Building Surveyors · Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan
Building surveys in Cardiff.
From Victorian terraces in Cathays to interwar semis in Rhiwbina and new-build apartments in the Bay — we survey property across Cardiff with the local knowledge to spot what matters.
Local knowledge
Property in Cardiff has its own character — and its own defects.
Cardiff's housing stock is unusually varied. Late-Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate the inner suburbs (Cathays, Roath, Canton, Grangetown); interwar and post-war semis fill Whitchurch, Rhiwbina and Llanishen; and Cardiff Bay is largely modern apartments and townhouses over reclaimed land.
Each era has its own defects. We tailor every survey to the age, construction and setting of your property — not a generic checklist.
As RICS-regulated surveyors based locally, we understand Cardiff Council's conservation areas, Article 4 directions and the practical realities of leasehold apartments in the Bay.
Common defects in Cardiff homes
What our surveyors regularly find.
Rear extension and lean-to defects
Original Victorian rear returns and later single-storey extensions frequently show settlement, poor detailing at the junction with the main house, and inadequate roof falls.
Rising and penetrating damp
Solid-wall terraces without a functioning DPC — combined with raised external ground levels and cement renders — regularly produce damp at low level. We diagnose the cause, not just the symptom.
Roof coverings nearing end-of-life
Original Welsh slate roofs on inner-suburb terraces are often 100+ years old. Slipped slates, corroded nails ('nail sickness') and failing lead flashings are common findings.
Cardiff Bay leasehold issues
For apartments in the Bay we review external cladding, communal fire safety, service charge history and any known building-safety remediation — critical for lending in 2026.
Frequently asked
Surveys in Cardiff — timelines, reports and fees.
How long does a building survey take in Cardiff?
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For a typical Cardiff terrace or semi we're usually on site for 3–5 hours. From instruction we can often attend within 5–10 working days, and your written report is issued within 5–7 working days of the inspection.
How much does a Level 2 Home Survey cost in Cardiff?
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Fees depend on the size, age and value of the property, but a Level 2 RICS Home Survey on a typical Cardiff home starts from around £500 inc. VAT. Level 3 Building Surveys for period or altered properties start from around £750. We always confirm a fixed fee in writing before you commit.
What's included in your Cardiff survey report?
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A full RICS-format report with a condition rating for every element, photographs of key defects, a reinstatement figure for buildings insurance, and clear practical advice on repairs, priorities and ongoing maintenance. You can call your surveyor after delivery to discuss anything that's unclear.
Do you survey apartments in Cardiff Bay?
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Yes. For Cardiff Bay flats we review the internal condition, the accessible common parts, cladding and fire safety status where information is available, service charge history and any building-safety remediation — all of which matter to lenders in 2026.
Can you turn a survey around urgently for an exchange?
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Where a purchase is under time pressure we'll do our best to attend within 2–3 working days and deliver a report within 48 hours of inspection. Please tell us the deadline at the enquiry stage so we can confirm before you commit.