Inspection Flashcards
What is the purpose of a property inspection?
To verify factual details, assess factors affecting value, ensure accurate property information, and inform valuation advice.
What RICS guidance covers safe inspection practices?
The RICS guidance note “Surveying Safely” (2nd edition), which outlines risk management before, during, and after inspections.
What pre-inspection preparation should you carry out?
Arrange access, review existing property information, plan inspection routes, and carry out a health and safety risk assessment.
How do you manage personal safety when inspecting properties?
Follow lone working policies, maintain regular contact with colleagues, plan visits carefully, and avoid unsafe environments.
Why is it important to record photographs and notes during inspections?
To evidence property condition, layout, and key features at the time of inspection, supporting future valuation or advice.
What would you typically take with you to an inspection?
Measuring equipment, PPE (e.g., hard hat, boots, high-vis), inspection notes or checklist, camera or phone for photographs, and access details.
When inspecting for valuation purposes, what key features should you assess?
Property layout, condition, size, specification, access, occupancy status, evidence of defects, and any restrictions on use.
What factors would indicate a property is incapable of beneficial occupation?
Severe structural issues, major health and safety risks, or properties undergoing redevelopment that prevent reasonable occupation.
What is beneficial occupation in the context of inspections?
Occupation that provides benefit or utility to the occupier, even if temporary or partial, unless prevented by physical or legal factors.
When inspecting advertising rights (Ad Rights), what information should you collect?
Location, size and type of display, number of advertising sheets, physical condition, and advertising agency where possible.
How should you assess the condition of comparables during an inspection?
View external and internal features where possible, note quality of fit-out, maintenance condition, and suitability for intended use.
When inspecting for Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) cases, what are you looking for?
Physical changes affecting the rating assessment, mergers or splits, changes of use, or condition issues impacting rateable value.
How would you inspect a multi-let industrial complex?
Plan the inspection to cover all units, check access arrangements, record unit sizes, condition, occupancy, and any shared areas.
If a ratepayer requests a reclassification of use (e.g., shop to storage), what would you look for during inspection?
Actual use of the space, physical characteristics, extent of any temporary changes, and planning permissions if applicable.
How do you distinguish between repair works and redevelopment during inspection?
Review the extent of works, planning consents, physical condition, and whether the works fundamentally alter the property’s character or use.
Why is planning status important when inspecting properties undergoing works?
Because planning permission affects whether a change constitutes redevelopment (potentially removing a property from rating) or is just repair.
What would you record when inspecting for a merger case?
Details of physical access between units, layout changes, occupancy status, and consistency of use across the merged spaces.
How do you handle inspections of properties you cannot fully access?
Record reasons for restricted access, use external inspection and best information available, and advise on limitations in any report.
What should you do if you discover significant defects during an inspection?
Note the defect, photograph where safe, assess its potential impact on value, and highlight it clearly in your valuation report or advice.
When inspecting for valuation under Red Book standards, how should you document the inspection?
Record the date, extent of inspection, observations, measurements taken, assumptions made, and any access restrictions clearly.
