RICS Level 3 Building Survey in SA67 Pembrokeshire

Properties in the SA67 area present unique challenges that make a comprehensive Building Survey particularly valuable. Pembrokeshire has a rich mining heritage, with the Pembrokeshire Coalfield extending from Saundersfoot to Broad Haven. Historical coal mining has left underground workings that can cause subsidence issues, and our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of mining-related ground movement, including cracks, uneven floors, and doors that stick or won't close properly. We have inspected properties in areas like Kilgetty and Saundersfoot where historical mining activity has caused problems for homeowners.

The local geology presents another significant factor. South Pembrokeshire features clay-rich soils that are susceptible to shrink-swell activity, where the ground expands during wet periods and contracts during droughts. This ground movement can cause structural damage to foundations and walls, particularly in older properties that may not have modern damp proofing or deep foundations. Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, making this an ongoing concern for property owners in the region. Our surveyors have seen firsthand how properties in areas like Narberth and Templeton have been affected by these ground conditions.

Many properties in SA67 were built using traditional methods, with local limestone from areas like Carew, slate roofing from North Wales, and in some cases, cob or earth construction. While these buildings have character and charm, they require an experienced eye to assess their condition accurately. Our inspectors understand these construction methods and can identify issues specific to older Pembrokeshire properties, including mortar deterioration, slate slippage, and the effects of decades of exposure to coastal weather. We also check for signs of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) which has been found in public buildings in Pembrokeshire and can affect residential properties from the mid-20th century.

Additionally, Pembrokeshire Council has identified structural issues with hollow block and beam constructions in buildings throughout the authority over the past 15 years. Our surveyors are aware of these potential defects and will pay particular attention to properties constructed using these methods. We also note concerns raised by residents in coastal areas like Broad Haven regarding sewage infrastructure, which can indicate underlying drainage issues that may affect property foundations.

• Mining subsidence risk
• Clay shrink-swell ground movement
• Traditional construction methods
• Coastal weather damage
• Historic building fabric deterioration
• Hollow block and beam structural concerns

The SA67 area has seen new housing development in recent years, including Picton Court in Kilgetty, a development by Obsidian Homes offering contemporary three-bedroom properties. While newer builds may seem less risky, we still recommend a Level 3 Survey for . New properties can still have defects, and a thorough inspection can identify issues with construction quality, materials, or design that might not be apparent during a basic handover inspection.

At Bluestone National Park Resort in Canaston Wood (SA67 8DE), significant development continues, demonstrating the ongoing growth in the area. Whether you are purchasing a new build or an older property, a RICS Level 3 Survey provides the comprehensive information you need. New builds can sometimes have hidden defects that only become apparent over time, such as issues with membrane installation, insulation gaps, or structural movements as the property settles.

Even newly constructed properties can benefit from our detailed inspection. We check that work has been carried out to proper standards, identify any shortcuts taken during construction, and ensure that building regulations have been properly followed. Our surveyors have found issues in new builds across Pembrokeshire, from inadequate damp proofing to problems with window installations and roof details. The relatively small additional cost of a Level 3 Survey compared to the property purchase price makes it a worthwhile investment for any buyer.

Pembrokeshire has a distinctive architectural heritage that reflects its history as a maritime county with strong agricultural roots. Traditional properties in the SA67 area were often built using locally sourced materials, with limestone from nearby quarries providing durable walling material, while slate from North Wales became the roofing material of choice after the railway arrived in the mid-19th century. Some older cottages may still feature thatch or traditional "clom" (earth) walls, which require specialist knowledge to assess accurately. We have surveyed many such properties and understand the particular maintenance requirements of these traditional buildings.

The arrival of the railway brought not just slate but also brick from Somerset and Flintshire, leading to a period where properties often combined traditional stone with imported brick for chimneys, extensions, and decorative features. Corrugated iron, known locally as "wriggly tin," became ubiquitous for farm buildings and some vernacular architecture, and can still be found on properties throughout the area. Modern construction in the area follows standard building regulations but must contend with the same environmental challenges that have always affected Pembrokeshire properties. We check that modern modifications and extensions have been properly carried out.

Conservation plays a significant role in the SA67 property market. Narberth is designated as a Conservation Area, and properties in these protected zones often require additional consideration during surveying. Listed buildings, of which there are over 1,600 in Pembrokeshire, require particular expertise as they may have restrictions on how repairs and alterations can be carried out. Our surveyors understand these constraints and can advise on the implications for any future renovation or maintenance plans. We can also identify where inappropriate modern materials or techniques have been used that could affect the building's heritage value.

• Narberth Conservation Area
• 1,600+ Listed Buildings in Pembrokeshire
• Traditional limestone and slate construction
• Victorian and Edwardian period properties
• Pre-1900 character cottages
• Wriggly tin corrugated iron construction

Living in beautiful Pembrokeshire comes with certain environmental considerations that every property buyer should understand. The county records one of the highest levels of flood alerts in Wales, with risks from river flooding, coastal inundation during high tides and storms, and surface water flooding when drainage systems are overwhelmed. Properties in areas like Little Haven, Saundersfoot, Newgale, and Dale face particular coastal flood risks, while properties near watercourses throughout SA67 may be affected by river flooding. We have inspected properties that have previously suffered flood damage and know what to look for.

The threat of coastal erosion is also present, with some archaeological sites already lost to the sea and winter storms causing ongoing cliff falls and damage to coastal defences. For properties in coastal areas, the survey will assess the adequacy of existing sea walls, the condition of retaining structures, and any evidence of erosion affecting the property or its access. Climate change projections suggest these risks will increase in coming decades, making it essential to understand a property's vulnerability before purchasing. We can advise on flood resilience measures and their effectiveness.

Beyond flooding, the area's industrial heritage presents unique challenges. The Pembrokeshire Coalfield has left a legacy of abandoned mine workings, and unrecorded shallow coal mining features, including probable bell pits, have been confirmed on development sites throughout the region. These can cause subsidence, create ground gas risks, and affect drainage patterns. Our surveyors are trained to look for the tell-tale signs of mining-related ground instability, which can be subtle but significant. We check for cracks, door misalignment, and other indicators of ground movement that may relate to historical mining activity.

The region's geology also includes clay-rich soils susceptible to shrink-swell movement, particularly in South Pembrokeshire. This phenomenon is expected to become more frequent with climate change as the region experiences more extreme weather patterns alternating between drought and heavy rainfall. Our surveyors assess foundations and substructures for signs of this type of movement, which can cause cracked walls, uneven floors, and other structural issues. We provide practical advice on how to manage these risks and what to look for in the future.