RICS Level 2 Survey in ME8

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the Homebuyer Survey, provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas including the roof space, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanently attached fixtures. Our inspectors examine both the interior and exterior of the building, identifying defects that are visible at the time of inspection and providing professional advice on their implications. We use our first-hand experience of examining thousands of properties in the ME8 area to spot issues that less experienced assessors might miss.

The survey includes a comprehensive assessment of the main structural elements such as foundations, walls, floors, and the roof structure. We check for signs of damp, rot, timber decay, structural movement, and any issues with the building's integrity. In the ME8 area, where properties may sit on ground containing clay soils similar to those found across Kent, our surveyors pay particular attention to potential subsidence indicators and the condition of drainage systems. We have found that properties in certain parts of Gillingham, particularly those with mature trees in nearby gardens, can show signs of clay shrinkage affecting foundations.

Additionally, the RICS Level 2 report covers essential services including electrical installations, plumbing, and heating systems. We assess the general condition of these utilities and flag any obvious safety concerns or items that require further investigation by qualified specialists. Many properties in ME8, especially those built between the 1960s and 1980s, may have older electrical installations that do not meet current regulations, and our surveyors are trained to identify these potential hazards during our visual inspection.

Our surveyors also provide a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate as part of the standard service, giving you a complete picture of the property's true worth in the current ME8 market. This valuation is particularly valuable in an area where property prices can vary significantly between different street locations, with recent data showing price variations ranging from 2% down to 16% up depending on the specific postcode sector within ME8.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Electrical and gas services
• Plumbing and drainage
• External finishes and decorations

The ME8 postcode covers an area with varied housing stock, from newer builds to properties that may be several decades old. Our surveyors have extensive experience with the different property types found throughout Gillingham and the surrounding Medway towns. We understand that the area includes everything from modern housing developments built in the last 20 years to Victorian and Edwardian properties that form part of the older housing stock. Understanding local construction practices helps us identify issues that might be missed by less experienced assessors who are not familiar with the specific characteristics of properties in this part of Kent.

Properties in parts of ME8 may sit on ground containing clay soils, which can expand and contract with moisture changes. This shrink-swell movement can potentially affect foundations over time, particularly in properties with mature trees nearby. Our inspectors are trained to look for signs of such movement, including cracking patterns and door alignment issues that might indicate subsidence or heave. We have surveyed several properties in areas with significant tree cover where foundation movement has occurred over time, and our reports provide specific advice on what this means for the property and what remedial options may be available.

The area's proximity to the River Medway means that certain low-lying properties may have some exposure to flood risk, either from river overflow or surface water. While not all properties in ME8 are affected, our surveyors check for indicators of previous flooding and can advise on whether a specific flood risk assessment might be warranted for properties in vulnerable locations. We have seen properties in lower-lying parts of ME8 that have been affected by surface water flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, and our reports highlight this as a consideration for prospective buyers.

Many homes in ME8 feature traditional brick construction with solid walls, which may not have the cavity insulation found in modern properties. Our survey reports highlight the implications of different construction types and can advise on potential improvements that might benefit the property's energy efficiency and comfort levels. Properties with solid walls can be less energy efficient than modern cavity-walled homes, and this is something we always flag in our reports so buyers can factor potential improvement costs into their decision.

The variation in property prices across different postcode sectors within ME8 is notable. Recent data shows that some sectors like ME8 8ST have seen increases of 16% while others have experienced declines. This variation underscores the importance of having a local surveyor who understands the specific market dynamics in different parts of the area. Our valuations take account of these local variations, giving you an accurate picture of what your property is worth in its specific location within ME8.