What is a building condition survey and how can it help you manage your estate?

A building condition survey is an assessment of the physical condition of a building or group of buildings. It involves a thorough inspection of the building's structure, systems, and components, such as the roof, walls, floors, electrical and mechanical systems, and any other relevant features. The survey will typically identify any defects or problems that need to be addressed, as well as any areas that require maintenance or upgrade.

What elements of a building would a building condition survey cover?

A building condition survey typically covers several key elements of a building, including:

1. Structure: The survey will inspect the building's foundation, walls, floors, and roof to identify any structural defects or issues that need to be addressed.

2. Exterior: The survey will evaluate the condition of the building's exterior, including the walls, windows, doors, and roofing.

3. Interior: The survey will examine the interior of the building, including the walls, floors, ceilings, electrical and mechanical systems, and any other relevant features.

4. Services: The survey will inspect the building's electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to ensure they are in good working order and identify any issues that need to be addressed.

5. Safety and accessibility: The survey will evaluate the building's compliance with safety and accessibility regulations, and will identify any issues that need to be addressed.

6. Fire protection: The survey will evaluate the building's fire protection systems, including alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors, and identify any issues that need to be addressed.

7. Energy efficiency: The survey will evaluate the building's energy efficiency, including its insulation, lighting, and heating and cooling systems, and identify any areas where improvements can be made.

8. Building compliance: The survey will examine the building's compliance with the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations, and identify any issues that need to be addressed.

9. Site and surroundings: The survey will evaluate the condition of the building's site and surrounding areas, including car parking, playgrounds and landscaping.

Overall, a building condition survey will provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the building and identify any areas that need to be addressed.

How condition is used to assess priorities?

The existing methodology for determining condition is one that is recognised by surveyors across the construction industry. The system utilises a letter and a number to indicate condition and priority and this was used by the DFE in their national property surveys which are currently being updated under the CDC programme. The grading system has been consistently applied since the bidding process was introduced as part of the schools capital programme and is used to determine investment priorities. There is a degree of overlap between categories as the following table illustrates:

Why choose Spicers for your Condition Survey?

Our condition reports are:

• Easy to read and understand (see the sample report above)

• Value for money and delivered within reasonable time frames - Primary schools start from as little as £950+VAT.

• Non-intrusive and carried out by a Chartered Surveyor accredited by RICS.

• Our surveys can be tailored in house to be used on your compliance software such as Every or Statlog (others available)

• Cover a 5-year planning period for the purpose of strategic asset management.

• Realistic costs applied to items to enable accurate budgeting for works.

This will help you to:

·      Identify what work is required to keep the estate in good condition.

·      Budget effectively for identified works required.

·      Prioritisation of the works in line with DfE gradings and guidelines.

·      Prioritise works in line with available budgets.

Call 0121 711 7700 to find out more.