Inspection Methodology

Question 1

How would you approach undertaking an inspection of an industrial unit?

Answer 1

Start outside, top down elemental breakdown of each elevations, looking at the roof and rainwater goods, the external envelope, windows and doors.

Internally I would pick up the roof, frame, external envelope, windows, doors and floor slab.

Question 2

What might you do prior to inspecting for a TDD?

Answer 2

Establish that no conflicts of interest exist

Undertake anti-money laundering checks

Confirm in writing:

• Services to be provided
• The contracting parties
• Limitation that apply to advice

Carry out a risk assessment including clarify known hazards with client.

Confirm standard terms of engagement

obtain drawings, HOTs, asbestos registers,.

Question 3

What might you do prior to inspecting for a Schedule of Condition?

Answer 3

obtain and review plans to determine how long the instruction will take to complete

ensure fee proposal returned and signed

undertaken risk assessment

Question 4

What might you do prior to inspecting for a Dilapidations?

Answer 4

check the lease and licences

obtain any schedules of condition

obtain plans

ensure fee proposal returned and signed

undertaken risk assessment

check arrangement for access as per the lease

if acting on behalf of the tenant the Scott Schedule

Question 5

What might you do prior to inspecting for a PPM?

Answer 5

Obtain instruction from the client to proceed.

Ensure you are competent

decide how going to coordinate the inspection

obtain copies of O&Ms, guarantees, warranties, repairing obligations, asbestos register, access audits.

undertake risk assessment.

Question 6

What would a typical elemental breakdown include?

Answer 6

Roofs/balconies/canopies

rainwater goods

walls and cladding/facades

windows, doors and joinery

structural frame

substructure/basement

floors

internal walls, ceilings, partitions and doors, including compartmentation for fire safety

finishes

internal and external staircases and

sanitary and welfare facilities.

Question 7

What health and safety considerations should you consider prior to inspection?

Answer 7

confirm any site induction procedures

obtain asbestos register where available

consider the likely risks such as working at height

Question 8

What should be included in a good client brief?

Answer 8

This will include defining the parameters of the survey, including the need for any sub-consultant input, specialist site surveys and any specific methods for data capture and reporting.