RICS Level 2 Survey in Kent

The RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas. Our surveyors examine the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, windows, doors, and foundations, looking for signs of damp, structural movement, timber decay, or other defects. The survey includes a thorough assessment of the property's condition, with ratings given to each area: "acceptable," "requires attention," or "requires urgent repair." We systematically check each element of the property, documenting our findings with photographs and clear descriptions that any buyer can understand.

In Kent, where many properties date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues such as rising damp in solid-wall constructions, cracking in render, and the condition of historic timber windows. We regularly identify issues with original sash windows that have swollen or rotted frames, cast iron gutters that have corroded over decades, and roof coverings using natural slate or clay tiles that have become brittle with age. Our experience with period properties in areas like Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Canterbury means we know exactly what to look for and can accurately assess the severity of any defects we find.

For newer properties in developments like Preston Fields in Faversham, Monchelsea Park in Maidstone, or Knights Reach in Dartford, we check the quality of construction, fittings, and any snagging issues that may be present. Even new builds can have defects ranging from minor cosmetic issues to more serious problems with damp proofing, insulation, or structural elements. Our surveyors have extensive experience with modern construction methods including air source heat pumps, underfloor heating systems, and contemporary roof designs that require specific knowledge to assess properly.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which is particularly valuable in Kent where property values vary significantly between areas like Sevenoaks, where average prices exceed £500,000, and more affordable districts like Sheerness. This valuation helps you understand if the property is priced appropriately for its condition and location. The rebuild cost figure is essential for insurance purposes and ensures you have adequate cover for your new home.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for each element
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Assessment of energy efficiency
• Clear traffic light rating system

Kent's diverse housing stock presents unique challenges for surveyors. The county features everything from historic medieval cottages in rural villages to modern apartments in regenerating urban areas. Properties in coastal areas like Whitstable, Ramsgate, and Dover face specific issues related to salt air corrosion, erosion, and sea defences. Our surveyors understand these local factors and include them in their assessment. We check for signs of salt damage to external render, corrosion of metal fixtures, and erosion of mortar joints that are particularly prevalent in coastal locations.

Many properties in Kent were built using traditional construction methods that differ from modern standards. Victorian and Edwardian houses, common in towns like Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Canterbury, often have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can be more susceptible to damp. These properties may also have historic timber joinery, cast iron gutters, and original roofing materials that require specialist knowledge to assess accurately. Our surveyors understand the difference between acceptable age-related wear and genuine defects that need addressing, helping you avoid unnecessary concern while ensuring serious issues are properly identified.

The geological conditions in parts of Kent, particularly the Weald and areas with clay soils, can lead to subsidence and movement. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of structural movement, cracking patterns, and subsidence indicators. In areas like Tonbridge and the surrounding villages, where clay soils are prevalent, this expertise is essential for a thorough assessment. We look for signs of historic movement, monitor crack patterns that may indicate ongoing issues, and assess trees and vegetation that could contribute to subsidence risk. The clay soils around Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, and the Weald are particularly known for causing subsidence issues, especially during periods of drought.

Flood risk is another important consideration in Kent, with properties near the River Medway, River Stour, and coastal areas at risk from flooding. Our surveyors check for signs of previous flood damage, assess the effectiveness of any flood mitigation measures, and note the property's flood risk based on our knowledge of local conditions. Areas like Maidstone, which sits along the River Medway, and properties near the Kent coast require careful assessment of flood risk as part of any survey.

• Coastal erosion and salt air damage
• Subsidence in clay soil areas
• Historic construction methods
• Victorian and Edwardian features
• Flat roof conditions in apartment blocks
• Renovation and extension quality
• Flood risk assessment

Our RICS Level 2 surveyors operate throughout Kent, providing coverage in all major towns and villages. We regularly inspect properties in Canterbury, where the historic city features many period properties requiring careful assessment. From Victorian terraces in the city centre to modern developments like Saxon Fields on Thanington Road and The Woodlands in Sturry, our surveyors understand the full range of properties in this historic city. We also cover the popular surrounding villages including Whitstable, Herne Bay, and the coastal areas where unique coastal property considerations apply.

In Maidstone, the county town, we survey everything from modern apartments in the regeneration areas to substantial detached homes in the surrounding villages. New developments like Monchelsea Park, The Poppies in Aylesford, and the Cambridge Crescent regeneration at Fielding Park are all within our coverage area. We also service the rural villages around Maidstone where period properties and converted barns are common, each bringing their own set of survey considerations from traditional construction methods to modern conversions.

We cover the coastal towns of Folkestone, Dover, Ramsgate, Margate, Whitstable, and Herne Bay, where properties face unique challenges from the marine environment. Our inspectors have specific experience with coastal property issues including salt damage, erosion, and the particular challenges of maintaining properties in a marine climate. Developments like Shorncliffe Heights in Folkestone, The Landings in Ramsgate, and St Augustines Place in Herne Bay are all regularly surveyed by our team.

Our inspectors also work extensively in the commuter belt areas around Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and Tunbridge Wells, where property values are among the highest in the county and thorough due diligence is essential. Properties in these areas often command premium prices, making a thorough survey particularly valuable. We cover developments like Aviation Park in Kings Hill, River Walk in Tonbridge, and the exclusive Oakhill development in Hildenborough. In the north of Kent, we service Dartford, Gravesham, and the Thameside areas, where new developments like Knights Reach in Stone provide modern housing stock that requires assessment of modern construction techniques.

The eastern districts including Ashford, Folkestone, and Hythe feature both historic properties and new developments. From The Hoplands in Canterbury to Greenways in Deal and Crown Hill View in Kennington, we have local surveyors with detailed knowledge of each area. Whether your property is in a rural village in the Weald or an urban terrace in Chatham, we have local surveyors ready to help. We also cover the rural areas around Tenterden, Ashford, and the Romney Marsh where properties can face unique issues including flood risk and rural isolation considerations.