Inspection Flashcards
What is included in a building survey report?
Executive summary Introduction Comments on as built information, Comments on the condition of the whole property – starting from the externals and then the internals. Exclusions of the survey, Conclusion.
What are the different types of surveys?
Condition survey, pre-acquisition survey, Building survey, schedule of condition, planned preventative maintenance.
What is the difference between a schedule of condition and condition survey?
A schedule of condition is used for legal reasons, like in Party Wall agreements and for appendix for leases. A factual record of condition of a property at a point in time. A condition survey reviews the condition of the entire property and records the condition of the elements and is given a rating on the condition as well as the urgency of the repair works.
What is the difference between a vendor survey and pre-acquisition survey?
A vendor survey is undertaken on behalf of a vendor to check the condition and appraise their existing building stock, whereas as a pre-acquisition uses the same approach on behalf of the purchaser to advise whether the purchase is viable for the client to make an acquisition.
What is a stock condition survey and when and how did you undertake this?
I undertook a stock condition survey of the Diocese of Westminster School. Using a piece of software called Statlog. The condition surveys aim was to identify any areas that required attention and they were graded from A-D in terms of condition and 1-3 dependent on the timescales required for repair. As a result, I was able to provide the client with reports on their existing stock so they could allocate money to the schools which require the capital investment. It differs from a building survey as we were not expected to comment on each element of the property that didn’t require repair.
What is the British Standard for inspecting listed buildings?
BS7913 – Guide to the conservation of Historic Buildings.
What are the RICS guidance documents for surveying buildings?
Surveying Safely 2018 – Lone working, visiting, general procurement of contractors. Surveying assets in the Built Environment. ‘Safer person’ concept.
What was the scope of the survey you completed at Bedford Retail Park?
It was a pre-acquisition survey. I reviewed the following documents, Location and site plans, lease documents and licence for alterations, CCTV surveys, asbestos surveys for each of the premises, planning applications, O&M Manuals for each of the buildings. I included commentary on each of the documents. It was on behalf of the purchaser of the retail park.
When completing the feasibility study for the single storey in Crawley, what factors did you consider? Was there problems with the foundations?
The feasibility study reviewed the roof, foundations, and internal wall options. The ground investigations had to be carried out to check the types of foundations that we likely to be required for the new extension. The roof had to be considered to ensure the connection with the existing building could be arranged. The internal walls were considered as the client requested that they wanted the best acoustic properties and robustness as a previous extension they have did not reduce sound transfer. The end user was also considered as part of the feasibility report. The report was costed by the QS on the project using similar past Final Accounts.
What tests did you carry out/instruct to identify the cause of water ingress?
I have used a flood test which was using a bung in a lead valley. My first identification procedure would be to use visual inspections both externally and internally to check the cause. Other leak tests include electronic leak detection where a weak electrical field is created on a dampened surface and any earths into the building changes the nature of the field locally and this helps pin point the penetration. Thermography is another form of leak detection.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, what would you do prior to completing a survey that you wouldn’t have done previously?
Ensure that social distancing could be applied. Appropriate PPE was warn including face masks. Check the latest Government Guidance. Check my own health prior to attending site and consider others.
How do you ensure evidence is recorded on projects when visiting a site?
Synergy have a proforma template which I take to every site inspection and fill out details such as attendance on site, weather conditions, the date and time, areas available to be inspection. Record details on progress as well as record any site specific instruction requested by the contractor or clarifications. This is then written up and published to the client to keep track of progress.
What building bulletin would you refer to if designing for disabled and/or special need children?
Building Bulletin 102
