RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Cosheston

Our RICS Level 3 Survey is a close, methodical inspection of all visible and accessible parts of a property. We assess walls, floors, ceilings and the roof structure, recording defects, damage and anything needing immediate attention. In Cosheston, where homes range from traditional Welsh stone buildings to more recent construction, our surveyors know the local building styles seen across this part of Pembrokeshire and the issues that often come with them. We look at the whole building envelope, from the foundations to the roof covering, so no major element is left unchecked.

Structural condition is covered in depth. We examine load-bearing walls, beams and joists for movement, rot and pest infestation, then inspect windows, doors and fittings while also checking the overall integrity of the building envelope. In the report, we set out any remedial works that appear necessary, rank issues by urgency and, where appropriate, give likely repair cost guidance. That level of detail is especially useful in older properties, where hidden defects are not always obvious to an untrained eye.

In Cosheston, we give extra attention to the problems that commonly affect homes in this area. That includes the condition of roof coverings in view of local weather exposure, signs of damp or condensation often found in older properties, and the state of the drainage serving the building. Because of the coastal environment, we also check metal elements for salt corrosion and consider whether roof spaces have enough ventilation to limit moisture build-up. The final report works as a clear record of the property's present condition and a practical reference point for repair or renovation planning.

We also inspect outbuildings, boundary walls and fencing where they form part of the property. Across rural Pembrokeshire, that can mean traditional stone walls or older agricultural buildings, both of which may need more careful attention. We record the condition of all accessible elements, giving you a full picture of the property you are thinking of buying.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible elements
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Cosheston has seen plenty of market activity. According to home.co.uk listings data, prices have risen 8% over the past year, although values remain 18% below the 2023 peak of £350,400. With the average property price around £285,600, paying for a detailed survey is a sensible part of the purchase. Buyers here are often taking on period properties, and defects can be sitting out of sight during an ordinary viewing.

Across Cosheston and the wider Pembrokeshire area, there is a broad mix of construction, from traditional stone-walled cottages to newer detached houses. Each type brings its own risks. Older solid wall buildings may have no cavity insulation, while more recent homes can show defects linked to the period in which they were built. Our surveyors adjust the inspection to suit those local differences. We also have strong experience of the traditional Welsh stone methods found in villages such as Cosheston, where local limestone or sandstone walls are common.

Cosheston sits close to Pembroke and the wider Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which helps explain its appeal to both permanent residents and buyers looking for holiday homes. For us, the coastal setting matters because it can affect how a building performs over time. We look for weather-related wear, consider the risk of salt-air corrosion to external elements, check roof coverings for weathering, review drainage to see whether there is adequate fall away from the building, and assess ventilation in light of the humid coastal climate.

For buyers looking in Cosheston, the housing stock runs from lower-priced terraced cottages to large detached family homes. Terraced homes in the village centre often date from the Victorian or Edwardian periods, and they can come with the usual issues of that age, including original timber sash windows, older plumbing and solid wall construction without modern insulation. Our Level 3 Survey looks closely at those features, so you have a clearer basis for your decision whatever type of property you are considering.