RICS Level 2 Survey in Snargate

Snargate lies in the distinctive Romney Marsh landscape, a low-lying area made up of alluvial deposits, silts, and clay soils. That geology brings its own problems for property owners. Clay soils shrink and swell, which can lead to subsidence or heave, especially where homes have shallow foundations. Our surveyors check for structural movement, cracking, and other signs that may point to ground instability. We know what to look for on this kind of ground, and we can pick up early warning signs that less experienced assessors may miss.

Because Snargate is so rural, many homes are likely to be over 50 years old and built using traditional methods that sit far outside modern building standards. You often find solid wall construction, local brickwork, and timber framing, all of which call for specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our inspectors are used to historic construction techniques and can spot age-related deterioration that may not be obvious to an untrained eye. We understand how traditional Kentish buildings were put together, and we know the issues that tend to affect properties of this age and style.

Flood risk is a real concern for property in the Romney Marsh area. Extensive drainage systems and sea defences do offer protection, but surface water flooding and river flooding still remain possible. During the survey, we look at flood resilience, check for signs of previous flood damage, and explain mitigation measures. That information can be useful when negotiating a price or planning alterations. Our team can also look at steps previous owners may have taken to protect the home, and whether those measures appear to go far enough.

Every property in Snargate is detached, which means each home has more exposed structure than you would usually see in terraces or flats. There are larger roof areas, more external walls, and foundations carrying the full weight of the building without help from neighbouring properties. Our inspection goes over each exposed element, so defects affecting roofs, walls, foundations, and drainage systems are picked up before you commit to the purchase. That fuller approach reflects the extra responsibility that comes with owning a detached house.

• Subsidence and heave from clay soils
• Damp penetration in older constructions
• Roof condition and tile deterioration
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Flood risk assessment

Snargate properties often show the same recurring problems, and our surveyors come across them regularly. Damp is one of the most common, especially rising damp in older homes that do not have modern damp-proof courses. Penetrating damp can appear where pointing has broken down or flashings have failed, while condensation is often linked to poor ventilation. The solid wall construction common in older rural buildings is particularly prone to moisture penetration, especially where maintenance has been neglected.

Rural roofs frequently need attention. Tiles and slates can become brittle or work loose over time, while timber rafters and purlins may show decay where ventilation is poor. Our surveyors check roof spaces carefully, looking for daylight through the coverings, proper ventilation, and the condition of the supporting timbers. In the Romney Marsh area, we often find roofing materials have suffered from coastal weather exposure, which speeds up deterioration in tiles and pointing.

Older electrical systems often lag behind current regulations. We identify outdated consumer units, too few socket outlets, and wiring that does not meet modern standards. We cannot test the system, but we note visible defects and recommend further checks by qualified electricians. Plumbing in older homes may also include lead pipes or galvanised steel, which often need replacing. These issues are especially common where properties have not been updated for several decades.

Much of Romney Marsh sits on clay soils, and that can lead to movement where foundations are shallow. Trees planted too close to a house can make matters worse by drawing moisture from the ground, which may trigger subsidence or heave. Our surveyors look for cracking to walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors, all of which can point to foundation issues that need more investigation. Because of the geology here, we give foundations and any sign of past or current movement close attention.