RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Snargate, Folkestone

Our Level 3 survey is a close, room-by-room and element-by-element look at the parts of a property we can see and reach. In Snargate, where homes range from Victorian-era buildings to more recent construction, our surveyors focus on the building methods typical of this part of the region. We inspect walls, floors, ceilings, the roof structure, chimneys and foundations, flagging defects, explaining what is likely causing them, and setting out the likely cost of repairs. Our team also knows the traditional brick construction seen in Folkestone properties, and how local geology and the coastal climate can affect materials over time.

As part of the survey, we rate the property's condition using the RICS condition ratings system, from "new" to "poor." We look at services including plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and drainage, and note their condition along with any concerns. In Snargate, especially for homes nearer the coast, we also watch for weathering, salt damage and coastal erosion that could affect the building's long-term integrity. Marine conditions in this area often speed up the deterioration of external render, timber joinery and metal fixtures.

We set out our findings clearly, without burying you in jargon, and back them up with photographs and detailed descriptions. Urgent defects are easy to spot in the report, and we also point out issues that are not critical now but could turn into bigger problems later. The finished report includes an overall assessment of the property and a market valuation, so you can see how condition affects worth in the current Folkestone market. We explain everything in plain English before you commit to the purchase.

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Snargate covers all accessible areas, inside and out. Where needed, we use specialised equipment to check damp levels, inspect roof spaces with torch and ladder, and look behind fixtures where access allows. Every accessible part of the property is considered, so you get a full picture of its condition.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Chimneys and parapet walls
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber decay
• Services (gas, electric, water)
• External areas and boundaries

Because we survey across Snargate and the wider Folkestone area, we know the defects that come up time and again in local homes. A large share of the housing stock here is Victorian and Edwardian, and those properties often show ageing brickwork, failing mortar pointing and old damp issues treated with methods that are no longer considered acceptable. Traditional solid wall construction in these older homes also lacks modern cavity insulation, which can contribute to condensation and higher energy bills.

Coastal exposure shapes the condition of many Snargate properties, especially those nearer the seafront. Salt in the air can speed up weathering in external brickwork and render, while wind-driven rain often gets into poorly maintained pointing. We regularly see spalling brickwork caused by salt crystallisation eroding the face of the bricks, along with corroding wall ties in cavity wall construction. Our surveyors check these problems carefully, judge the extent of deterioration and recommend suitable repairs.

Timber decay is another issue we often find in Snargate, especially in older houses with original wooden windows, floor joists and roof structures. Wet rot and dry rot can take hold where damp persists, often because of defective gutters, leaking roofs or poor ventilation. During the inspection, we tap and probe accessible timber elements and use our experience to judge how far any decay has gone and how urgent the repairs are.

Over the years, many Snargate properties have picked up loft conversions, extensions and garage conversions. Some of that work will not have had proper building regulation approval, so our survey checks for signs of structural change that may need further investigation. We can advise on whether existing works appear compliant or whether regularisation may be needed.

Snargate properties reflect the construction periods and styles that have been common in Kent over the past 150 years. Most Victorian and Edwardian homes here were built with solid brick external walls, typically 9 inches thick, and lime-based mortars that are softer than modern cement mixes. That matters. Proper maintenance depends on understanding these traditional methods, because hard cement-based mortars used for repointing can damage historic brickwork by trapping moisture.

Traditional timber floor structures are common in many semi-detached and terraced houses in Snargate. Ground floors are often made up of joists carried on sleeper walls or brick piers, and the voids below can be vulnerable to damp and timber decay, particularly where ventilation is limited or leaks are present from plumbing or outside sources. Our surveyors inspect these sections carefully, often using purpose-made inspection hatches where they are available.

Roof construction varies across Snargate depending on the age and type of the property. Older homes usually have traditional cut roofs with rafters, purlins and ceiling joists, while some mid-twentieth century houses were built with prefabricated truss roofs. Coverings differ as well, with slate common on Victorian properties and concrete or clay tiles more usual on later builds. We inspect all accessible roof spaces and look for signs of stress, decay and previous alterations in the structure.

Our Level 3 Survey report is written to be practical and easy to act on. We use the RICS traffic light rating system so you can quickly see the condition of each element, green for satisfactory condition, amber for repairs needed and red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention. Every section explains what we found, what it means for the property and what we recommend as the next step. Most reports run to 20-40 pages or more, depending on the size and condition of the property.

In Snargate, our reports often draw attention to recurring local issues, including coastal weathering to external render, timber decay in older homes and signs of movement in properties affected by the local geology. We include estimated repair costs, although for any major work we always advise obtaining quotes from qualified contractors. The aim is simple, to give you enough information to move ahead with the purchase knowing the true condition of the property. We also rank issues by priority, so it is clear what needs immediate attention and what can be dealt with over time.

The report also contains a market valuation, giving you an independent view of what the property is worth in the current market. That can be particularly helpful in Snargate, where the range of property types and conditions can make pricing less straightforward. We explain the effect that condition has on market value, so you can judge whether the asking price is reasonable in light of any defects we have identified.

Serious issues do not always mean a purchase should stop, but they do change the conversation. If the survey reveals major problems, we can advise on the best next step, whether that means negotiating a price reduction, asking the seller to carry out repairs before completion, or, in some cases, reconsidering the purchase altogether. Our surveyors bring extensive experience of properties across Folkestone and Kent, and that local knowledge adds real value to every inspection. We are always available to discuss the findings and talk through your options.