Inspection Flashcards
Briefly explain the construction of a recent building you have inspected
Lewisham Gateway
Recently completed
Mixed use scheme
Reinforced concrete frame
Outer walls finished in brickwork and cladding panels
Flat roofs generally encompassing roof terraces in places
Balvonies throught’ retainef by Freholder
Commericai units on ground floor
Site office retained in private section
What is the size of a brick?
215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm.
How do you take good inspection notes when on site?
To take good inspection notes, be systematic, use a checklist, record details clearly and concisely, use sketches or diagrams when necessary, take photographs for reference, and note any limitations or assumptions.
What building characteristics do you look for when inspecting a property?
Key characteristics include
structural integrity,
condition of building components,
signs of dampness or water ingress,
energy efficiency,
compliance
building regulations and safety standards.
What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right granted by a property owner to another party to use a portion of their land for a specific purpose, such as access or utility services.
How can you tell if a wall is of solid or cavity construction?
Observe the wall’s thickness, brickwork pattern, or the presence of weep holes or cavity wall ties to determine if it is solid or cavity construction.
Where does surface water drain into?
Surface water typically drains into the ground, soakaways, or a separate sewer system.
How does surface water drainage compare to foul water?
Foul water, which contains sewage, is typically collected and transported through a separate sewer system to a wastewater treatment facility.
What is a deleterious/hazardous material?
Deleterious materials are those that can cause harm or damage to a building, while hazardous materials pose a risk to human health or the environment.
Give an example of each (hazardous and deleterious materials)
A deleterious material example is high-alumina cement, which can cause structural issues.
A hazardous material example is asbestos, which can cause serious health problems if disturbed.
What do dry and wet rot look like?
Dry rot - brittle, dry, and cracked wood with a distinctive musty smell.
Wet rot - soft, spongy wood with a damp, earthy smell, often accompanied by fungal growth.
What is rising damp?
Rising damp is the upward movement of moisture through a building’s walls and floors due to capillary action, often causing visible dampness, salt deposits, and damage to wall finishes.
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant species known for its rapid growth and ability to cause damage to building structures, foundations, and drainage systems.
How would you identify it? (knotweed)
Japanese Knotweed has bamboo-like stems, large heart-shaped leaves, and produces clusters of white flowers during late summer and early autumn.
What does the RICS say about Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed and Residential Property guidance note
When was the latest RICS guidance relating to Japanese Knotweed published?
The latest RICS guidance on Japanese Knotweed was published in 2012.
What are the key principles mentioned in this Guidance Note (Knotweed)?
awareness of the plant,
early identification,
assessing the risk,
implementing appropriate treatment and management plans.
What does the law say about Japanese Knotweed?
The law requires property owners to prevent Japanese Knotweed from spreading to neighboring properties and to properly dispose of any waste containing the plant, as it is classified as controlled waste.
What are your duties in relation to Japanese Knotweed?
As a surveyor, your duties include identifying the presence of Japanese Knotweed, assessing its impact on the property, advising clients on appropriate treatment and management, and staying up-to-date with relevant laws and guidance.
How can you treat Japanese Knotweed?
Treatment options include chemical herbicides, excavation and removal, or using physical barriers to prevent its spread.
Always seek specialist support
What is the worst-case scenario for Japanese Knotweed damage?
The worst-case scenario could involve extensive structural damage, costly eradication and repair, reduced property value, and potential legal liabilities.
What precedent was set in the Downing v Henderson and Davies v Bridgend CBC cases?
These cases established that property owners can be held liable for damages caused by the spread of Japanese Knotweed from their property to neighboring properties.
Can you tell me about any RICS guidance on contamination or environmental risk?
“Contaminated Land Practice Note.”
What is the general principle relating to contamination?
The general principle is that property owners, developers, and professionals should identify, assess, and manage potential contamination risks to protect human health and the environment.
What signs would indicate that a site is contaminated?
discolored soil,
unusual odors,
stressed vegetation,
evidence of previous industrial use,
What signs would indicate that a site is contaminated?
discolored soil,
unusual odors,
stressed vegetation,
evidence of previous industrial
presence of hazardous materials.
What do you understand by Government guidance, Land Contamination: Risk Management (LCRM)?
LCRM is a guidance document that outlines the framework for assessing and managing the risks associated with land contamination in order to protect human health and the environment.
Who published the LCRM?
LCRM was published by the UK Government’s Environment Agency.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed development or project, considering both positive and negative impacts.
Why and when would you need one? (EIA)
An EIA is required for certain types of development projects that have the potential to cause significant environmental effects, as mandated by planning regulations.
What is radon?
Where is radon typically found?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground and accumulate, posing health risks when inhaled.
Radon is typically found in areas with certain types of soil and rock formations, such as granite and limestone.
How can you reduce radon risk?
Radon risks can be reduced by increasing ventilation, sealing gaps in floors and walls, or installing radon mitigation systems.
Tell me about your understanding of structural movement.
Structural movement refers to the shifting, settling, or movement of a building’s components or foundations, which can result from various factors such as ground conditions, temperature changes, or loads placed on the structure.
What is subsidence/heave?
Subsidence is the downward movement of a building’s foundations due to changes in the underlying soil, while heave is the upward movement caused by the expansion of the soil.
Tell me about any risks relating to air conditioning.
Risks associated with air conditioning include energy inefficiency, poor indoor air quality, potential refrigerant leaks, and the spread of contaminants or pathogens through ventilation systems.
Explain the potential implications of the Hart v Large case.
The Hart v Large case established that surveyors owe a duty of care to advise homebuyers on the potential risks and costs associated with repairing or rectifying defects in a property, including those that may not be immediately apparent during the inspection.
