Over the past few months, we’ve visited a fantastic variety of properties, carrying out home surveys across Cardiff, Newport and surrounding areas of South Wales. Here are some of our surveyors’ highlights.
This period property was in a fantastic location, right in the heart of the Pontcanna district of Cardiff. We carried out a level 3 survey of this two-storey mid-terrace house late last year. The property appeared to date from around the early 1900s, but had a more recent single-storey extension at the rear.
With older properties such as this one, our surveyors will remind our clients that their legal advisors must check if the property is in a conservation area. Even if it is not listed, conservation area regulations can mean that planning consents are required for any significant alterations.
We carried out a full building survey of this two-storey, end-terrace house, which was built in the 1960s. The property was fairly typical of the region, and of traditional construction. However, photovoltaic solar panels had been installed on the roof.
Our surveyors check the general condition of the roof as standard. If panels are installed, they will pay particular attention to whether there is any damage or deflection to the roof that could suggest overloading. We also advise that solicitors find out whether the panels are leased or purchased, and that appropriate permissions were obtained if relevant.
For many people buying a house that is just 5 years old, a homebuyer survey will suffice. However, our clients were considering some major building works for this 2017 property in Penarth, and they wanted an in-depth understanding of the condition and structure of the house. Therefore, they went for a level 3 full building survey after comparing the different survey types.
We always ask clients if they have any particular queries when booking our surveys, and our surveyors are happy to comment on the suitability of planned works.
This building survey covered a large Edwardian family home in Barry, which dated from the early 1900s. Many beautiful period features had been preserved, including original staircases, fireplaces and doors, and a stunning metal balcony. The dome-like cupola with its ornate weathervane was a particularly striking feature.
Our surveyors can carry out high-level survey inspections through the use of a pole camera. These extend up to 10 metres and allow close inspection of roofs, chimneys and valleys.
Our surveyors carried out a Level 2 HomeBuyers survey of this modern property in Cwmbran. Dating from around 2014, it was a two-storey detached house, with timber-frame construction.
Level 2 surveys are generally suitable for properties that have been built recently, using a standard construction method. They should also be in fairly good condition. Level 3 surveys are much more detailed and provide an in-depth look at the state and structure of the building. Our friendly team is always happy to advise on which type of survey you need.
It is always a treat to survey a home like this one. This Victorian coach house in Cardiff dates from the late 1800s. It had many original features, including its original dipped doors. The house also benefitted from a more recent single-storey extension to the rear, providing substantial additional space.
With any property that has been extended, we advise that buyers’ solicitors confirm that the relevant Building Regulations and Planning Consents are in place for the construction of the extension and any internal alterations that were made to facilitate it.
