Inspection Flashcards
Which types of inspections have you conducted on residential and commercial properties?
– Building surveys
– Handover inspections
– End of defect inspections
What specific information is required in delivering services like measured surveys, building surveys etc.?
– Accurate measurements of building
– Detailed floor plans
– Outline of structural issues or defects, condition of the property, age and construction details.
Can you elaborate on your understanding and application of the RICS guidance note titles ‘Building Surveys and Technical Due Dilagence’.
I am aware this guidance note has now been archived.
This document provided guidance on the methodology for conducting building surveys.
Including:
- Holistic view of the building’s condition
- Analysing and commenting on the nature of construction and materials used
- Identifying major and minor defects
- Providing well-informed and clear advice on necessary repairs and maintenance.
How do you prepare for an inspection? What does your desktop study entail?
I first conduct a desktop study to understand the property’s history, its construction, and use.
This can include reviewing previous reports and carrying out research on the local area, type of property, etc.
This pre-inspection work helps me know what to expect and look out for during the physical inspection.
Could you explain why it is important to do inspections in a methodical order?
Doing inspections in a methodical order is important to ensure no area or detail is overlooked.
This approach brings consistency, thoroughness, and efficiency to the inspection process.
Moreover, it aids in generating a coherent and logical report post-inspection.
What specific elements of a building or site do you aim to collate information on during an inspection?
During an inspection, I aim to collate information on all significant aspects of a building or site.
This typically includes the condition of the structure (both exterior and interior), roofs, floors, walls, stairs, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical and aspects of health and safety compliance.
Can you share more about how you go about taking notes, sketches and photographs during inspections?
During inspections, I take detailed notes of my observations, make sketches to help visualise and take photographs for evidence and further reference.
How do these notes, sketched and photographs aid you in your role?
The notes, sketches, and photographs are vital to create an accurate, detailed report of the inspection.
They provide a visual reference of the condition of the building at the time of inspection, including any defects or areas of concern.
They also serve as an important record for both the building owner and the inspector.
What is the role of a ‘handover inspection’ and an ‘end of defect inspection’ in your line of work?
‘Handover inspection’ is conducted when a completed construction project is being passed from the contractors to the owner, ensuring that all work meets the agreed specifications.
An ‘end of defect inspection’ is conducted after a specified number of months post construction, to identify and rectify any defects that have emerged.
Both are crucial in my line of work to ensure client satisfaction and building safety.
How does your pre-inspection study and on-site inspections help in schedules of condition?
Pre-inspection study and on-site inspections are crucial for schedules of condition as they provide a detailed ‘snapshot’ of the building’s condition at a particular point in time.
They highlight any pre-existing defects or issues which is useful for maintenance, lease negotiations or in case of any future legal disputes.
Victoria Road West, Cleveleys; what was the purpose of your inspeciton?
To accurately document the condition of the property before the lease agreement commences.
This involved inspecting the property in detail, taking note of any existing damages or issues, and documenting them.
Victoria Road West, Can you describe the systematic manner in which you carried out the inspection?
I began the inspection by examining the exterior of the unit, and then systematically moved to the interior sections.
I made detailed notes and took photographs of the condition at each area.
Victoria Road West; What was the outcome of your desktop study?
I reviewed the proposed tenancy documentation to confirm the extent of demise.
This ensured all demised areas were recorded within the schedule.
What is the significance of confirming the extent of demise?
Confirming the extent of demise is significant as it clarifies the portion of the property that the tenant has exclusive rights to under the terms of their lease.
Victoria Road West; What was the purpose of sketching a floor plan of the unit?
The purpose of sketching a floor plan of the unit was to provide a visual presentation of the structure and layout for reference in the report.
How is AutoCAD beneficial to your works in preparing a marked up drawing?
AutoCAD is beneficial in creating detailed and accurate drawings, it helps enhance the quality and clarity of the presentation in my report.
Victoria Road West: Was the marked-up drawing you prepared on Auto CAD included within the final report?
Yes, the marked-up drawing that I prepared on AutoCAD was included in the final report for reference purposes.
Victoria Road West:
What kind of information was presented in the report?
The reports and schedule contained detailed information about each part of the unit, and their respective condition at the time of inspection.
What preventative maintenance schedules have you undertaken?
Condition-based maintenance schedules, focusing on maintaining the building and ensuring optimal performance while reducing any chances of material failures.
PPM Racecourse: What kind of data were you required to collect during your inspections?
During inspections, I was required to collect various types of data including the condition of the buildings material, the lifespan of the materials, current performance, and any visible damage.
Racecourse PPM: Did you use a specific iPad application to record this information and if so, which one?
Yes, I used a specific iPad application for recording this information.
The application was called ‘Pocket Survey’.
How did you utilise the photographs taken from each racecourse?
I utilised the photographs to visually document the condition of each racecourse.
These photos helped to provide clear concise evidence when reporting issues and assisted when planning maintenance works.
PPM Racecourse: Was the data collection process spread over several days or done in one go?
The data collection process was spread over several days.
This approach was preferred to ensure a thorough and detailed inspection leaving no room for oversights.
PPM Racecourse: How did you use the collected data to compile the recommended work schedule?
I utilised the collected data to determine the priority of tasks.
The tasks were then scheduled based on their priority which ensured a proactive approach to maintenance and helped minimise disruption.
PPM Racecourse: What range of tasks were recommended in your works to be carried out?
The recommended tasks ranged from:
- Routine maintenance
- Repair works
- Replacement of deteriorated components.
PPM Racecourse: Was your schedule of works focused purely on the next five years or did it look beyond that timeframe?
The schedule of works was primarily focused on the next five years based on the client requirements and agreed scope of service.
This approach was adopted to manage both immediate and long-term requirements.
PPM Racecourse: What was the outcome, or benefits realised, from implementing your proposed schedule of recommended works?
Implementing the proposed schedule helped in maintaining the buildings at an optimal operational efficiency enhancing the safety of the racecourses, reducing chances of abrupt failure, and ultimately resulting in cost savings.
Pub Survey, Rochdale: What faults did you discover on the roof?
Detached pointing to the ridges and slipped slates.
Pub Survey, Rochdale: How were you able to conclude that there was no damp staining within the roof void?
I used a moisture meter to test various timbers within the roof void.
All readings were within normal range indicating no damp staining.
There were also no visible signs of damp staining to the first-floor ceilings.
Limitations were made clear in the report to the un-accessible areas within the roof void where defects could not be ruled out. (eaves /presence of stored goods)
Pub Survey, Rochdale: How did you report your findings to the client?
I compiled a detailed report outlining my findings and shared it with the client via email. I also offered to discuss it further during a follow-up meeting.
Pub survey, Rochdale: What did you advise your client on the potential consequences of ignoring the roofing defects?
Ignoring the roofing defects could lead to increased repair costs in the future and also potential health hazards due to mold growth from continued dampness.
What else did you identify on the pub survey in Rochdale?
The first floor living accommodations was generally in a poor condition.
To the ground floor there had been significant internal alterations which included the removal of internal walls. I checked these works had received building control sign off upon return to the office.
Pub survey, Rochdale: Which repairs did you suggest for identifying defects?
I suggested re fixing the slipped slates to prevent water ingress in the short term.
Re-bedding the ridge tiles.
Can you provide an estimated budget for the recommended repairs?
I would have to look this up in a costing manual such as BCIS or SPONS.
OneFylde portfolio; How often did you undertake inspections of the residential care homes?
I inspected one care home per week and issued the report the same week.
Onefylde portfolio; How did you measure the care homes during the inspections?
I used a combination of laser measure and a tape measure to take accurate measurements during my inspections.
PPM’s: What were the different types of building material you encountered during the inspections?
I encountered a variety of building materials including brick, concrete, timber and assumed asbestos.
One fylde PPM: Could you provide more details about the site notes you prepared? What information did they contain?
My site notes included details about the condition of the building including any visible defects, measurements, and maintenance needs.
One fylde PPM: what defects did you find and how did you record them?
Defects often included blocked rainwater goods, decayed timber fascia’s, water damage, or inoperable systems such as extract fans.
I recorded them with photographs and detailed descriptions in my site notes.
