RICS Level 2 Survey in TN15 8

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of a residential property. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's construction, condition, and any significant defects that might affect its value or safety. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, foundations, damp proofing, timber condition, and installed services, providing you with a clear red, amber, or green rating system that highlights areas of concern. This straightforward approach helps you understand exactly what you're buying without getting lost in technical jargon.

Properties in the TN15 8 area face several region-specific issues that our surveyors know to look for. The local geology around Borough Green and Platt contains clay deposits, which create shrink-swell risk that can lead to subsidence, particularly in properties with large trees nearby or those with shallow foundations. This is especially relevant for older properties in the area, some of which date back to the 16th century and may have less robust foundation designs than modern buildings. Our inspectors assess the visible signs of movement or cracking that could indicate foundation problems, and we know exactly what patterns to look for in properties built on the local clay soils.

The survey also evaluates the property's thermal efficiency and identifies areas where insulation may be inadequate. Many older properties in Kent were built before modern energy efficiency standards, and our reports highlight where improvements could reduce your energy bills and improve comfort. For properties in the various new developments in TN15 8, such as those at Water Tower Place or Millbourne Place, our surveyors can identify any snagging issues that may exist in recently constructed homes. We check everything from window seals to roof coverings, ensuring your new build meets expected standards.

Beyond the main structure, we also inspect garages, outbuildings, and boundary walls. Many properties in the TN15 8 area have large gardens and separate outbuildings that form part of the overall property value. Our survey covers these elements comprehensively, identifying any maintenance issues or structural concerns that might require attention. We also assess drainage and external areas, which is particularly important for properties with private septic systems or those in areas prone to surface water flooding.

• Walls and structural framework
• Roof, chimneys and flashings
• Damp proofing and dampness
• Timber floors and staircases
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Garages and outbuildings
• External areas and drainage

Our surveyors regularly identify several recurring issues when inspecting properties across Borough Green, Platt, and the surrounding TN15 8 villages. Dampness ranks among the most common problems, particularly in older properties built before modern damp-proof courses were standard. The traditional construction methods used in historic Borough Green buildings, including the 16th-century farmhouses that still exist today, often lack adequate cavity wall insulation or effective damp proofing, making them susceptible to rising damp and penetrating moisture. We frequently find evidence of damp in ground-floor walls and behind fitted furniture in properties that haven't been renovated in decades.

Roof problems represent another frequent finding in our TN15 8 surveys. Many properties in the area have aging roof coverings that show signs of wear, including cracked or missing tiles, deteriorating flashings around chimneys, and inadequate insulation. Properties built before the 1980s typically have significantly less insulation than modern standards recommend, and our reports flag where improvements could yield both financial and comfort benefits. We've inspected numerous properties along Borough Green Road and Maidstone Road where original roof coverings are now approaching the end of their service life.

The local clay soil presents a specific subsidence risk that our inspectors take seriously. Properties in TN15 8 with mature trees or those built on clay-heavy ground may show signs of foundation movement. We look for diagonal cracks around windows and doors, uneven floors, and doors that stick or don't close properly. These symptoms can indicate shrink-swell activity in the underlying clay, and our reports provide clear guidance on whether further investigation by a structural engineer is recommended. The clay deposits around Borough Green are particularly active during dry summers followed by wet winters, when the soil moisture content fluctuates significantly.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often require attention. Many homes in the TN15 8 area still have original wiring from the mid-20th century or earlier, which may not meet current safety regulations. Similarly, lead water pipes were common before 1969, and while not immediately dangerous, they represent an issue our surveyors document for your future planning. We also check for the presence of asbestos in properties built before 1999, which was commonly used in insulation boards, floor tiles, and roofing materials throughout the post-war period.

Windows and doors in period properties frequently show signs of wear and deterioration. Many original timber windows in Borough Green and Platt properties have rotten sections, failed double-glazing seals, or draughty frames. While single-glazed timber windows contribute to the character of older homes, they can significantly impact energy efficiency. Our surveys document the condition of all windows and doors, helping you plan for potential replacement or repair costs.