Buying a Home in Maidstone? Don’t Skip This Survey Checklist

Published on 29 July 2025 at 07:20

If you're buying a home in Maidstone, congratulations — you're looking in one of Kent's most desirable and well-connected areas. But before you commit, it's vital to protect your investment with a professional property survey.

 

At BuildPerception, we work with buyers across Maidstone to uncover issues before they become expensive surprises. Use this pre-purchase survey checklist to make sure your next move is the right one.

 

Why Get a Survey in Maidstone?

 

Maidstone offers a rich mix of property types — from Victorian terraces and 1930s semis to new builds and countryside cottages. But even well-maintained homes can hide serious issues, such as:

 

Damp and timber decay

Roof defects

Subsidence (especially on clay soil)

Dodgy extensions without building control

Poor insulation or ventilation

 

A survey by an RICS-registered surveyor in Maidstone helps you uncover these risks early and potentially renegotiate your offer.

 

Your Essential House Survey Checklist (Maidstone Edition)

 

Here’s what to review — and what your surveyor will help you assess:

 

1. Roof Condition

 

 Look for slipped tiles, sagging rooflines, or blocked gutters

Surveyor checks flashing, felt lining, and potential leaks in loft spaces

 

2. Damp and Moisture

 

Common in older homes near the River Medway or poorly ventilated semis

Survey will include damp readings and identify any rising or penetrating damp

 

3. Cracks in Walls or Floors

 

Surveyor will check for structural movement or signs of subsidence

Look out for diagonal cracks around windows and doors

 

4. Extensions or Loft Conversions

 

Were they built with planning permission and signed off by building control?

Surveyors review construction quality, fire safety, and compliance

 

5. Windows and Doors

 

Timber windows may show signs of rot; uPVC can warp or lose seal integrity

Surveyor checks for ventilation, insulation, and ease of use

 

6. Plumbing & Heating

 

Look for signs of leaks or corrosion

Survey won’t test systems but can flag obvious issues (like aging boilers)

 

7. Insulation & Energy Efficiency

 

Especially important in Maidstone’s older housing stock

Surveyor will report on loft insulation, window glazing, and heat retention

 

8. Localised Risks (Kent Specific)

 

Flood risk near Medway tributaries

Clay soil shrink-swell risk in areas like Bearsted and Allington

Radon potential in specific rural pockets

 

What Type of Survey Do You Need?

 

Buying a newer flat or newer house? → Homebuyer Report (Level 2)

Buying an older, extended, or non-standard home? → Full Building Survey (Level 3)

 

Our team can advise based on the property’s age, location, and condition.

 

Pro Tip: Don’t Rely on Your Mortgage Valuation

 

A lender’s valuation is for their benefit — not yours. It won’t tell you about structural problems, damp, or defects. Only an independent RICS survey gives you the insights you need to buy with confidence.

 

Book a Local Surveyor in Maidstone

 

Whether you’re buying in Loose, Allington, Tovil or Penenden Heath, BuildPerception has Maidstone covered. We provide:

 

Fast, detailed RICS surveys

Clear reports with photos and plain-English advice

Local knowledge of Maidstone’s housing stock

Competitive prices and friendly support

 

πŸ“ž Call us now on 01304 852445

πŸ’¬ Or request a quick quote https://www.buildperception.com/instant-quote

πŸ“§ Email us at alan@buildperception.com— we’ll reply within 24 hours.

 

Don’t skip your survey — book with BuildPerception and buy smart in Maidstone

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