RICS Level 2 Survey in Llantwit Fardre

We carry out a careful visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. Our surveyors look over the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, judging their present condition and picking up defects or anything that may need attention. We also assess the structure in detail, watching for movement, cracking, damp penetration or timber decay that could affect the building's integrity. In Llantwit Fardre, we regularly find issues around roof coverings, chimney stacks, gutters and downpipes, so those areas get close attention. As we move through the property section by section, we record our findings with photographs so you can see exactly what we have seen.

We also review visible services, including plumbing, electrical installations and heating systems, although this remains a visual inspection rather than a detailed test. Where visible, we check insulation and the damp proof course, and we note any obvious contamination or environmental hazards. Because many homes in Llantwit Fardre date from the inter-war and post-war periods, our surveyors are alert to recurring issues such as ageing electrics, original plumbing that may now need replacement, and timber structural elements affected by woodworm or rot. We pay close attention to the consumer unit and the apparent age of the wiring too, as plenty of local homes still have older fusebox systems that would benefit from upgrading.

Llantwit Fardre homes are mostly brick built, often finished with render, though some of the older stock includes local stone. A lot of houses from the post-1930s period have traditional cavity walls, while solid wall construction tends to appear more often in older properties. Roofs are usually slate or tile on timber-framed structures. Our surveyors know these local building methods well, and that helps us focus on the places where defects most often show up for a property's age and type. We check wall ties in cavity wall homes, inspect the condition of render on outside walls, and assess whether the construction matches what we would expect from the property's age and style.

After the inspection, we provide a detailed report using the RICS traffic light rating system. Red means urgent attention is needed, amber highlights issues that may need negotiation or further investigation, and green shows that no significant problems were found. The layout makes it easier to sort the serious points from the minor ones, so you can decide whether to proceed with the purchase or renegotiate the price in light of the findings. We also set out clear recommendations and practical next steps in each section, so the action needed is plain.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Damp proof course and moisture levels
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Chimneys and flashings
• Gutters and drainage
• Plumbing and electrical visuals
• Insulation and ventilation

Some issues come up time and again in Llantwit Fardre housing stock, and damp is high on the list. It is especially common in older properties, particularly those with solid walls or poor ventilation. Rising damp happens when moisture from the ground travels up through brickwork, while penetrating damp is usually linked to faults in the outer fabric, such as damaged render, missing tiles or worn flashings. In homes with original single-glazed windows, condensation can be a major problem as well, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms where ventilation is limited. Our inspectors use moisture meters on walls and floors, so the assessment is based on readings rather than sight alone.

Roofs are another frequent source of concern in Llantwit Fardre. Many local properties still have their original slate or tile coverings and, while they often remain serviceable, age-related wear is common. We regularly see cracked or slipped tiles, failing mortar pointing, damaged lead flashings around chimneys, and blocked or broken gutters that allow water to get in. Our inspectors assess the roof pitch and condition carefully, noting signs of earlier repairs as well as current defects that may need attention. Where roof spaces are accessible, we also inspect the timbers for rot, woodworm and structural movement.

Across the wider Rhondda Cynon Taf area, including Llantwit Fardre, geology matters. Our surveyors stay alert to possible subsidence and heave because the underlying Carboniferous geology, together with clay-rich superficial deposits in some places, can produce shrink-swell movement in foundations during periods of extreme wet or dry weather. Buildings with trees or large shrubs close by can be more exposed to that risk. There is also the region's coal mining legacy to consider, as some properties may be affected by ground instability or mine gas emissions, and we flag this where further investigation looks sensible. Typical signs we look for include diagonal cracking, sticking doors and uneven floors.

Flood risk should not be ignored when buying in Llantwit Fardre. The area is generally elevated, but some localised spots near watercourses can carry a higher risk. Surface water flooding may occur during heavy rainfall, especially where drainage is poor. The River Taff and its tributaries run through the wider area, so low-lying properties close to those watercourses need careful consideration. We note nearby watercourses and any signs of previous flooding or water damage, giving you a clearer picture of the property's overall risk profile.

We often find outdated electrics and plumbing in Llantwit Fardre properties, especially those built before the 1970s. Quite a few older houses still retain original wiring, which may fall short of current safety standards or struggle with modern appliance loads. The same applies to plumbing, where galvanised steel or lead pipes can still be present, bringing corrosion issues and reduced water pressure. Our surveyors make a visual assessment of these systems and record any obvious shortcomings, then recommend a further inspection by a qualified electrician or plumber where needed.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and deterioration
• Foundation movement and subsidence
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Blocked or defective drains
• Mining-related ground instability
• Surface water flooding