RICS Level 3 Building Survey in St. Athan

Our RICS Level 3 surveys go far beyond a basic condition report. When you book a survey with our team in St. Athan, our inspector will conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. This includes the roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, as well as the integrity of the building's foundations. We examine the condition of damp proof courses, insulation, and ventilation systems, identifying areas where moisture might be accumulating or where thermal efficiency could be improved.

Given St. Athan's mix of older properties and new build developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to construction types common in the area. For the older terraced and semi-detached properties built before 1945, we focus on identifying potential issues with traditional brick and stonework, timber-framed elements, and aging roof structures. These older properties may show signs of settlement, past water ingress, or deterioration of original materials. For newer homes in developments like Parc Fferm Wen on Cowbridge Road, we check construction quality, window installations, and any signs of defects that might have emerged since the properties were built.

Our detailed report includes specific recommendations for repairs and maintenance, prioritised by urgency. We provide cost estimates for significant works and advise on whether further specialist investigations are needed. For properties in St. Athan that fall within or near the numerous listed buildings in the area, including the Grade I Church of St Athan dating from the 13th-14th century or the Grade II* Castleton Farmhouse, we can identify potential planning constraints and advise on the implications of any alterations that may have been made without listed building consent.

St. Athan's position near the Welsh coastline means our inspectors also assess the impact of coastal weather exposure on properties. Salt-laden air can accelerate corrosion of metal elements and weathering of external finishes, particularly on properties visible from the coast or in exposed positions. We examine drainage patterns, ground levels, and any signs of previous water ingress, especially for properties near the River Thaw or in lower-lying areas that may have elevated flood risk.

• Detailed structural assessment
• Damp and timber analysis
• Roof condition inspection
• Foundation and substructure review
• Thermal efficiency evaluation
• Specialist defect investigation
• Coastal exposure assessment
• Listed building considerations

Properties in St. Athan reflect the architectural heritage of the Vale of Glamorgan, with significant variations between older traditional buildings and modern new builds. The older properties, particularly those near the historic village centre around the Church of St Athan, were typically constructed using local stone, often Sutton stone from the River Ogmore area, with slate roofing that has characterised Welsh buildings for centuries. These traditional construction methods create durable structures but require understanding of how materials age and interact over time.

Our surveyors frequently identify issues in older stone-built properties including deterioration of mortar pointing, weathering of stone facades, and damage to slate roofing from storm exposure or age-related degradation. The rubble-built construction common in farmhouses like West Farmhouse and Castleton Farmhouse can sometimes reveal structural movement or past alterations that require careful assessment. We also check for signs of past water ingress, which is particularly important in properties that may have experienced flooding from the River Thaw or coastal storm events.

Newer properties, particularly those from the Parc Fferm Wen development and other housing estates built since 2000, present different considerations. While newer construction typically has fewer structural issues, our inspectors have identified common defects in modern builds including window installation problems, insulation gaps, and signs of settlement in recently constructed properties. The rapid development of St. Athan with multiple new housing projects means our team stays current with the specific builders and construction standards used in the area.

The geology of the Vale of Glamorgan, which includes limestone and sedimentary rock formations, can affect soil conditions and foundation performance. Our inspectors examine foundation walls and external ground levels carefully, looking for signs of subsidence, movement, or drainage issues that might relate to local soil conditions. Properties built on or near clay soils may be susceptible to shrink-swell movement, and our surveyors know how to identify the tell-tale signs of such issues.

• Traditional stone and slate construction
• Slate roofing deterioration
• Stone facade weathering
• Mortar pointing degradation
• Modern new build defects
• Window installation issues
• Foundation and subsidence concerns
• Drainage and flood risk