RICS Level 2 Survey in TN19

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the condition of the walls, roof, foundations, damp course, windows, doors, and interior finishes, documenting any defects or areas requiring attention. The survey follows RICS guidelines and produces a detailed report typically delivered within 3-5 working days of the inspection. We believe that a thorough survey gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing exactly what you are taking on.

Given the prevalence of period properties in TN19, our surveyors pay particular attention to the unique characteristics of older homes. Many properties in this area feature traditional construction methods, including weatherboarded finishes, original brickwork, and historic features such as Oast Houses that have been converted into residential dwellings. Our inspectors understand how to assess these traditional buildings and can identify issues that may not be apparent to an untrained eye. We have found that converted agricultural buildings often present challenges that differ significantly from standard residential construction.

The Level 2 survey includes a thorough evaluation of the property's structural integrity, checking for signs of movement, subsidence, damp penetration, or timber defects that commonly affect older properties. Our inspectors use their expertise to distinguish between minor cosmetic defects and serious structural issues that could affect the value or safety of the property. In our experience, properties built before 1919 often require careful assessment of their timber-framed construction and any subsequent alterations that may have been made over the decades. We have encountered numerous cases where seemingly minor defects were indicators of more significant underlying problems.

We also assess the condition of key building services including plumbing, electrical wiring, heating systems, and drainage. While we do not carry out invasive testing, our visual inspection can identify obvious defects, outdated installations, or areas that would benefit from further specialist investigation by qualified tradespersons. Many period properties in the TN19 area still have their original wiring or heating systems that may not meet current regulations, and we flag these issues clearly in our reports so you can budget for necessary upgrades.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and chimneys
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp course and damp proofing
• Internal finishes and fittings
• Plumbing and drainage
• Electrical consumer unit
• Heating systems

The TN19 area, particularly around Burwash and Etchingham, boasts a distinctive character defined by its period properties and rural setting. The village of Burwash itself features a designated conservation area encompassing its historic High Street, church, and surrounding countryside, meaning many properties here are subject to specific planning constraints designed to preserve their historic character. When purchasing in a conservation area, it is important to understand that certain alterations that might be permitted elsewhere will require planning permission, and our surveyors can advise on features that may be affected by these restrictions.

Properties in this area frequently feature traditional building materials including weatherboard cladding, local brickwork, and clay tile roofs that reflect the agricultural heritage of the region. The presence of converted Oast Houses, which were historically used for hop drying, adds unique architectural interest to the local housing stock. These converted buildings often require specialist assessment due to their non-standard construction, and our surveyors have specific experience in identifying issues common to these conversions such as ring beam defects, insulation problems in curved walls, and the condition of original brickwork that may have been repurposed.

Our inspectors regularly encounter properties with original features such as sash windows, exposed beam ceilings, and inglenook fireplaces that form part of the area's charm but also require ongoing maintenance. Understanding the condition of these features is crucial for budgeting for future repairs and maintenance, particularly for properties that may have seen limited investment in recent years. We have found that many period properties in TN19 have not had their windows repainted or their roofs re-tiled for decades, and our reports clearly identify the maintenance burden you will inherit.

The age profile of properties in TN19 means that many homes will fall into the category where a RICS Level 2 survey provides the most appropriate level of investigation. Properties dating from the 16th century through to the Edwardian period represent a significant proportion of the housing stock, and while they may not require the most intensive Level 3 Building Survey, they do need careful assessment by surveyors who understand traditional construction. Our team has inspected properties across all age ranges in this area and knows what to look for regardless of when the property was built.

• High proportion of period properties pre-1919
• Conservation area restrictions in Burwash
• Grade II listed building considerations
• Traditional construction methods
• Weatherboard and brick facade variations
• Historic roofing materials (clay tiles, slate)