RICS Level 2 Survey Sheldwich

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, checking for signs of damage, decay, or structural movement that could affect the building's integrity. Our surveyors use specialist equipment including moisture meters and torch inspection to assess areas that aren't immediately visible. Every element is photographed and documented in your final report.

In Sheldwich, where many properties date back to before 1919 and feature traditional Kentish construction, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of brickwork, ragstone, and flint walls, as well as any timber framing that may be present in older buildings. We inspect pointing condition carefully, as the mortar between bricks and stones often deteriorates faster than the masonry itself in these older structures. This is especially important for properties near Sheldwich Court and those along the village's historic lanes where traditional construction methods were used.

The survey includes an evaluation of damp levels using moisture meters, a check of timber elements for signs of woodworm or rot, and an assessment of the roof's condition including tiles, slates, flashing, and chimneys. Our inspectors also examine the property's services, including electrics, plumbing, and heating, noting any works that do not meet current regulations. We specifically check the condition of consumer units, the presence of earthing, and the type of wiring visible in accessible areas.

• Wall condition and structural movement
• Roof, chimneys, and rainwater goods
• Damp and timber inspection
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Grounds and drainage

The geology beneath Sheldwich creates specific considerations for property buyers. The local clay soils are prone to shrink-swell movement, which can cause subsidence or heave in properties with shallow foundations, particularly those with mature trees nearby. Our surveyors assess the grounds for signs of past or present movement and will recommend further investigation if necessary. We look for characteristic cracking patterns, doors that don't close properly, and floors that have settled unevenly over time.

Properties within the Sheldwich Conservation Area, which encompasses the historic core around St James's Church and Sheldwich Court, often require additional scrutiny. These older buildings may have hidden defects that are not immediately apparent, and any alterations over the years may not meet current building regulations. Our inspectors are experienced in identifying issues specific to period properties and listed buildings. We understand that work carried out decades ago may not have required the same building regulations approval as today, and we flag these accordingly in our reports.

Surface water flooding can affect certain areas of Sheldwich, particularly in low-lying spots or where drainage infrastructure is insufficient after heavy rainfall. While the village generally has low risk from river or coastal flooding due to its elevated position in the Kent Downs, our survey notes any areas of concern and checks the property's drainage systems. We examine gutters, downspouts, and any land drainage that may be present around the property boundaries.

The proximity to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means many properties enjoy rural views but may also be affected by agricultural activities or have boundaries that adjoin farmland. Our inspection includes an assessment of any potential issues arising from the property's rural setting, including boundary wall conditions and access rights to agricultural land where applicable.

• Clay soil subsidence risk
• Conservation Area considerations
• Surface water flood risk
• Period property defects
• Listed building compliance

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the Sheldwich area, several recurring issues emerge that our Level 2 Survey is designed to identify. Rising damp is common in older properties with solid walls, particularly where original damp proof courses have failed or were never installed. This is especially prevalent in cottages along the village lanes where the external ground levels have risen over decades of maintenance and road resurfacing. Our moisture meters help us identify the extent of any damp penetration and determine whether remedial work is required.

Penetrating damp can affect walls exposed to prevailing winds, especially where pointing has deteriorated over time. The traditional lime mortar pointing used in older Sheldwich properties is particularly vulnerable to weathering in our Kent climate. Properties with west and south-west facing walls often show the most wear, and our surveyors check these elevations carefully during every inspection. We also examine render finishes, which can trap moisture if they have cracked or become detached from the underlying wall structure.

Roof deterioration is frequently identified in Sheldwich homes, given the age of much of the housing stock. We regularly find damaged or slipped tiles, deteriorated lead flashing around chimneys, and rotting timber in roof spaces. These issues can lead to water ingress and significant repair costs if not addressed promptly. Many properties in the village have original clay tile or slate roofs that are now approaching or exceeding their expected lifespan, and our survey highlights any deterioration that requires attention.

Many properties in Sheldwich still have original electrical wiring and plumbing systems that date from the mid-20th century or earlier. These systems often fail to meet current regulations and can pose safety risks. We see dated consumer units without RCD protection, older rubber-insulated cabling, and galvanised steel or lead water pipes that should be replaced. Our survey highlights these concerns and recommends that qualified electricians and plumbers conduct further inspection and upgrading works before you complete your purchase.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and flashing failures
• Outdated electrical systems
• Original plumbing and heating
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Poor insulation in solid walls