Inspection Flashcards
Level 1 - 3
What do you need to consider before going to site to carry out an inspection?
Am I competent to undertake the inspection, am I properly insured, has an agreement been
signed, what are the risks involved, what kind of survey is it, review all relevant existing
building information, leases.
What kinds of risks do you consider?
Lone working
Asbestos
Accessing roofs and roof spaces at height
Hazards associated with derelict/empty properties
Confined spaces
How might you inspect a cavity within an external cavity wall?
Boroscope
Are there any RICS guidance notes or other documents you may review when undertaking different inspections?
RICS Surveying Safely
Covid-19 Guide to Surveying
Professional Statement on Homebuyers Reports
RICS Guidance note on surveying residential properties
How might you assess a concrete defect?
Visual Inspection
Carbonation testing
Hammer test
What is the RICS home survey standard?
he RICS Home Survey Standard is a set of mandatory requirements for RICS members and regulated firms conducting residential property surveys in the UK. It aims to ensure consistency, transparency, and competency in surveying practices, protecting consumers and improving the property market.
What equipment may you take on site to aid an inspection?
Borescope
Protimeter
Torch
Speedy carbide test.
Disto.
Measuring tape.
Camera
Phone
Portable charger.
What is a hazard?
Something with the potential to cause harm to someone. The harm could be an injury or ill health.
What is a risk?
A combination of the likelihood of the harm being realized and the severity of the harm if realised.
What is a Reinstatement cost assessment
If damage is done to the building the cost of knocking it down and rebuilding it (Net rebuild costs) includes; demolition and debris removal, rebuild costs, professional and statutory fees, additional costs to comply with current regs, any tenant alterations, external works e.g. utilities supply
What is Site clearance, debris removal and ‘making safe’ reinstatement assessment
Site clearance, debris removal and ‘making safe’ costs only - Buildings due for demolition, if damage occurs it can be brought forward. If demolition costs increase due to damage it is to be made safe.
How would you identify Japanese knotweed ?
Shield or heart flat shape leaf
Small red/purple spears
Leaves on zig zag stems
What is the safe person concept?
The person assumes personal responsibility for their own and colleagues and others health and safety while at work. This is contained within the RICS Surveying Safely Document.
What is a latent defect?
Something that could not have been discovered by a reasonable inspection
What is a patent defect?
Patent defects are those which can be discovered by reasonable inspection
How can you tell if timbers have been structurally affected by fire?
I am not a qualified engineer to determine if the sound timber that remains is suitable.
What does reinstatement cost assessment report includes;
Description of the property
Specific exclusions
Reinstatement costs
Reinstatement period
Elemental break down includes; element, description, rate, IPMS 2, Cost & Notes
How would you undertake an inspection?
Walk the building to get a feeling for the property
I start externally working from top down
I then survey internally on a top basis
I like to break the property down elementally to ensure no areas are missed
What kind of risks do you consider?
Lone working
Asbestos
Working at height
Hazards working in empty properties
Confined spaces
Are you aware of any legislation or guidance surrounding the use of drones?
Yes, the:
RICS insight paper on drones for commercial use.
Data Protection Act 2018
Air Navigation Order
Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990
When would you need to register a drone?
All drones with a camera are required to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority, even if under 250g
What is the gross internal floor area according to IPMS2?
Under IPMS2 this is the internal area measured to the internal dominant face of the property.
What is the internal dominant face under IPMS?
The internal dominant face is the face of the interior of a property which makes up greater than 50% of the wall area. In most cases this is usually the wall linings i.e. plasterboard.
