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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Caerphilly with knowledge of the area. We work with RICS qualified surveyors around the country who offer high quality property surveys at a great price. Surveyor Local gives you piece of mind and offers RICS HomeBuyer Reports, Building Surveys and Property Valuations.
Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Caerphilly made easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Caerphilly? Then one of the first things you'll need is a property survey. Getting a property survey doesn't have to be complicated. At Surveyor Local we can help you make an informed decision about any property you plan to buy.
We offer Homebuyer Reports (RICS Level 2), Building Surveys (RICS Level 3), and Property Valuations. So get things moving in a matter of moments with an online quote, call us on , or request a callback.
Arranging a building survey in Caerphilly
No matter which part of this historic region you intend to purchase in, you can quickly and easily arrange the building survey you need through Surveyor Local.
From the biggest towns such as Caerphilly, Bedwas, Risca, Ystrad Mynach to picturesque and historic spots like Bargoed and Ystrad Mynach, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with chartered Caerphilly surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee you the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in Caerphilly.
I intend to buy a flat in Caerphilly. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Caerphilly, the decision on which building survey is best will depend on a number of factors. For example, a full structural survey known as a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) will provide a more in-depth examination and explanation of the fabric of a building. This might be more appropriate when buying a flat or apartment because the surveyor can be asked to provide an opinion on shared areas of a property, such as the roof area, hallways and stairwells.
We're cash buyers. Do we need to bother with any kind of structural survey or will a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) be enough?
It's always best to be forewarned about any potential issues with a property, and those buying without a mortgage need to protect their investment just as a lender would. A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most comprehensive and technical survey offered by Caerphilly RICS surveyors working with Surveyor Local. An examination of the property's accessible areas - both interior and exterior - will inform an in-depth report on its construction, any visible defects and their causes, and any recommendations on repair and maintenance options. A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) would also identify any structural issues, such as subsidence, but this will not be as thorough an examination as the Building Survey.
We are interested in buying a barn conversion In Caerphilly. Which type of survey will reveal if the age of the property is an issue?
The method of construction used in a property may dictate which kind of survey you choose. Older properties built using traditional methods and materials may be more expensive to maintain, while any defects may not be obvious without a detailed inspection. When you instruct a Caerphilly RICS chartered surveyor through Surveyor Local, you get the opportunity to discuss whether the property you intend to buy has any specific issues related to its age or construction type. The surveyor can advise on what survey would best suit your circumstances.
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What kind of roof issues would a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) reveal?
A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) uses colour-coded condition ratings that give those purchasing a property clear understanding of any issues. Access to loft or attic space can reveal issues with trusses and supports, torn or punctured damp proofing or missing tiles. Where it is not possible to access the roof for a more thorough inspection, the final report will make this clear.
I'm bidding on a Caerphilly property that hasn't been renovated in decades, and I'm concerned there may be asbestos in the interior roof tiles. Will a survey show if asbestos is there?
A building survey will not be able to confirm whether asbestos is present, but the surveyor will note any possibility of the fibre's use and advise where further investigation is required. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was used in building materials such as flooring and fireplace lining because of its resistance to heat. The product was also used as insulation in ceiling tiles. Asbestos is a hazardous substance, and prolonged exposure to its fibres can lead to lung cancer or asbestosis. Where asbestos is found, it must be removed by professionals who are licensed by the Health & Safety Executive.
The electrics in the Caerphilly terraced house we're bidding on are very old. Does a surveyor look at the safety of the wiring?
Whether carrying out a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) or a Building Survey (RICS Level 3), a Caerphilly chartered surveyor will look at the condition of the electrics, including an overview of the fuse board, its age and condition, any visible wiring, plus electrical fittings such as showers and light fittings. If the electrics are in an unsatisfactory or dangerous state of repair, the surveyor will highlight this in their subsequent report. The surveyor will also examine any documentation from electrical wiring tests carried out by an electrician where this is available.
We are buying a Caerphilly property built in the mid-70s on very clay-rich soil. Is this going to be an issue? Does a Caerphilly Home Buyers Survey discuss soil composition in the report?
Clay soil can create a number of issues for homeowners, with severe changes in the water table level and consolidation, or the change in volume of soil resulting from water loss being relatively common. In Caerphilly's relatively mild climate, the variations in volume which clay soil experiences will be barely noticeable but extended dry or wet spells may well impact the soil's stability and affect the property itself. Some clay soils are prone to creep, if the topsoil and property lie on a slope. Either as a result of erosion or extreme weather, in rare situations, the soil layer can shift without warning, as a landslide, resulting in the structural failure and collapse of the whole building. Steps like avoiding planting trees too near the house and pruning where necessary can help maintain clay-rich soil, but a purchaser should discuss specifics with the surveyor if extensive upkeep is warranted. If you are particularly concerned about a crack or other sign of movement, the surveyor can also report on whether it is recent, or an indication of much earlier subsidence.
Will the Caerphilly home surveyor check for water damage, or if neighbour's houses have been affected?
It is strongly recommended that the property is protected before flooding begins. Flood water can enter a property through several routes, including window frames. The GroundSure Flood Report is one of several risk screening reports designed to provide an overview of whether a property lies within an area of potential or previous flood risk. The property surveyor may ask the vendor or agent if the property has previously flooded.
Do stone-walled structures cause problems for purchasers in Caerphilly? Are there any issues that need to be investigated, and what does the survey cover?
Damp proof course issues can often cause problems for homes in Caerphilly with stone walls. The properties of a stone can affect wear as much as upkeep or construction. The two main forms of mortared stone wall construction found in Caerphilly are regular and irregular. Dry stone construction is used in garden walls and field boundaries but is rarely employed for inhabited structures. You can ask the surveyor carrying out the survey for specific advice, but common maintenance suggestions include using traditional techniques when making repairs to the fabric of older buildings.
I know that Caerphilly subsidence may be a concern. Is this a serious concern, and what subsidence issues does the Caerphilly Surveyor report on?
Subsidence is the movement of the foundations of a house which compromises its structural integrity. Most houses experience minor cracking which will not affect the building's structure. Heave is less common and is caused by the death or removal of a large shrub or tree. Cracks to a kitchen plaster decoration are an obvious suggestion of subsidence, but they may be entirely benign. Organic material in the sub-soil can also create issues. Organic material such as peat is usually stable if kept moist by the water level, but if the soil dries, this organic matter will begin to rot and become unstable. This will cause the soil beneath and around the foundations to collapse. Identifying what has caused the subsidence is a necessary first step. It has been estimated that around 70% subsidence cases are caused by tree roots drawing moisture from the soil. Chartered surveyors should be able to identify a subsidence problem, while structural engineers may also be required.
Arrange your Caerphilly building survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team today. You can also request a callback at a time that's most convenient to you. We're open late Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm every Saturday.