Inspection Flashcards
What do you need to consider before going to site to carry out an inspection?
- Competent to carry out the inspection.
- Adequate insurance to cover the inspection.
- Check the lease for any details relevant to the inspection.
- Carry out a risk assessment on the logistics such as access and lone working.
- Ensure PPE and equipment is ready for the purpose of the inspection.
How do you undertake an inspection once you have arrived on site?
- Always undertake a dynamic risk assessment.
- I would begin the inspection from the roof downwards.
- I would walk around the exterior to get my bearings and obtain an initial understanding of key factors such as the age of the property, any defects, the construction of the build.
- I would then inspect internally making notes on any alterations, defects, specification and layout specific to the inspection purpose.
What are the three kinds of damp?
Rising Damp
Penetrating Damp
Condensation
How do you identify Rising Damp and how do you fix this?
Identified by high tide marks, peeling and blistering of wall finishes, rotting timber etc. You can also measure the moisture levels with the appropriate tools.
Usually caused by a lack/damage of the damp proof course.
What parts of the RICS Global Standards (Red Book) cover inspections?
VPS 2 sets out the mandatory requirements for inspection.
VPGA 8 sets out further guidance including an inspection checklist listing value significant factors such as location, dimension, access, site coverage, construction, age etc.
What are the four stages of inspection?
- Desk Research and Due Diligence.
- Locality.
- External.
- Internal.
How can you identify a solid wall from a cavity wall?
A solid wall is made up of header and stretcher bricks known as a Flemish Bond.
A cavity wall is usually two layers of stretcher bricks tied together with metal ties.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is white powder marks on brick elevations when water reacts with the natural salts to deposit the salt on the surface of the wall.
What is an example of a hazardous material?
A hazardous material is harmful to human health or life. An example of this includes asbestos, lead piping/paint, and radon gas.
What is an example of a deleterious material?
Deleterious materials are detrimental to the property structure. A recent example of this is Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Cement (RAAC) which is a form of lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s.
It was in the news recently due to research being undertaken about the use of RAAC in schools which resulted in many being closed or partially closed as it was considered dangerous.
What is a Grade A office specification?
Maximised daylight opportunity, full access raised floors, suspended ceilings, air conditioning and double-glazed windows, accessible lifts, cycle storage, showers.
