Inspection - Hazards & Risks & Defects

Question 1

What is the difference between hazard and risk?

Answer 1

• Hazard poses imminent danger
• Risk is identifying something that could potentially become a hazard

Question 2

What is the difference between a deleterious material and a hazardous material?

Answer 2

• Deleterious materials are those that can cause harm or damage to a building
• Hazardous materials pose a risk to human health or the environment.

Question 3

What is a deleterious material?

Answer 3

• Degrade with age causing structural problems
• Cladding
• High alumina cement

Question 4

What is your understanding of RAAC?

Answer 4

• Used during construction between 1950s-1980s
• Aerated structure planks, which can water can easily penetrate and weaken.
• Once wet, the planks can sag and bend
• The steel reinforcements don’t extend far enough to hold the weight

Question 5

Can you give me an example of hazardous materials?

Answer 5

• Asbestos – the control of asbestos regulations 2012
• RAAC – reinforced autoclad aerated concrete

Question 6

What do you do if you identify asbestos during your inspection?

Answer 6

• Do not disturb it
• Take pictures
• Assess risk level
• Ask a contractor to attend
• Ensure to note on your report
• Advise the client

Question 7

What are standard building defects?

Answer 7

• Dry rot
• Wet rot
• Subsidence
• Heave
• Dampness
• Condensation

Question 8

What are the main causes of Damp?

Answer 8

• Rising Damp – 1.5m high
• Penetrating damp
• Condensation
• Leaks

Question 9

How would you identify the cause of the damp?

Answer 9

• Look for more obvious signs
• Consult builder
• Consult building surveyor.
• Causes can be identified by examining external and internal factors, such as plumbing leaks, poor ventilation, and defective rainwater goods.

Question 10

What is the difference between inherent and latent defect

Answer 10

• Inherent defect is a defect that has come from the design stage of the building
• Latent defect is a defect that has been in place but not always an issue

Question 11

What environmental factors can cause damage to properties?

Answer 11

• Japanese knotweed
• Giant Hogweed

Question 12

What are the indicators of a contaminated site?

Answer 12

• Dead grass or trees
• Muddy/dirty water
• Dead wildlife

Question 13

Why is Japanese knotweed problematic?

Answer 13

• Hard to control
• Damage surfaces and building structure, foundations and drainage
• Costly to get rid of

Question 14

How do you identify Japanese Knotweed?

Answer 14

• Japanese Knotweed has bamboo-like stems, large heart-shaped leaves, and produces clusters of white flowers during late summer and early autumn.

Question 15

What does the RICS say about Japanese Knotweed?

Answer 15

• See - Japanese Knotweed and Residential Property guidance note
• See - Downing v Henderson and Davies v Bridgend CBC