RICS Level 2 Survey in SY23 Aberystwyth

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on all major accessible areas including the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical systems. In Aberystwyth, where many properties date back 80 years or more, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older housing stock, such as damp penetration, roof condition, and the condition of traditional slate roofing that characterises much of the local architecture. We lift accessible floorboards where safe to do so, inspect within cupboards, and examine the roof space where access is available.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of any visible defects, with clear ratings from "not inspected" through to "urgent repairs necessary." We examine the property's external fabric, internal joinery, and test accessible services. For properties in coastal areas like SY23, our inspectors specifically assess signs of coastal erosion exposure and weather-related wear that affects buildings in this seaside location. We note the condition of external paintwork, joinery, and any metal fixtures that may be showing signs of salt air corrosion.

We also evaluate the property's permanent fixtures and fittings, including kitchens and bathrooms, providing you with a clear picture of their condition and any immediate maintenance requirements. Our reports include practical guidance on the costs likely to be incurred for repairs and renovations, helping you budget accordingly for your new property in the Aberystwyth area. We also assess the general thermal efficiency of the property and flag any obvious issues with insulation or draught-proofing that might affect your energy costs.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Roof and chimney condition
• Damp and timber decay detection
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Thermal efficiency commentary
• Legal considerations and alerts

Properties in the Aberystwyth area predominantly feature traditional brick walls with rendered external elevations, supporting pitched roofs laid with natural slate. This construction method has served the town well for generations, but it requires experienced surveyors who understand how these buildings behave over time. Many properties along the seafront and in older parts of town, such as those on Portland Street and Queen's Street, were built in the Victorian era using solid brickwork without cavity insulation. Our inspectors know exactly what to look for in these traditional buildings, understanding that solid walls behave differently from modern cavity constructions.

The age of housing stock in SY23 means that many properties will have original features that require careful assessment. Windows, doors, and internal joinery in older properties often date from the original construction and may require updating or repair. Our surveyors examine these elements thoroughly, noting their condition and providing guidance on what maintenance might be required. We also pay attention to any modifications that may have been made over the years, such as extensions or conversions, ensuring they have been properly constructed and don't compromise the structural integrity of the building.

Slate roofing is a defining feature of the Aberystwyth skyline, but it requires specific expertise to assess properly. Our surveyors examine slate tiles for signs of slippage, deterioration, or damage from the coastal weather conditions. The pointing between slates can deteriorate over time, leading to water ingress, and the timber battens supporting the slate can suffer from rot. We inspect chimneys particularly carefully, as these are often the first elements to show signs of decay in older properties. Properties in exposed positions, such as those on the hillside above the town, may show accelerated wear from wind and rain.

• Traditional solid brick walls with render
• Natural slate pitched roofs
• Victorian and Edwardian construction
• Solid floor constructions
• Traditional window and door joinery
• Original chimneys and fireplaces

Our inspectors frequently identify issues related to damp in SY23 properties, particularly in older buildings where original damp-proof courses may have failed or been compromised. Rising damp and penetrating damp are common findings in properties with solid walls, especially where render has been damaged or where external ground levels have risen over time. We use our professional judgement and, where appropriate, moisture meters to assess the extent of any damp problems and provide guidance on likely causes and remediation options.

Roof condition is another significant area of focus, as slate roofs common to the region can suffer from slipped tiles, deterioration of pointing, and damage from coastal weather conditions. In properties along the seafront, we often find accelerated wear on roof coverings due to salt air exposure and stronger winds. Chimney stacks are particularly vulnerable in this area, with coping stones and pointing often showing signs of decay. Our surveyors will flag any issues that could lead to water ingress or structural concerns.

Given that Aberystwyth sits on the coast, properties may also show signs of salt air exposure affecting external joinery and metalwork. Windows and doors in coastal properties often require more frequent maintenance than those inland, and our reports will note any areas where paintwork has failed or wood has begun to deteriorate. We also check for signs of corrosion on any metal elements, including structural fixings, railings, and rainwater goods.

The university town character of Aberystwyth means there's a notable proportion of properties converted for student accommodation, which may have specific issues related to fire safety, ventilation, and multiple occupancy adaptations. These conversions sometimes have compromised insulation, altered layouts that affect means of escape, or electrical installations that may not meet current standards for higher occupancy levels. Our surveyors understand these local market characteristics and tailor their inspections accordingly.

• Damp penetration in solid wall constructions
• Slate roof deterioration and slipped tiles
• Coastal weather damage to external joinery
• Chimney decay and pointing failure
• Student accommodation conversion issues
• Outdated electrical installations