RICS Level 2 Survey in Goodnestone

Properties in Goodnestone often bring their own set of age and build issues, and we see that regularly. Red and blue brickwork, flint and stone rubble, and white painted weatherboarding all suit the village well, but only if they have been looked after properly. Our Level 2 surveys look closely at these materials, picking out signs of neglected maintenance or problems that are starting to develop. Our Homemove surveyors know Kent well, so they understand how local geology and weather patterns can affect a house over time.

There are 73 listed buildings in Goodnestone parish, spread across three protection grades, which is a striking number for a small village. Among them are three Grade I buildings, including Goodnestone Park and the Church of the Holy Cross, as well as seven properties listed at Grade II*. In practical terms, that means many homes here are centuries old and built in traditional ways that differ sharply from modern construction. Our surveyors are used to assessing older buildings of this sort, so they know how historic materials behave and what kind of upkeep usually follows.

Many properties sit within the conservation area, so planning controls can limit what you are able to change after purchase. In Goodnestone, those restrictions matter, and they should be understood before you go any further. Our surveyors note any listing status and can talk through what it means for the way you want to use the property, so you know the responsibilities that come with a historic home in this Kentish village.

Age-related wear is something we often find in Goodnestone, and our surveyors know exactly where to look. Traditional brick and flint cottages and farmhouses can suffer mortar deterioration over time, leaving gaps that allow water in. Older houses also tend to have issues with rainwater goods, especially cast iron gutters and downpipes that have corroded or become clogged with moss and debris from the surrounding countryside. We examine those parts carefully.

Goodnestone’s oast houses are one of the area’s most distinctive property types, and they need a particular eye. Their curved walls and original timber frames can make inspection more involved than with a standard house. Our surveyors assess the structural integrity of these character buildings, checking for movement in the original framework and looking at whether the conversion work meets appropriate standards. As many oast houses in the area have been turned into homes, we also review whether the alterations have been done properly.

Damp is a common theme in surveys across Goodnestone, largely because so much of the housing stock is old. Rising damp can affect period properties, especially where solid walls are used instead of modern cavity wall construction. We look for damp staining, mould growth, and anything else that might allow moisture to spread. Ventilation gets checked too, since older homes were built around very different air exchange rates from those expected now. If we find a concern, it is clearly set out in your report, with a recommendation for specialist investigation where needed.

A RICS Level 2 Survey gives a detailed view of a property’s condition, but without the full structural engineering depth of a Level 3 inspection. For most conventional homes in Goodnestone, that is exactly the right fit. We inspect the roof structure, walls, floors, windows and doors, chimneys, and internal joinery. Where services are visible and accessible, we also look at heating, plumbing, and electrics, so you get a clear picture of the property’s current condition.

The report we prepare for your Goodnestone property is written to RICS standards, which keeps it clear and consistent. A traffic light rating system shows what needs attention, red for urgent matters, amber for items to deal with soon, and green for areas in satisfactory condition. That makes it straightforward to see the likely workload after you move in. We also include photographs of any defects, together with commentary on what each issue means for you as the prospective owner.

In Goodnestone, we pay close attention to the local building methods that shape each property. That might mean traditional brick and flint in an older cottage, or a newer home at a development such as Goodnestone Farmstead. Our surveyors know what these details should look like, and they flag any non-traditional features that could affect insurance or future resale value. The report sets out urgent repairs, suggests further specialist checks where required, and gives an overall view of the property’s condition relative to its age and type.