RICS Level 2 Survey in SA62

We carry out a RICS Level 2 Survey with a full visual check of the accessible parts of the property, looking for defects or issues that could affect value or safety. Our inspection covers the main structural elements, walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows, along with the general condition of the building fabric. We note anything that needs urgent attention or may call for maintenance later on. Every survey is completed to strict RICS guidelines, so the service stays consistent and professional across SA62. We also photograph significant findings and set out clear, practical recommendations for any remedial work.

Across SA62, our surveyors often see problems linked to the local housing stock. Many homes here are built with solid walls in local stone or traditional brick, and these can suffer damp penetration if upkeep slips. Being close to the coast brings salt air and weathering into the mix, which can speed up deterioration to external render, joinery, and roofing materials. Roofs get close attention from us, not least because so many properties are older and slate or tile coverings may have worn down over time. We are trained to spot the early signs, before a minor issue turns into an expensive repair.

The results come back in a format that is clear at a glance, with traffic light ratings for each part of the property. We provide a detailed report with our findings and photographs of any defects picked up during the inspection. It also sets out practical recommendations, from urgent repairs through to routine maintenance. That can be useful in price negotiations or where the seller is asked to put something right before completion. At the front of the report, we include a summary that brings the key issues into view quickly.

We also look at energy efficiency and the general condition of the property, so ongoing maintenance costs are easier to understand. Where access allows, we check visible insulation in roof spaces and walls, then note any obvious areas where heat may be escaping. In SA62, where older construction methods are common, that information is especially helpful for planning improvements and getting a feel for likely utility costs.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible work
• Floor structures and surfaces
• Chimneys and breastwork
• Garage and outbuildings

Damp is one of the recurring issues we pick up in SA62 surveys. Older homes with solid walls and no modern damp-proof course are particularly prone to it. Pembrokeshire’s coastal climate, with its humidity and salt-laden air, can make moisture penetration worse in external walls and roof spaces. Where rising damp or penetrating damp is suspected, we normally recommend further investigation, and the report explains suitable remediation measures. Many properties here pre-date modern building regulations, so they may not have the damp protection found in newer homes.

Roof condition is another area we watch closely in SA62. Many homes still have slate or clay tile roofs, which are attractive and traditional, but they do need regular maintenance and, in time, replacement. Where access is possible, our surveyors check the roof space for slipped or broken tiles, worn felt underlays, and the state of the timbers. Exposed coastal spots can suffer faster wear because of wind and salt air. We also look at chimney stacks and leadwork, which often need attention in older homes. In our experience, roof faults are among the most common findings in SA62 surveys, especially after severe weather.

Older homes often need attention to electrical and plumbing systems. In SA62, many properties still have original wiring from the mid-twentieth century or earlier, and that may fall short of current safety standards, with fire risk a concern. Lead pipes and outdated heating systems are also common. Our survey gives a visual check of visible electrical and plumbing work, and we recommend further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers where needed. For older properties especially, we always advise a qualified electrician to check the installation before purchase.

Coastal properties in SA62 can bring extra points to consider, including erosion risk and flood exposure. Around Little Haven and Broad Haven, and in other coastal settlements, flooding can come from the sea or from surface water. We note the wider setting of the property and any visible signs of past flooding or water damage, although we always advise buyers to check specific flood risk data from Natural Resources Wales for the property they are buying. Signs of ground instability are also looked for, particularly where challenging geology may affect coastal homes.

It helps to understand how SA62 homes were built, because that explains why certain issues keep appearing and what to look for on viewings. The main housing stock here is made up of traditional solid wall construction, usually with local stone, render over stone, or traditional brick. Before cavity wall construction became widespread in the mid-twentieth century, these were the standard methods, and they behave differently from modern buildings. Because solid walls have no cavity for insulation or moisture protection, they need a different maintenance approach and are more likely to suffer damp penetration if care is lacking.

Many SA62 properties also have traditional timber roof structures under slate or clay tile coverings. Built to last for decades, these roofs still need maintenance and, eventually, replacement. In roof spaces with poor ventilation, especially where modern insulation has been added to older buildings, the timber rafters and purlins can be affected by condensation. Our surveyors focus on these areas, checking for rot, insect damage, and ventilation problems that could weaken the roof structure over time.

Pembrokeshire’s geology changes across SA62, with older Red Sandstone, Carboniferous Limestone, and different shale formations sitting beneath various parts of the postcode. That variation can influence ground conditions and the foundations used for buildings. In some places there are clay deposits that shrink and swell, which can lead to movement in structures. We keep these local geological factors in mind and record any signs of foundation movement or subsidence that may be tied to ground conditions.

Homes built in SA62 over the last few decades are usually of cavity wall construction, often with concrete or timber frame structures. They tend to need less upkeep than older properties, though they still bring their own issues, such as insulation, ventilation, and the durability of modern building materials. Our Level 2 Survey works for all property types, so any problem will still be picked up, whatever the construction method.

St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, sits within the SA62 postcode and has a major conservation area around its historic cathedral. Properties in these designated areas often call for a more detailed inspection than a standard Level 2 Survey can provide. For a listed building or a home within a conservation area, we usually recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, since that gives the fuller assessment needed for older properties with special construction features and protected status. The extra cost of a Level 3 Survey is often worth it when historic ownership brings that much complexity.

Listed buildings in SA62 can contain elements that are centuries old, so they need specialist knowledge if they are to be assessed properly. Their construction methods often differ sharply from modern practice. A Building Survey gives the detailed analysis needed to understand the condition of historic fabric, identify the repairs likely to be required, and advise on work that may need Listed Building Consent from the local authority. If a property falls into this category, our team can talk through the options and point to the most suitable survey type. We have surveyed many listed buildings in Pembrokeshire and understand the particular issues that come with historic homes.

Buying in a conservation area can mean extra limits on future alterations. Our surveyors will note the general character of the area and any designations that could affect what you want to do with the property. We do not give legal advice on planning matters, but we can flag areas where further information from the local planning authority may be needed. That matters especially in St Davids, where the conservation area covers much of the city centre and nearby streets.

For most standard properties in SA62 that are neither listed nor in conservation areas, the RICS Level 2 Survey gives solid information on condition and any significant defects. Still, if a property has unusual features, or its age or construction raises questions, we are happy to discuss whether a Level 3 Survey would be the better fit. Our team can advise on the right approach for the specific property being purchased.