Inspection Flashcards
What equipment incl testing equipment would you take to site?
disto, tape, camera, torch, mobile phone, moisture meter, PPE equipment.
what non-destructive survey techniques are you aware of?
Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) -
- Pinpoints leaks allowing targeted repairs rather than replacing the whole roof.
- A weak electrical field is created on the dampened surface and any current that ‘earths’ into the building changes the nature of the field locally.
- Wet or dry test.
- not effective on all constructions, it requires a compatible build-up and roofing me+B4mbrane to provide accurate results e.g. hot melt, asphalt and single ply membranes. it does not work with EDPM or any other conductive membrane.
Thermal Imaging Camera -
- infrared scanning measuring the heat being emitted.
- typically done during the early evening once the sun has begun to set.
- The roof surface must be dry and the roof system should have received substantial sunlight to allow the surface to heat up as much as possible. This allows the moisture trapped in the roof system to increase in temperature and create a temp difference that can be measured by the camera.
- Moisture laden materials below the roof surface retain heat longer than the areas of dry underlayment and decking. *The colour difference indicates the location of the leak.
Moisture mapping -
- gauges the thermalisation (slowing down of emitted neutrons to detect hydrogen and therefore, moisture content to a depth of 300mm and diameter of 250mm from the gauge base.
- However, requires initial core sample, as roofing materials also contain hydrogen to establish background reading.
What are the IPMS definitions?
IPMS 1, which equates closely to the former GEA
(gross external area).
• IPMS 2 – Office, which equates closely to the former
GIA (gross internal area).
• IPMS 2a – Residential, which equates closely to the
former GIA (gross internal area) and net sales area
(NSA).
• IPMS 3 – Office, which equates somewhat to the former NIA (net internal area).
• IPMS 3A – Residential, which equates somewhat to
the former GEA (gross external area).
• IPMS 3B – Residential, which equates somewhat to
the former GIA (gross internal area).
• IPMS 3C – Residential, which equates somewhat to
the former EFA (effective floor area).
Can you talk me through the methodology prior to undertaking the inspection at XXXX?
Following receipt of written confirmation of instruction to proceed, I issued C&W information request schedule (containing floor plans, O&Ms/H&S files, leases etc)
Review documentation prior to survey and carry out desktop
Undertake C&W H&S pre-inspection checklist
Checked in with building manager on-site on the day of the inspection
What was the approximate age of XXXXX? Say it was constructed within the last 5 years, would there be any mechanism of recourse the landlord could peruse in relation to the cladding defects? Review and claim on guarantees or warrantees if applicable.
.
Limitations with warrantees: often strict and regular planned maintenance needs to be undertaken otherwise the warrantee is void.
Warrantees should be insurance backed and cover materials and workmanship
What needs to be considered when accepting instruction
Competence
Conflicts of interest
Signed Terms of engagement which should outline the following
- Fee
- Details of surveyor undertaking instruction
- Timescales
- expenses and how they are calculated
- CHP
- Services to be provided and any associated limitations
What are the types of RICS homebuyers survey?
Level 1 - Less extensive * not include advice on such as repairs & ongoing maintenance. Level 2 * Visual - no testing Level 3 * For complex buildings
Do you know what a homebuyer survey is?
survey to find and document any problems in a property that could cause damage and need future repairs, such as damp or subsidence.
What is a PPM inspection?
An inspection to identify future maintenance requirements for a property and forecast the costs expected for the building.
What is a dilapidations inspection?
An inspection to identify breaches of lease due to the condition of a property
What is a schedule of condition?
An inspection to document the condition of a property at a given time. This can be for PW, lease agreements, before works start on site.
What is a RCA inspection?
An inspection to calculate the total cost to rebuild a property for insurance purposes.
What is a TDD inspection?
An inspection to document to the complete condition of a property and identify key issues that would be of interest to an investor.
Defect diagnosis inspection?
Understand an defect, understand its cause and hopefully propose a suitable remedy.
What does a desktop study include?
Reviewing all available plans, including drawings, lease documents, google and online information. Also speaking to site staff etc to understand any other information required.
How do you asses hazards?
Produce a risk assessment matrix, plotting severity vs risk.
High risks need to be eliminated
Reduced
Control measured implemented
What are the main points of surveying safely GN 2018
This guidance note sets out basic, good practice principles for the management of health and safety for RICS-regulated firms and RICS members.
- Assessing hazards
- Visiting sites and common hazards
- Fire safety
- Lone working guidance
What is C&W lone working policy?
Aviod where possible.
Inform someone of when and where you are going.
Update calender with location and time.
Bring fully charged mobile phone.
Inform somewhere when you are leaving site.
What equipment incl testing equipment would you take to site?
- disto
- tape
- camera
- torch
- mobile phone
- moisture meter
- PPE equipment.
Why are drone surveys good?
Can reach inaccessible areas without the need for road closured etc. Cost does vary but can be just as good as cherry pickers.
Limitations of drone survey?
Restricted by weather
Limited to where they can be flown, CAA approval required
Have you used a drone survey and why?
I used drone surveys when undertaking BPRA inspections . The drone was used to view inaccessible roof areas and high areas of elevations.
What is a thermography survey?
Using thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature differences in a building. Can locate leaks, holes in building fabric and also animals.
Pros and cons of thermal imaging?
Pros:
- Non intrusive
- relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Restricted to times of the day
- Works best in evening, not in winter
What are borescopes?
A borescope is a fibre-optic device that can be connected to a camera or video camera to record images. Drill holes in wall and inset camera.
Pros and cons with borescopes?
Pros
* Relatively non -destructive, only small hole required
Cons
- Video image is not guaranteed
- Materials in the way can affect the view the boroscopes get.
- Still have to drill a hole
what methodology to you typically take on an inspection.
I typically undertake a topdown and outside in approach.