RICS Level 2 Survey in NP7 Abergavenny

A Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of a property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and visible services. Our surveyors assess the property's condition, identify defects, and provide a traffic light rating system showing which issues require immediate attention, which should be monitored, and which are non-urgent. The report also includes market valuation and rebuild cost estimates, which prove useful for insurance and mortgage purposes. We inspect both the interior and exterior of the property, including the boundaries, garages, and outbuildings where applicable.

The physical inspection typically takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. A typical semi-detached house in the NP7 area will usually require around 90 minutes, while larger detached properties or those with complex layouts may take longer. You'll receive your written report within 3-5 working days of the inspection. For larger period properties in areas like Nevill Street or Monk Street in Abergavenny, the inspection may take longer due to the complexity of the layout and additional outbuildings.

Even for new build properties, such as those at Rossers Field in Govilon, a Level 2 Survey provides valuable protection. While newer properties typically have fewer defects, our surveyors can identify any construction issues, snagging problems, or design faults that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye. This is particularly important for newly constructed homes where the builder's warranty may not cover all potential issues. We check things like the quality of window installations, the effectiveness of insulation, and any defects in the construction that might not be covered under the NHBC guarantee.

Yes, damp assessment is a key part of our Level 2 Survey. In NP7, where many properties feature solid walls or traditional construction, damp is a common concern. Our surveyors use visual inspection and moisture meters to identify areas of rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. If damp is suspected in areas that cannot be fully assessed, we recommend further investigation by a specialist damp surveyor. We pay particular attention to basement areas and ground floor rooms in period properties, where damp penetration from the ground is most common.

If our Level 2 Survey identifies serious issues, such as structural movement or significant damp, we provide detailed recommendations in the report. You can then use this information to negotiate with the seller, either requesting repairs before completion or seeking a reduction in the purchase price to cover remediation costs. In some cases, you may choose to withdraw from the purchase if the issues are too severe. Our traffic light rating system makes it easy to identify which issues are most urgent, helping you prioritize what needs to be addressed before moving forward.

Our Chartered Surveyors are qualified to inspect all property types, including listed buildings. However, for properties with significant historical value or complex construction, a Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate. Our Level 2 Survey still provides valuable information for listed properties, identifying defects and condition issues, but we will always recommend if a more detailed assessment is advisable based on our findings. We understand the specific challenges that come with listed buildings, including the need to preserve original features and the restrictions on certain types of repair work.

The geology around Abergavenny includes clay soils in certain areas, which can lead to ground movement and potential subsidence issues. Properties built on clay subsoil may experience foundation movement during periods of drought or heavy rain, which can manifest as cracks in walls or doors that no longer close properly. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of such movement and will recommend further investigation if needed. We also note any properties near the River Usk that may be at risk from surface water flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

In Abergavenny town centre, we frequently encounter issues with Victorian and Edwardian properties, including deteriorating sash windows, damaged or missing pointing in solid brick walls, and problems with old cast iron rainwater goods. Many period properties also have outdated electrical systems that do not meet current regulations, and we flag these issues in our reports. The traditional Welsh stone construction found in older buildings can also suffer from frost damage and salt erosion, particularly on north-facing elevations where moisture takes longer to dry.