01 General Inspection Questions

Question 1

What is the purpose of a survey?

Answer 1

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Question 2

What equipment might you use when carrying out a survey?

Answer 2

1. PPE
2. Pad and pen (or tablet computer)
3. Disto
4. Tape measure
5. Camera
6. Binoculars
7. Ladder
8. Crack gauge

Question 3

How would you go about carrying out a survey in situ and in what order would you look at the elements of the building?

Answer 3

1. Methodically approach, usually start at the top and work down
2. External elevations first, then inspect internally
3. Progress around the building, assessing all elements in each room individually
4. Elements include ceiling, walls, floor, doors, fixtures/fittings, decorations
5. What to assess depends on the type of survey being undertaken and any specific instructions from the client

Question 4

How would you go about carrying out a survey of a flat roof?

Answer 4

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Question 5

How would you go about carrying out a survey to a loft space?

Answer 5

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Question 6

What limitations might there be during a survey?

Answer 6

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Question 7

What is the meaning of the term ‘due diligence’ in relation to surveys?

Answer 7

1. The level of judgement, care, prudence, determination and activity that a person would reasonably be expected to exercise under particular circumstances
2. Therefore, a due diligent investigation is a reasonable method of uncovering all facts that would be of material interest to the client

Question 8

What is a surveyor’s duty of care when undertaking an inspection and what are the consequences for a breach?

Answer 8

1. Surveyor owes a duty of care to the client under the terms of engagement
2. The consequence for a breach in duty is that the surveyor could be sued under the contract or in negligence

Question 9

Does a surveyor owe a duty to any third-parties when undertaking a survey?

Answer 9

1. Surveyor may owe a common law duty to other parties, as the report prepared may be relied on by somebody else close to the contract
2. In order for such a duty to exist, the client/third party must show the surveyor should have reasonably foreseen that a person could have suffered damage as a result of the report and that the surveyor was aware the report was to be relied upon

Question 10

What would you do if you walked into a room during an inspection and suspected there was damaged asbestos present?

Answer 10

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Question 11

How would you prioritise the works you have recommended that a client needs to do?

Answer 11

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