RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Guston

Our Level 3 Survey goes far beyond a basic visual inspection. Our inspectors systematically examine the property's structure, including walls, floors, roofs, and foundations. For Guston properties, this is particularly important given the variety of construction types found in the village, from older terraced homes on Folkestone Road to newer detached houses in recent developments. Each construction type presents different potential issues that require specific expertise to identify and assess properly.

The survey addresses all major building elements and identifies defects that could affect the property's value or require expensive repairs. Our inspectors assess the condition of the roof structure, examining rafters, joists, and roof covering materials for signs of deterioration, missing tiles, or structural movement. We examine walls for signs of movement or damp, paying particular attention to corner cracks, window lintels, and areas where extensions meet the original structure.

We check the condition of floors and staircases, assessing whether there is significant deflection, unevenness, or rot in timber floorboards. Our team evaluates the integrity of the property's load-bearing elements, including beams, columns, and load-bearing walls. We also examine the condition of doors and windows, checking that they open and close properly, assessing the condition of seals and handles, and identifying any draughty or poorly fitting units.

The report includes clear photographs showing specific defects, explains the likely cause of each issue, and provides prioritised recommendations for remedial work. We inspect built-in fixtures and fittings, assess any outbuildings or extensions, and evaluate boundaries and fencing. For properties near the coast, we pay special attention to signs of weathering and salt damage that can affect buildings in this part of Kent.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible
• Windows and doors
• Floors and ceilings
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Our inspectors have identified several recurring issues when surveying properties in Guston and the surrounding Dover area. Understanding these common problems helps you know what to expect from your Level 3 Survey and what questions to ask when viewing properties.

Roof problems are frequently encountered, particularly in older properties. Missing or slipped tiles, deteriorating ridge tiles, and damaged flashings around chimneys can allow water penetration that leads to damp and timber decay. Our inspectors thoroughly examine the roof space, checking the condition of rafters, purlins, and any structural modifications that may have been made.

Damp and moisture issues affect many properties in Kent, particularly those in coastal areas where salt-laden air can accelerate weathering. We use our expertise to identify both obvious signs of damp and more subtle indicators such as peeling paintwork, musty odours, and discoloured plaster. We assess the cause of any dampness found, whether it's rising damp, penetrating damp from defective rainwater goods, or condensation due to inadequate ventilation.

Structural movement and subsidence are concerns that our Level 3 Survey addresses in detail. We look for signs of movement such as diagonal cracks at corners, doors and windows that stick or don't close properly, and uneven floors. While some settlement is normal in older properties, our inspectors can identify concerning patterns that may indicate foundation issues requiring further investigation.

• Roof defects and missing tiles
• Damp and penetrating moisture
• Structural movement and cracks
• Defective windows and doors
• Rotten or damaged timber
• Faulty rainwater goods
• Chimney deterioration
• Outbuilding condition

Your Level 3 Survey report is structured to give you a complete picture of the property's condition. The report begins with a property summary, including details of the inspection date, property type, and age, followed by an overall condition rating that helps you understand the property's general state. This summary provides a quick reference point before you dive into the detailed findings.

The main body of the report details our findings for each area of the property, organised by element. For each defect identified, we provide a description, explain the likely cause, assess its significance, and recommend appropriate action. We use a traffic-light rating system to highlight issues requiring urgent attention versus those that are minor. Red indicates serious defects requiring immediate attention, amber highlights issues that should be addressed in the near future, and green denotes items that are in satisfactory condition.

For Guston properties near the coast, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of weathering, salt damage, and moisture penetration that can affect buildings in this part of Kent. We examine metalwork for corrosion, assess the condition of external render, and check timber for signs of rot. The report also includes a section on legal and regulatory considerations that may affect the property, including building regulations compliance and any planning permissions that may be relevant.

The final section of your report provides a summary of the most significant issues found, along with an indication of the urgency with which they should be addressed. We also provide guidance on what further investigations might be beneficial, such as a structural engineer's inspection for complex structural issues or a damp specialist survey for properties with significant moisture problems.

When you're investing over £300,000 in a property in Guston, you need a survey provider you can trust. Our RICS qualified inspectors bring years of experience in assessing properties throughout Kent, including the Dover area. We're not just checking boxes - we're providing you with the detailed information you need to make the right decision about your purchase.

We understand the local property market and the types of issues that commonly affect homes in Guston. This local knowledge, combined with our RICS training and expertise, means we can provide insights that generic survey providers simply cannot match. We've surveyed properties across the village, from terraced houses to detached family homes, and we know what to look for in each property type.

Our commitment to thorough, unbiased reporting means you'll receive an honest assessment of the property's condition. We don't exaggerate problems to create work for ourselves, but we also won't overlook serious issues that could cost you significantly down the line. The Level 3 Survey is designed to give you a complete picture, allowing you to proceed with your purchase with confidence or to negotiate based on accurate information.