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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Carmarthenshire 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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Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Carmarthenshire made easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Carmarthenshire? 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 Carmarthenshire
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 Ammanford, Burry Port, Carmarthen, and Kidwelly, to picturesque and historic spots like Laugharne and Abergwili, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with chartered Carmarthenshire surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in Carmarthenshire.
I intend to buy a flat in Carmarthenshire. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Carmarthenshire, 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 Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire. 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 Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthenshire 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 in Carmarthenshire, and the property's foundations have been built on clay soil. Can the Building Survey investigate this, and what defects will be reported on?
Soil composition can have a measurable impact on a Carmarthenshire property, with soil compaction or compression and soil movement being relatively common. There may be little evidence of underlying defects. 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, Fortunately, there are steps a homeowner can take. Your surveyor should refer to maintenance options in their report, like ensuring rainwater goods and drainage all function efficiently. If soil moisture levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is essential. Subsidence and heave can be caused by a general increase or decrease in moisture, but isolated patches of wet and dry can just as easily warp foundations, putting them under even greater pressure.
Does a Homebuyer Report search for water damage, or whether flooding has affected neighbour's houses in Carmarthenshire?
A surveyor has a number of options to assess whether a property is vulnerable to flooding. Flood water can enter a house through a number of routes, including air bricks, poorly fitted doors and windows, and seepage through external walls. An awareness of characteristics of the Carmarthenshire area likely to affect the house also enables the home surveyor to advise flooding may be a risk. Also included on Environment Agency's flood danger alert are details of local rivers and other bodies of water prone to flooding.
We are planning to buy a Carmarthenshire home and the current owner has informed us that it has been partially constructed with Portland stone. What should we be particularly aware of?
Britain's varied geology has encouraged the use of many varieties of stone, from Red St. Bees Sandstone to Broadway Dark Cream Limestone. Issues which impact the lifespan of stone-built elements are as diverse as the stone varieties themselves. Regular stone describes cut stone, generally forming brick-like courses. These may require less maintenance than more irregularly built walls, but this is heavily dependent on the type of stone used. A survey will include a range of suggestions or requirements for maintenance, such as clearance of nearby trees and plants. Pulling these up can cause more damage, so your surveyor may recommend a specialist perform the work.
What will the Surveyor be looking for on a stucco rendered regency semi-detached home in Carmarthenshire which I am thinking of purchasing?
Stucco is in fact just a form of render. Typically stucco render is layered over brick hardens to form a flat surface, often then trowled to give the appearance of stone blocks. The coating is highly attractive and was often found on Victorian and Regency homes. It is almost exactly the same as mortar. It can have lime in it in addition to plant fibres to help prevent cracks. it can be prone to defect and Carmarthenshire Homebuyer Reports frequently detail potentially expensive to remedy problems e.g. trapped water leading to the surface breaking which need attention.
We are thinking of buying a home in Carmarthenshire and spotted that door frames in the property are skewed. What are the risks, and what subsidence issues will the property survey reveal?
Subsidence is defined as movement of the foundations of a home, but some degree of movement will always occur. Recently built homes, for example, will need to settle under the weight of the building. Where the home is of very recent construction, the builder will usually return to a new home after six months in order to repair settlement damage. There are a number of factors capable of causing subsidence to Carmarthenshire homes. Collapsed drains can cause subsidence by washing away or loosening subsoil. This may be referred to as groundwater subsidence. On the inside, keep an eye out for new, suddenly visible cracks in brick or render. Identifying the cause of subsidence is the first step to its solution. It is vital to arrest any further movement, or risk of movement. Your surveyor may suggest that you talk to an arborist to find out the best cause of action if trees or other plant life is the suspected cause.
Arrange your Carmarthenshire 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.