13. Inspection

Question 1

What are the four steps to an inspection?

Answer 1

1. Consider personal safety
2. Inspection of local area
3. External inspection - start with roof and work downwards
4. Internal inspection

Question 2

How would you inspect the local area? (3)

Answer 2

1. Location, aspect, business vibrancy, public transport, amenities
2. Contamination, environmental hazards, flooding, high voltage power lines, electricity substations
3. Comparable evidence, local market conditions, agent’s boards

Question 3

How would you carry out an external inspection? (6)

Answer 3

1. Method of construction
2. Repair and condition - describe from roof downwards
3. Car parking, access, loading arrangements
4. Defects - structural movement
5. Check site boundaries -using OS map / title plan
6. Age the building - ask client, research date of planning consent, Grade Listing at Historic England, Land Registry, local historic records, architectural style, or the architects certificate of practical completion

Question 4

How would you carry out an internal inspection? (5)

Answer 4

1. Layout and specification - flexibility and obsolescence
2. Repair and maintenance
3. Defects - structural movement
4. Services - age and condition
5. Statutory compliance - e.g. asbestos, building regulations, health and safety, Equality Act 2010, fire safety and planning
6. Fixtures and fittings and improvements
7. Compliance with lease obligations

Question 5

What are the 3 purposes in needing to inspect a premises?

Answer 5

1. Valuation
2. Property Management
3. Agency