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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Conwy 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.
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The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
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You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
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Surveying in Conwy made easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Conwy? 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 Conwy
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 Conwy, Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, and Abergele, to picturesque and historic spots like Saint George and Eglwysbach, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with chartered Conwy 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 Conwy.
I intend to buy a flat in Conwy. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Conwy, 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 Conwy 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 Conwy. 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 Conwy 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 Conwy 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 Conwy 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 Conway 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.
Do clay soil foundations create problems for Conwy houses? Can we expect the Conwy Home Buyers Survey to mention this, and what defects will be reported on?
Subsidence is often the result of unseen, subterranean causes, including clay soil. Specific issues include consolidation, or the change in volume of soil resulting from water loss. There may be little evidence of underlying defects, such as a sticking door in the bedroom. When performing your Home Buyers Survey in Conwy, your surveyor will consider the impact the soil composition has had, and may have, on the home. Small areas of wet and dry soil can just as easily warp foundations, so care must be taken to ensure the overall moisture level of the clay soil around the foundations stays consistent.
Will the surveyor check water damage, or if neighbouring properties in Conwy have been affected?
Your RICS Conway surveyor may use several methods to determine if the home in question is in danger of flooding. In addition, the house survey may recommend maintenance. Details relating to signs of flooding may be reported in Section J of the Homebuyer Report. Flooding issues will only be raised in Section J of a house survey if the home surveyor observes or has reason to suspect that the property is at risk.
We are planning to buy a Conwy house and the current owner has stated that it has been partially constructed with West Cornwall granite. Are there any factors that need to be investigated?
Purchasers in Conwy should be aware that stone walls can be much weaker than they appear. Faults common to poorly maintained stone walls can include delamination. Stone walls are either regular (cut) or irregular in structure, each of which will provoke particular concerns. Different stone types will also decay at different rates based on environmental conditions. For example, slate has damper resistant than many other forms of stone. You can request advice on the specific steps to be taken when a problem is identified. Common guidance may include careful removal of nearby trees and plants. Be careful not to pull these up by the roots, as they could already be intertwined with the wall's foundations, which will cause more damage. Ask your surveyor for clarification if you are in doubt as to likely maintenance, particularly if the house in question is listed or located in a conservation area.
What sort of thing will the Surveyor be focused on, on a roughcast rendered (stucco) detached house in Conwy that I wish to buy?
Stucco is just a kind of solid render. Usually, stucco is layered over red brick to form a smooth flat finish. The effect is very aesthetic and is/was often applied to Victorian properties. It can be problematic, and Conwy Home Buyers Surveys commonly show issues for instance trapped water culminating in the render failing needing repair. Other potential problems may involve sulphate attack from sulphates or salts absorbed from brickwork. Fixing problems with stucco can be surprisingly expensive as renderers are becoming rarer.
We are planning to buy a 1980s built property in Conwy and spotted cracks down the gable wall. What subsidence issues will the Home Buyers Survey look into?
Movement of the foundations of a house is called subsidence. In general, homes in Conwy are constructed from a range of materials. These will contract at different rates. Superficial cracks not caused by subsidence can be repaired with filler and repainted. A sudden change in the weather can also impact a house susceptible to further settlement, potentially as a result of poor construction. Identifying what has caused the subsidence is a necessary first step. This is not always as costly as some buyers fear. Though tree roots are often the cause, removal of this plant life may make the problem worse, so professional advice should be sought. Conwy chartered surveyors should be able to identify a subsidence problem, while structural engineers may also be required.
Arrange your Conwy 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.