RICS Level 2 Survey in Graveney with Goodnestone

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and fixtures. We assess the overall condition of the building structure and identify any visible defects that may affect the property's value or require repair. The survey includes an evaluation of the property's services such as electricity, gas (where safe to inspect), water, and drainage, giving you a complete picture of the property's condition. For properties in the Graveney with Goodnestone area, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in older Kent properties, including the condition of traditional brickwork, timber-framed elements, and slate or tile roofing that characterises many homes in this historic parish.

We provide a clear condition rating system in our report, using red, amber, and green ratings to indicate the severity of any issues discovered. Red ratings indicate urgent defects that require immediate attention, amber ratings flag issues that will need attention in the future, and green ratings denote satisfactory condition. This straightforward system helps you prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers based on the survey findings. In the Graveney with Goodnestone area, where property prices can exceed £1 million in certain locations, identifying defects early can save you significant money and stress.

The RICS Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost assessment, which can be valuable for mortgage purposes and future financial planning. We base our valuation on the current Graveney with Goodnestone property market, taking into account recent sales in the area including properties like Wheelwrights Cottage which sold for £500,000 and developments on Murton Place. This combined assessment provides you with essential information for one of the largest financial decisions you will ever make.

Our surveyors also assess the property's environment, including flood risk and ground stability considerations that are particularly relevant in this part of Kent. Given the area's history of marshland reclamation and coastal flooding, we carefully evaluate the potential for water ingress and ground movement that could affect the long-term stability of the property.

The housing stock in Graveney with Goodnestone includes a significant proportion of older properties, given the area's history spanning over 1,200 years. Many of these traditional Kent homes were constructed using local materials and methods that differ significantly from modern building standards. Common issues our surveyors frequently identify include damp problems, which can be particularly problematic in older properties with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. Rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation are all common concerns that can lead to structural damage and health issues if not properly addressed. Our inspectors use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify damp issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye.

Roof conditions represent another significant area of concern in this area. Many older properties feature traditional slate or tile roofs that may have passed their expected lifespan or suffered damage from weather events common in Kent, including coastal storms and heavy rainfall. Our surveyors inspect roof coverings, flashings, chimneys, and gutters, identifying any slipped tiles, leaks, or structural concerns. We also assess the condition of roof timbers for signs of rot or insect damage that can compromise the structural integrity of the roof.

Electrical wiring in older properties is also a common issue, with many homes still having outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, or fabric wiring that does not meet current regulations. We assess the condition of electrical installations and flag any safety concerns that require attention from a qualified electrician. Additionally, plumbing in older properties may consist of lead or galvanised pipes that can affect water quality and may need replacement.

Given the clay soils present in parts of the Graveney with Goodnestone area, subsidence and structural movement are potential concerns that our surveyors carefully examine. Signs of subsidence include cracking in walls, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floors. Our inspectors look for these indicators throughout the property and provide recommendations if specialist structural engineer input is required. Additionally, the proximity to the coast means that some properties may be affected by salt erosion or coastal weathering, particularly those in exposed positions.