Thinking of buying a property in Kent — especially an older or unique home? A RICS Building Survey (formerly known as a full structural survey) is the most comprehensive report you can get before committing to a purchase.
At BuildPerception, we conduct hundreds of Level 3 Building Surveys across Kent, helping buyers avoid nasty surprises and negotiate with confidence. If you’re not sure what’s included — or whether it’s worth it — this guide is for you.
What Is a RICS Building Survey?
A Building Survey (also called a Level 3 RICS Survey) is an in-depth inspection of a property’s structure, condition, and potential defects. It’s ideal for:
Older properties (typically pre-1900)
Non-standard constructions (timber frame, thatched roofs, etc.)
Homes with visible issues (cracks, damp, movement)
Buildings that have been **heavily altered or extended**
Properties you're planning to renovate
Unlike a basic Homebuyer Report, this survey leaves no stone unturned — perfect for Kent’s diverse property stock.
What Does a Building Survey Include?
Here’s what a Level 3 Building Survey from BuildPerception typically covers:
External Condition
Walls, brickwork, rendering
Roof tiles, chimney stacks, flashing
Windows and doors (including frames and seals)
Rainwater goods and drainage
Boundaries, fences, and external structures
Internal Structure
Floors, ceilings, walls, and partitions
Roof structure and loft space
Joinery and decorative finishes
Fireplaces and chimney breasts
Damp checks, mould, and moisture levels
Structural Movement
Signs of subsidence or settlement
Wall cracks (measured and analysed)
Door or floor misalignment
Recommendations for further investigation, if needed
Building Services (Visual Inspection Only)
Plumbing and pipework
Electrical fittings (switches, sockets)
Heating systems
Water pressure checks
While the survey doesn’t test the systems, we highlight any visible concerns and recommend specialist checks where needed.
Outbuildings & Grounds
Garages, sheds, and garden walls
Driveways and paving
Drainage issues and site access
Tree proximity and root damage risk
Advice and Recommendations
Cause of defects and severity
Guidance on repairs and maintenance
Suggested next steps (including specialist surveys if needed)
Optional cost estimates for repairs (available on request)
What’s NOT Included?
While a Building Survey is the most detailed option available, it doesn’t include:
Gas or electrics testing
Invasive inspections (lifting floors, drilling walls)
Legal or planning advice (though we can flag concerns)
Formal valuation (ask about this as an optional add-on)
We’ll always let you know what can’t be inspected — and why — clearly in your report.
Why It Matters in Kent
Kent has some unique property challenges that make a Building Survey even more valuable:
Clay soil subsidence in areas like Maidstone and Gravesend
Damp and timber decay in older homes in Canterbury or Whitstable
Non-standard builds in countryside villages and coastal towns
Unregulated extensions in commuter hubs like Ashford and Dartford
Our local knowledge allows us to assess these risks thoroughly — and explain what they mean for you as a buyer.
Example Summary (from a real Kent property)
Here’s a real example of a typical finding:
Property Type: Edwardian semi in Tonbridge
Key Issues Found:
Sagging roof due to timber decay
Penetrating damp in rear bedroom
Cracked rendering on side elevation
Loft insulation below standard
Recommendation: £15,000 in essential repairs needed within 12 months
This helped our client renegotiate their offer by £12,000 — more than covering the cost of the survey.
Ready to Book Your Survey?
At BuildPerception, we’re proud to deliver clear, jargon-free reports and fast, responsive service across Kent.
RICS-qualified, highly experienced
Reports within 1-2 working days
Expert support throughout the buying process
📞 Call us now on 01304852445
🔗 Or request a quote at www.buildingsurveyskent.co.uk
📧 Email us: alan@buildperception.com
Don’t buy blind — get the full picture with a professional Building Survey from BuildPerception
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