historic terraced housing and know exactly what to look for when evaluating properties in this area. We regularly find that original features such as sash windows, decorative plasterwork, and period fireplaces may require expensive restoration or have hidden defects not visible at first glance.

Flats in Splott represent another significant portion of the market, with average prices around £126,278. When purchasing a flat, our Level 2 Survey examines the internal condition and identifies any issues within the leasehold arrangement that might affect your investment. We note the condition of communal areas, check for any ongoing service charge issues, and assess the overall building maintenance. This proves particularly valuable given that flat purchases often involve shared ownership responsibilities. We examine the quality of conversion work where flats have been created from larger period properties, checking for adequate soundproofing and fire safety measures.

The local property market in Splott has demonstrated resilience, with prices showing consistent growth. The 4% annual increase reported reflects continued demand for properties in this accessible Cardiff district. Whether you are a first-time buyer purchasing a terraced house or an investor acquiring a flat, the modest investment in a RICS Level 2 Survey protects against unexpected repair costs that could quickly exceed the survey fee. Many buyers in this area have discovered significant defects after purchase that required thousands of pounds in remedial work - expenses that could have been anticipated with a proper survey.

Properties in Splott frequently have characteristics specific to Welsh construction traditions. The solid brick walls common in Victorian terraces were built without cavity insulation, making them more susceptible to penetrating damp in exposed positions. Original lime-based mortars and renders differ significantly from modern cement-based products, affecting how repairs should be approached. Our surveyors understand these local building traditions and can advise on appropriate remediation methods that maintain the character of period properties while addressing defects effectively.

Our experience inspecting properties throughout Splott has revealed several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of before purchasing. Roof defects rank among the most common problems we identify, with many original slate roofs showing signs of age-related deterioration including cracked or missing tiles, deteriorated ridge pointing, and damaged flashings around chimneys. Given the age of much of the housing stock, these roof issues are virtually universal in Victorian and Edwardian properties and should be budgeted for accordingly.

Damp penetration affects a significant proportion of properties in this area, particularly those with solid walls rather than modern cavity construction. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess damp levels and identify the source of any moisture ingress. We frequently find damp problems in ground floor walls, particularly where external ground levels have risen over time, trapping moisture against the brickwork. Rising damp may be present where original damp proof courses have failed or were never installed.

Electrical systems in older properties often require upgrading to meet current safety standards. We commonly find outdated consumer units with rewirable fuses, old rubber-insulated wiring, and insufficient socket outlets throughout Victorian terraces. The electrical inspection element of our Level 2 Survey identifies these safety concerns and recommends appropriate upgrades. Given that electrical faults are a leading cause of house fires, this assessment provides essential safety information for your new home.

Windows and joinery in period properties frequently require attention, with original timber sash windows often having decayed glazing bars, rotten sill sections, and failed cords or weights. Our surveyors assess the condition of all windows and doors, noting any that require repair or replacement. While secondary glazing can improve thermal performance without altering period features, many buyers choose to restore original windows - a specialist trade that requires significant investment.