RICS Level 2 Survey in Nonington

The village of Nonington presents a fascinating mix of property types that each require careful inspection. The historic core around Church Street and Easole Street features numerous listed buildings constructed using traditional methods including timber frame, red brick with blue diaper patterns, flint, and weatherboarding. Many of these properties lack modern damp-proof courses, making them susceptible to rising damp and moisture-related issues that our inspectors check for during every survey. Properties like Southdown Cottage, a 13th-century Grade II* listed building, showcase the traditional plaster panel and timber frame construction that dominates the older housing stock, requiring specialist knowledge to assess properly.

The newer housing at Old Malthouse Green, where Roma Homes has created 27 high-specification properties with prices ranging from £1,025,000 to £1,100,000, represents a different inspection focus. These modern builds benefit from contemporary construction techniques including enhanced ceiling heights, underfloor heating, and premium landscaping, but still require thorough checks of windows, doors, roofing, and mechanical systems. Even new properties can contain defects arising from rushed build programmes or material quality issues. Our surveyors have inspected several properties at this development and understand the specific characteristics of these modern homes, from the garage configurations to the communal garden areas.

Kent's geology presents specific challenges for property owners. The county sits in a key area affected by clay formations vulnerable to shrink-swell subsidence, particularly during increasingly hot and dry summers. Nonington's underlying chalk geology, historically excavated for lime burning, interacts with clay deposits to create complex ground conditions that can affect foundations. Our surveyors examine foundations, walls, and ground-level conditions to identify signs of movement or potential subsidence risk. Properties with large trees planted near shallow foundations demand particular attention, as root systems can exacerbate ground movement issues. Given the projected increase in extreme weather events due to climate change, this risk assessment has become increasingly important for buyers in the area.

The proximity of Nonington to the former Snowdown Colliery, which operated from 1912 until 1987, adds another consideration for property buyers. While the colliery was located in the broader vicinity rather than within Nonington itself, the historical mining activity in East Kent means our surveyors pay particular attention to ground stability indicators during inspections. We check for any signs of mine workings, ground disturbance, or structural movement that could relate to historical mining activity, ensuring you have a complete picture of your property's structural integrity.

• Timber frame deterioration
• Rising damp in period properties
• Roof condition and tile integrity
• Foundation and subsidence signs
• Electrical safety compliance
• Drainage and gutter systems

Your RICS Level 2 survey report provides more than just a list of problems. It gives you a clear picture of the property's overall condition with straightforward ratings: Condition Rating 1 means no repair is currently needed, Condition Rating 2 indicates repairs are needed but are not urgent, and Condition Rating 3 flags serious issues requiring urgent attention. This system helps you prioritise any remedial work and negotiate with sellers if significant repairs are needed. The report also includes a clear summary section that highlights the most important findings, making it easy to understand the property's condition at a glance.

For Nonington properties, our reports pay particular attention to the specific risks associated with local geology and construction types. We include advice on maintaining lime mortar in period properties, managing moisture in timber-framed buildings, and watching for signs of subsidence given Kent's shrink-swell clay soil conditions. Our inspectors have identified numerous properties with foundation movement related to tree root activity, particularly in properties with mature trees planted close to the buildings. The report also highlights any recent changes to the property that might affect its value or require planning permission, especially important in the village's three conservation areas where alterations are more strictly controlled.

Perhaps most importantly, the survey gives you the confidence to make an informed decision. In a village where property prices range from around £180,000 for flats to over £1 million for new detached homes at Old Malthouse Green, understanding exactly what you're purchasing prevents costly surprises down the line. If serious defects are found, you can negotiate a reduction in the purchase price or request that the seller addresses issues before completion. Our reports include estimated costs for any recommended repairs, helping you budget for any work needed after you move in. This is particularly valuable for period properties where maintenance costs can be higher than for modern homes.

The Level 2 survey also addresses environmental considerations relevant to Nonington properties. While the village itself is located inland, approximately midway between Dover and Canterbury, the general flood risk considerations for East Kent are included in our assessment. We check drainage conditions, gutter systems, and ground levels to identify any potential water accumulation issues that could affect the property. Additionally, we assess the property's energy efficiency and provide guidance on insulation improvements, which is especially relevant for older properties that may lack modern insulation standards.