RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Farningham

We carry out a detailed visual inspection of all accessible parts of a Farningham property. That covers walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, along with the roof space, where safe and accessible, damp proofing, and the condition of any extensions or alterations. Our surveyors check the building’s structure for movement, cracking and other structural concerns that may point to underlying problems. Every inspection is completed in line with RICS guidance for Level 2 surveys, so our approach stays consistent and thorough across all properties we survey.

Many homes in Farningham date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, especially around High Street and Church Road. Those older buildings often come with their own set of challenges, from ageing roof structures to original timber frames that may need specialist attention. We know the tell-tale signs in period homes and regularly pick up issues that are easy to miss without experience. Historic repairs, alterations without proper building control approval, and wear to original features that call for ongoing maintenance are all things we commonly see.

We also review the visible condition of key services, including plumbing, electrical installations, heating systems and drainage. We do not test them, but we do inspect what can be seen and record any obvious defects, wear or other areas of concern. In homes with older installations, which are fairly common in Farningham’s historic housing stock, that visual check can highlight possible safety issues that merit further investigation by qualified specialists. Before completion, we always advise buyers to obtain specialist certificates for electrical and gas installations.

Parts of Farningham are affected by local geological conditions, particularly near the River Darent valley. During the survey, we look at the grounds for potential concerns such as drainage problems, trees close to the building, and any visible signs of ground movement. Our surveyors are used to dealing with the clay soils found across Kent, and these can contribute to subsidence or movement where properties have shallow foundations, especially in periods of dry weather.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition assessment of roof, walls, and foundations
• Evaluation of damp proofing and ventilation
• Checking windows, doors, and joinery
• Assessment of building services
• Analysis of any extensions or alterations
• Ground and drainage assessment
• Market valuation and rebuild cost estimate

Our Level 2 survey report uses the RICS traffic light system to show the condition of each part of the property clearly. Green means no significant issues requiring attention, amber points to defects that need attention but are not immediately serious, and red marks conditions where urgent professional advice is needed. It is a simple way to help buyers work out what matters first after purchase. Each section receives its own rating, so the location of any issues is easy to see.

In Farningham, certain findings come up time and again. Roof coverings are a common one, especially on period homes with original slate or tile roofs, and we also often report the need for repointing to chimney stacks, replacement of ageing fascias and soffits, and upgrades to older electrical installations. Where a property has been extended over the years, we check whether those additions appear to have the necessary building control approval. We regularly come across extensions carried out without proper consent, and that can cause problems later on when the property is sold.

As well as the condition findings, the report includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate, both useful for mortgage purposes and for making sure buildings cover is adequate. Some parts of Farningham near watercourses can be affected by flood risk, and in those cases we include specific advice on the risk and possible mitigation measures. Every report ends with clear recommendations on whether further specialist investigations are needed. Any red-rated items should always be followed up with the appropriate specialists, and we say so plainly.

Not everyone deals with building construction or technical terms every day, so we write our reports in clear, jargon-free language. If anything in the report is unclear, our team will explain it. We want the information to feel usable, not obscure, and we want buyers to be able to make the right decision about a property purchase with confidence.