Home Buyers Survey in Abercarn

Is it best to have a RICS Level 2 Survey, Full Structural Survey or RICS Level 3 Survey for a property in Abercarn and which would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed a RICS Level 3 Survey and is effectively the same comprehensive survey.

If the Abercarn property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been structurally modified, or is of non standard construction, RICS recommend the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are planning to do any major works, you should you commission a RICS Level 3 Survey. This option is not as cheap as a RICS Level 2 Survey however it will give a thorough analysis of the Abercarn property's state of repair as well as including information on defects and maintenance options .

If in doubt get a Abercarn Survey Quote via our website or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

We spotted that the kitchen floor was uneven, is this subsidence? Is this a serious concern, and what subsidence information does the Abercarn RICS Level 2 Survey include?

Subsidence is movement in a home's foundations. In most situations, subsidence can be set right more easily than you might expect. Additionally, most homes in Abercarn are constructed from a range of materials, each with a different shrinkage rate.

Subsidence can be caused by a range of factors. One such issue is that soil on ground on an incline is not as stable as that flat ground. In very wet or flooded conditions, the soil layer can sometimes become unstable and slip down the incline. In some cases, the presence of organic material, which then rots or breaks down, can also undermine the foundations. This will cause the soil beneath and around the foundations to collapse.

Restoration work cannot begin until the original source of the movement is found. The removal of trees may make the problem worse, however, so professional advice should be sought. Existing trees must be well managed, and new trees should be planted at a safe distance from the exterior walls of the property. Place pine, birch and cherry trees, for example, at least 10m away. In some more serious situations, underpinning may be necessary. Underpinning is usually a last resort due to the cost and inconvenience. Damaged but non-structural elements should be filled and re-weatherproofed. A surveyor will be able to recommend who to speak to about the best course of action, to remedy both the causes of the subsidence and the resulting damage to the property itself.

What will the RICS Surveyor look for on a roughcast rendered (stucco) Victorian home in Abercarn.

Stucco is in fact just a smooth and flat render. Usually stucco render is layered over brick hardens to form a smooth stone like appearance. The effect is very aesthetic and is found on Victorian homes. it can be problematic and Surveyors in Abercarn commonly show any number of problems for example, when movement of the wall results in cracks

Another example of problems could result from the burden of heavy load such as cracking under the eaves. Re-applying problems with stucco may be costly as the skills are becoming more difficult to find.

We are buying in Abercarn. What will we need to consider when buying older property? What consequences will the property's cruck frame have on maintenance?

Some purchasers have looked at purchasing property with real personality. For houses in Abercarn built before the 20th Century, age, however, can concern buyers, and Abercarn property showcasing traditional methods can be a chore to maintain. You should bear in mind that expert knowledge may be needed. Especially for Grade I listed property, Traditional materials may be required. This may mean that it is all the more vital that you get a RICS Level 3 Survey prior to exchanging.