Inspection Flashcards
What do you do when you get back from inspection?
Scan my inspection notes, floor plans etc and save securely in the file. I usually work out floor areas as soon as I get back so that the property is still fresh in my mind and I do not miss anything.
What are the different types of asbestos?
White (most common), brown, blue (most deadly)
What does the asbestos look like?
A number of different types –
-can be in pipe insulation (looks like built up dust/fluffy),
-can be ceiling coating (swirly/bumpy design)
-can be in corrugated roofing sheets (cloudy grey colour)
How can you tell the difference between a solid and cavity wall?
Externally, a cavity wall will have a regular brick pattern (just stretchers, no headers). If internal you can measure the door head, cavity wall is thinner (150mm). Also, you can knock on it to see if hollow, check floor plans or go to upper or lower floors to see if wall continues.
What do you know about invasive species? What does Japanese Knotweed look like?
Invasive species grow very quickly, are costly to eradicate and need a specialist to remove. Japanese Knotweed can damage hard surfaces like tarmac and can grow up to 3m. It is identified as a green 20cm spade shaped leaf with a hollow purple stem.
What would you do if you saw Japanese knotweed on site?
Check if it had been registered and there was a removal plan kept on site. If not I would take pictures and inform the landowner so they could seek a specialist to remove, ensuring none got stuck to my shoes as letting it spread would be against the Wildlife and Countryside Act. I would value it deducting the removal costs (after seeking specialist to quote) or value with SA that it was not present. Williams v Network Rail 2018 – network rail ordered to pay damages + remove it as roots were on its land.
What are some factors that impact on the rental value of a retail unit?
-The pitch
-Frontage (is it double frontage or return frontage)
-The layout of the unit
-Whether it has ancillary space (on upper level or basement)
-The condition of the store
What would you have done if there were discrepancies between the floor plans and what you saw on site?
Draw a sketch of differing layout so you could take measurements. Take photos and make notes about the discrepancies. Inform the client and make investigations as to whether the tenant had permission for the changes (if structural)
When can you start to rentalise tenant improvements at renewal?
After 21 years
What is the difference between a valuation inspection and a letting inspection?
Valuation inspections are assessing the property at the time you saw it (the valuation date)
Letting inspections are more forward thinking as you are looking at its marketability and what could be improved in the future by the landlord to help attract potential tenants
What would you do if you noted something that could be a structural issue?
I would take pictures and recommend a structural survey to see the extent of the issue and any remedial work would be completed. For valuation – would include assumptions that there are no issues but reserve the right to change our valuation if survey comes back with issues/costs that need to be implemented into report.
How can you stop mould growing in the bathrooms?
Insulate the walls so it’s too warm to grow or ventilate it (open windows)
What could you recommend for the mould to be treated?
Get specialists in to treat the mould, cleaning it and re-painting – and ensure no further damage.
What legislation relates to stopping mould growing in a property?
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires that properties are free of hazards such as mould which make the dwelling not suitable for occupation
What causes damp in a property and what are the different types?
Moisture in the air causes damp. Examples include rising damp, damp due to burst pipes, condensation, penetrating damp and agent damp
How can you identify a town’s prime pitch?
Where there is heavy footfall, the best shops (multiple retailers and brands), near car parking, good transport links, on pedestrianised pitch, looking at vacancies
What would you expect in Grade A vs Grade B offices?
Grade A space will be brand new/newly redeveloped, have many amenities (fully equipped meeting/conference rooms, coffee shops, fitness facilities), heating/ventilation/air con facilities of the highest efficiency, higher ceiling, professionally managed, covered parking.
Grade B space has good infrastructure/amenities but was built years ago so may have outdated décor/design. HVAC and lift facilities that are functional but not top of line. Uncovered parking.
How would you date a building?
Ask client, review local planning portal, look at historic OS maps, look at architectural style
How do you get a DBS check?
I gained a basic DBS check via the Gov website.
What types of defects can you get in a building?
Movement: subsidence- vertical downward movement. Heave is expansion. Horizontal cracking occurs with new plasterboard. Thermal expansion can also cause cracks.
Damp: wet rot, dry rot, rising damp, condensation, damp by leaking plumbing.
Common buildings defects: period resi/ office/ shop- dry rot, wet rot, tile slippage, death watch beetle, water ingress. Modern industrial buildings- roof leaks, damaged cladding panels, cut edge corrosion, blocked valley gutters, water damage.
Tell me some problems relating to defects that might effect a private road?
Rights of access, service charge, repair and maintenance (who is liable?)
In regards to the Special Needs School, Canterbury, was there asbestos there, and if not, if there was want would you have done?
There was no asbestos. If there was. I would make sure I was safe. I would also make sure that the responsible person was taking the right steps. There are two options; Asbestos management or asbestos disposal
