Condition surveys

Understanding the condition of a property is fundamental for all property owners in order for them to adequately maintain the building condition, plan future maintenance to keep the property functioning, to understand the building construction, fabric and component parts and its suitability for adaption. Building owners also have a legal duty to ensure that their buildings are safe.

People with an interest in the condition of a property may range from an individual with an interest in a single property to owners/investors of property portfolios or occupiers with an interest in maintaining the property in accordance with their lease. All will require a detailed assessment of the property assets condition to inform future spending and investment.

A condition survey can form a standalone assessment of the physical condition of the property at a moment in time. However with the provision of some additional services and reviews it can be used to inform and produce:

• due diligence/acquisition surveys
• reactive repairs and replacement
• risk reviews and assessments of building fabric (cladding external wall systems and damp and mould, for example)
• planned preventative maintenance reports
• statutory compliance reviews
• lease documents
• suitability for extension or modification
• facet surveys and
• fit-out feasibility.

This section is maintained by Mathew Fenner of Silver DCC.

RICS standards: Asbestos and its implications for surveyors and their clients