RICS Level 2 Survey in Mersham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey in Mersham gives you a close inspection of the property's accessible areas, checking its overall condition and picking up any significant issues or defects. Carried out in line with RICS standards, it uses a clear red, amber, or green rating for each main element of the property, from the roof and walls through to the foundations and services. We visually inspect the principal structural parts, including the walls, floors, ceilings, roof space, damp course, and insulation. Our surveyors are trained to spot problems an untrained eye can miss, from slight signs of movement to early-stage rot in concealed timbers.

Because Gault Clay is the main geology in Mersham, we look very carefully for signs of subsidence, ground movement, or structural cracking that may point to foundation trouble. Local clay soil has shrink-swell potential, so homes with mature trees close by or shallow foundations can be more vulnerable to movement, especially in spells of very wet or very dry weather. Around each property, we check the ground conditions closely and look for past movement, including crack patterns, sticking doors, or uneven floors. Where something gives us concern, our report will set it out clearly and say whether a further specialist investigation is sensible before you commit to the purchase.

The Level 2 Survey also comes with a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate, both useful for mortgage purposes and for making sure your cover is adequate. If a property sits in a flood risk area near the Great Stour river, we note that and advise on any flood resilience measures that may be needed. We regularly inspect homes in the Mersham area and know the issues that often crop up here, from damp in older solid-wall buildings to roof wear on properties with original clay tiles. We inspect all accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where access is possible, the sub-floor void if accessible, and every external elevation.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp course and damp testing
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical services
• Insulation and ventilation
• External finishes and render
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

The spread of property ages in Mersham means we regularly see defects linked to different construction periods. In older homes built before 1919, which make up 16.5% of the housing stock, common problems include rising damp from failed or missing damp-proof courses, timber decay such as woodworm and wet or dry rot, and worn slate or clay tile roofs. These solid-walled buildings often miss out on modern insulation and can still have electrical wiring that falls short of current safety standards. Many period cottages in the village centre also retain historic lime mortar pointing, which may need repointing with suitable materials so moisture is not trapped in the walls.

Homes built between 1945 and 1980 account for 30.6% of properties in Mersham, and they often show a different set of issues. We commonly find cavity wall construction defects, including penetrating damp where the cavity has been bridged or where outer brickwork has become porous. Roof coverings on these houses are often nearing the end of their serviceable life, with concrete or clay tiles deteriorating and flashings failing. Mid-century render finishes can also crack and delaminate, particularly where render has been applied straight onto solid brickwork without enough key or breathability. We pay close attention to all of this during the survey and record any defects that need attention.

Even properties built after 1980, which represent 42.6% of the housing stock, can still have defects that a Level 2 Survey will pick up. These can include faults in modern timber frame construction, poor ventilation causing condensation damp, and problems with recently fitted windows or doors. We also look for signs of poor workmanship or corners cut during construction, both of which can affect long-term performance. With more new build development across the wider Ashford area, we are also seeing snagging issues such as badly sealed windows, too little insulation in roof spaces, and faults with newly installed rainwater goods.

Subsidence is a particular concern in Mersham because so much of the area sits on Gault Clay, especially where properties have shallow foundations or large trees nearby affecting soil moisture levels. We inspect walls closely for cracking that may suggest movement, test whether doors and windows open and close properly, and look for evidence of earlier foundation repairs. If potential subsidence is found, we will recommend an inspection by a structural engineer so the position can be assessed properly before you move ahead with the purchase.