RICS, RPSA & PCA Surveys in Cardiff & South Wales: A Veteran-Led Company’s Guide to Your Perfect Home Survey
RICS surveys or are there alternatives?
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. In a property market as diverse as Cardiff and South Wales—with its mix of modern estates, Victorian terraces, and rural cottages—understanding the true condition of your potential new home is non-negotiable.
This is where a property survey becomes your single most important tool. But which one do you need? A RICS Level 2? A full RPSA Building Survey (HOME | Residential Property Surveyors Association)? Or a specialist PCA damp report?
As a veteran-run survey company, we bring a unique perspective to this process. The military instils values of precision, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering reliability. We apply this same “mission-ready” mindset to every property inspection. Our job isn’t just to tick boxes; it’s to provide you with a clear, comprehensive, and trustworthy intelligence report so you can make your decision with total confidence.
Here’s our guide to choosing the right survey in South Wales.
Which Survey Do I Need? RICS vs. RPSA
For most homebuyers, the choice will be between an RICS or an RPSA survey. They are similar, but with a key difference.
RICS Surveys: The Industry Standard
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the most widely known governing body. Their reports are trusted by all lenders and are a popular, reliable choice. They are broken down into levels.
- RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report)
- Best for: Most modern (post-1900) homes that are in a reasonable condition. This is the most popular survey by far for typical properties in Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea.
- What it covers: A thorough “traffic light” system report that checks all visible and accessible parts of the property. It will flag significant issues like damp, structural movement, or roof problems that need attention.
- RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)
- Best for: Older properties (pre-1900), buildings of unusual construction, or any property that is visibly run-down or has been significantly altered. It’s also the right choice if you are planning major renovation work.
- What it covers: The most comprehensive “gloves-off” inspection you can get. The surveyor will go into meticulous detail on the property’s structure and condition, from the attic to the drains. It provides in-depth advice on defects, repairs, and maintenance.
RPSA Home Surveys: The Residential Specialist
RPSA (Residential Property Surveyors Association) surveys are a powerful alternative. As an organisation, the RPSA focuses exclusively on residential property, and its members are often independent surveyors.
- RPSA Home Condition Survey (HCS): This is the RPSA equivalent of the RICS Level 2. It’s a comprehensive report presented in clear, jargon-free language with photos, making it very user-friendly.
- RPSA Building Survey: This is the RPSA’s equivalent to the RICS Level 3, providing a deep-dive, fully comprehensive structural report.
The Specialist Survey: When Do You Need a PCA Report?
This is a question we get all the time, especially with the damp Welsh weather.
A PCA (Property Care Association) survey is not a general home survey. It is a specialist investigation.
You will likely be asked for one if your RICS survey or RPSA survey flags potential issues with damp, timber decay (like woodworm), or dry rot. Most mortgage lenders will make a PCA-accredited report a condition of your mortgage offer before they will release funds.
As PCA-qualified specialists, we can be deployed to investigate these specific issues. We don’t just find the damp; we diagnose its source—whether it’s rising damp, penetrating damp from a roof leak, or a condensation problem.
Crucially we include a basic damp survey with every building or RICS survey – so avoiding any need for second purchases and unforeseen costs.
Why Choose a Veteran-Led Survey Company?
In a high-stakes process like buying a home, you need more than just a qualification. You need trust for delivery RICS surveys.
Our company is founded on the core values of the British Armed Forces. When you hire us, you are hiring surveyors who operate with:
- Military Precision: We are trained to be meticulous. We don’t cut corners. Our inspections are thorough, and our reports are detailed and accurate.
- Unquestionable Reliability: We understand deadlines. We know you have mortgage offers and solicitors waiting. We deliver our reports on time, every time.
- A Sense of Duty: Our duty is to you, the client. We provide impartial, unbiased advice that is 100% in your best interest. We are not tied to any estate agent or lender.
- Problem-Solving Under Pressure: We are experts at identifying, diagnosing, and clearly explaining complex problems. We give you the solutions and potential costs, not just a list of issues.
Your Trusted Surveyors in Cardiff and South Wales
From the city centre of Cardiff to Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Penarth, and across the valleys to Swansea, we have the local knowledge and technical expertise you need to deliver RICS surveys, PCA damp investigation and RPSA detailed residential / new building snagging.
Don’t leave the biggest purchase of your life to chance. Choose a surveying team that brings discipline, integrity, and unparalleled attention to detail to every job.
Ready to secure your property?
Contact us today to discuss an RICS survey or to find out which survey is right for you and get a free, no-obligation quote.