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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Torfaen 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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Surveying in Torfaen Made Easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Torfaen? 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 Torfaen
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 Abersychan, Blaenafon, Cwmbran and Pontypool to picturesque and historic spots like Blaenavon and Cwmavon, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with Torfaen-based chartered 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 Torfaen.
I intend to buy a flat in Torfaen. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Torfaen, 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 offered by Torfaen 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 Torfaen. 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 Torfaen 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 Torfaen 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 Torfaen 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 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 need English Garden Wall bond upkeep suggestions, can a surveyor in Torfaen help? Is brick more susceptible to the weather?
Brick-built Torfaen converted property demonstrates several benefits over stone-built property. Unfortunately, they also indicate various issues and defects. These can include efflorescence or cracks. One defect surveyors commonly report on brick buildings is sulphate attack, caused by moisture interacting with sulphates in cement, and will destroy the structural integrity of the wall.
We are buying a house built in the mid-1990s on very clay-rich soil. Is this going to create problems? Will the Torfaen Building Survey consider this?
Without due care and attention, foundations dug into clay soil can quickly suffer adverse effects. Issues range from compression of layers of the sub-soil to movement of clay soil layers resulting from changes in their water content, both of which can put a property's foundations under great strain. There may be little evidence of underlying defects. Expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on a property's foundations, forcing them inward. Where the foundation walls have insufficient support, they will bow and crack. This can result in costly and even dangerous structural damage. There is a real benefit in booking a Torfaen surveyor to carry out your survey who is familiar with local soil composition, and who has witnessed the effects first-hand. Additional strengthening or support of the structure's foundations may be required, including underpinning or piling.
Will the Homebuyer Report inquire into flooding damage, or if neighbour's houses have been affected?
Unfortunately, distance from water or height above sea level is no guarantee that a residential property will be secure against floods, and the value of a residential property in an at-risk area may be impacted. Your RICS surveyor may use several methods to determine if the residential property in question is in danger. In addition, the Building Survey (RICS Level 3) may offer advice to limit damage in the event of flooding. Preventative measures can include costly but effective solutions e.g. lime-based plaster. The house surveyor may ask the seller if the home has previously flooded.
How will we know what impact does rainfall have on our new Torfaen home, and does our building survey mention it?
If you have only been to the new home in dry conditions, obvious defects may be harder to find. Signs that gutters are under performing include "gushing" gutters. Poor drainage can lead to collapsed drains or overflowing septic tanks. Fortunately, this is quite easy to resolve. Where this is not unblocked on a regular basis, the damage becomes increasingly costly to remedy.
We are purchasing an 1820s Torfaen conversion with stone walls. Which major problems should we consider, and what does the survey cover?
Stone walls are often ignored by home buyers due to their apparent strength and solidity. Defects such as salt contamination affect many stone-walled properties. Irregular stone often has a more rustic appearance, but the mortar used may be susceptible to a higher rate of decay. These walls will need frequent upkeep. Ask your surveyor for details, but the report may specify repointing mortar with a suitable material.
We are purchasing a 15th Century Torfaen coastal property. Will the property's age be a concern?
Some purchasers would be interested in owning an old, characterful home one day. Vernacular, or traditional, architecture, however, can occasionally give buyers second thoughts, and properties showcasing traditional methods can be expensive to maintain. You should consider that expert knowledge may be needed. Traditional building materials may also need to be sourced, particularly in the case of a home in one of Torfaen's conservation areas. Speak to your Torfaen surveyor for further advice.
Arrange your Torfaen 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.