Inspection Flashcards

Question

What is Japanese knot weed

Answer 1

Japanese knot weed (Filliopia japponica) is an invasive species with no natural preditor in the UK. The plant is known to grow at a rapid pace, difficult to remove and supposidly cause damage to walls.

Answer 2

The plant looks different at various times of year. In the summer; Heart/Shovel shaped leaves clusters of creamy white flower Stem grows in a zig zag fashion In the winter; Leaves brown and drop off Hollow bamboo like stems remain

Answer 3

Adhere to RICS surverying safely 2019 which includes: – Visiting premises and sites – Assessing hazards and risks – Lone working procedures – CDM regulations – Health and safety procedures at work

Answer 4

Visual Inspection Electronic leak detection Thermography Moisture meter

Answer 5

An EWS1 Survey allows for the inspection of the external wall systems of a building to make sure that it does not pose a fire risk to the people that may live or work inside it. The form is valid for up to 5 years.

Answer 6

Potential remedial works Cost for the survey/report Unmorgageable property

Answer 7

Review of the existing information including, BBA certificates, datasheets, record drawings e.c.t and a risk assessment. Plan areas of opening up, typically locations where you expect to see a cavity barrier and areas of varying construction. (External walls, Insulation, Balconies, Undercrofts, Cladding, Fire breaks, Soffits) Opening up of these areas, typically removal of panels or core holes in the external fabric. Report to the client and completion of the EWS1 form indicating options A1,23 or B1,2.

Answer 8

Technical due diligence of property, when carried out by an RICS member or RICS registered firm, consists of the systematic review, analysis, discovery and gathering of information about the physical characteristics of a property and/or land (the property). The RICS member or RICS registered firm then undertakes an impartial and professional assessment of the property and provides a balanced and professional opinion of the condition of the property in the form of a technical due diligence report. This enables a prospective purchaser, occupier or financier of the property to make an informed assessment of the risks associated with the transaction from a technical perspective.

Answer 9

For acquisition - a purchaser’s survey. Occupation and operation. Disposal - vendors’ survey. For refurbishment and development.

Answer 10

A pre-acquisition survey enables a potential purchaser to make informed decisions about the proposed premises and its investment potential. The survey focuses heavily on defects that affect a financial impact on the purchaser. The result of the survey can be used in leave or purchase negotiations.

Answer 11

When an investor wishes to purchase the whole or part of a property. The report will consider: Whether significant defects exist in the structure, fabric and services installations (the latter if instructed to be undertaken by a specialist) of the property. Whether there are legal implications of the defects or other deficiencies such that the property does not comply with statutory obligations or if there are any illegal works present. Risk associated with the tenancies in relation to recovery of capital expenditure and operational expenditure and future reinstatement liabilities. Whether the property is suitable for the client’s intended use (if known). Whether there are any apparent life safety issues.

Answer 12

Vendor surveys are often undertaken by commercial property owners prior to selling a building. They are objective surveys of properties intended to satisfy the due-diligence requirement of potential purchasers, avoiding the need for them to conduct their own surveys.

Answer 13

Vendor’s technical due diligence survey before a proposed sale is to identify significant physical defects or any statutory non-compliances that may affect the value of the property on the open market. A vendor’s technical due diligence survey may precede a valuation, such that the valuation can then provide an opinion on the value of the property having regard to its condition. However, a vendor may undertake a technical due diligence survey as a standalone process so that information on the physical condition of a property can be made available to prospective purchasers in an attempt to expedite the sale process. It is typical for the client to request that a vendor’s report be assignable to the purchaser. In these circumstances, the RICS member or RICS regulated firm should make sure that their (and their subconsultants’) professional indemnity insurance provider is satisfied with such an arrangement, and any conditions are clearly stated on instruction of such an assignment. A vendors’ report should include the same issued as a purchaser’s report including: - Significant physical defects in the structure, fabric and services components and associated cost for remedial works. - Issues relating to statutory and legal non-compliance that may prevent occupation or affect the value of the property. - Costs relating to shortfall in tenancy repair, decoration and reinstatement obligations. - Review of documentation with the intention to identify relevant data, locating obvious missing information, such as that listed in section 4.4.

Answer 14

Establish if there are any conflicts of interest. If so inform all parties to which the conflict of interest concerns, explain the repercussions and obtain informed consent that they wish for you to proceed with the instruction. Undertake appropriate anti-money laundering risk assessment. Issue services and terms of engagement (services to be provided, contracting parties, payment provisions and all limitations). Confirm standard terms of business: limitations and scope of the survey, level of liability including confirmation that the firm / surveyor has appropriate PII, involvement of other consultants, timescales for report turnaround, whether disbursements will be included in the fee, whether specialist means of access required (MEWP etc). Request access / location of data room. Prepare a risk assessment and ask the client if they are aware of any site specific risks.

Answer 15

Note whether an area cannot be accessed and present worst / best scenarios for associated outcomes. If any on site health and safety risks are identified, confirm them to the client, building owner of property manager as soon as practical. Make enquiries on site: ask to see all documents held on site (asbestos register, fire risk assessment, statutory test certs O&Ms for as built drawing to confirm concealed construction). Undertake elemental breakdown of the building fabric: roofs, rainwater goods, walls and cladding, windows and doors, structural frame etc. Undertake visual inspection of building services (if specialist not appointed), but only note visual condition and age of installations and confirm that further investigation is required - this should be stated in the report. Description of external areas - determine accessibility, vehicular and pedestrian access, drainage provisions, external grounds (trees, invasive plants and boundaries etc), review property in context of surroundings - shared access roads, contamination issues, and access for third parties such as UKPN. Fire precautions - need to visually inspect and recommend whether specialist will need appointment, should comment on things such as combustible cladding etc. Deleterious materials. Legal and title issues - boundary issues etc. Review of leasehold and repairing liabilities - Unless otherwise agreed, the RICS member or RICS regulated firm is not expected to undertake a detailed review of the lease(s) or leasehold structure. However, the RICS member or RICS regulated firm should state any assumptions that have been made as to recoverability of costs or other relevant matters. It may also be appropriate to comment on the landlord’s or tenant’s compliance with repairing obligations and reinstatement provisions at lease-end, having regard to the client’s brief.

Answer 16

A RICS professional guidance note that outlines the types of technical due diligence, why it is needed and also guidance on how to take instructions, complete the inspection and produce a TDD report to the professional standard expected of RICS members and firms.

Answer 17

Surveying assets in the building environment - GN - 1st Ed 2017 Technical due diligence of commercial property 1st edition, Surveying Safely: health and safety principals for property professionals - 2nd edition 2018

Answer 18

RICS-regulated firms are obliged to ensure the health, safety and welfare of people at work by providing, monitoring and maintaining: - a safe working environment - safe work equipment - safe systems of work and - competent staff.

Answer 19

Environmental matters, i.e. trees in close proximity Neighbouring dwellings Engineers structural survey CCTV Drainage survey

Answer 20

Review of alterations carried out, check on planning authority, if the building is listed, check its listed status on historic England and English heritage. I will ask the client to provide me with any plans or brochures of the property and ask them generic safety questions to ensure that it is safe to survey.

Answer 21

I am not qualified to use a cherry picker or harness myself up. When I made the enquiry to book the cherry picker, I informed the company that I would need a competent operator that was also able to safely harness me and secure me to the safety rails and that the machine was safe to use in the event of windy conditions. When I arrived to site, I checked that the ID of the operative matched the name given by the company and provided on the license

Answer 22

- Am I competent to undertake the inspection - Am I properly insured - Has an agreement been signed - What are the risks involved - What kind of survey is it, - Review all relevant existing building information, leases. - What equipment will be required to carry out the survey

Answer 23

Personally I would prefer to undertake an inspection of a building from the top down. I would normally walk around the building externally a couple of times first to get my bearings and get an initial understanding I would look for an indication of age, construction and additions etc. Then I would start the inspection externally and inspect each elevation in turn looking and the roof, elevations, windows, doors, drainage and rainwater goods. Then I move inside and again start from the roof space and move down through the floors.

Answer 24

Lone working Asbestos Accessing roofs and roof spaces at height Hazards associated with derelict/empty properties Confined spaces

Answer 25

Roofs Walls & Cladding Rainwater Goods Windows, Doors and Joinery Structural Frame Substructure / basements Floors Finishes Internal Walls, Partitions Staircases Sanitary Fittings Building Services Out Buildings

Answer 26

Something with the potential to cause harm to someone. The harm could be an injury or ill health.

Answer 27

A combination of the likelihood of the harm being realized and the severity of the harm if realised.

Answer 28

A schedule of condition (SOC) is a factual record of the condition of a property, normally prepared for legal or contractual reasons. Schedules of condition can be prepared for either residential or commercial buildings. They create a complete record of the condition of the property on a particular date that can be used as a benchmark against which its condition can be assessed in the future and any changes identified.

Answer 29

An assessment of identifying risks, determining their likelihood and severity and then eliminating or mitigating those risks to reduce their likelihood and severity if they do occur. 3 key processes: Identify all risks. Decide the likelihood and severity of each risk. Take action to eliminate the hazard or if not possible put in procedures to control the risk.

Answer 30

Elimination - redesign the activity or substitute so that the hazard is removed or eliminated e.g use drone for roof inspections to prevent need to work at height. Substitution - Replace the materials used or the proposed work process with a less hazardous one. For example, use pre-prepared components rather than fabricating/cutting on site. Engineering controls: Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where you cannot avoid working at height. Install or use additional machinery such as local exhaust ventilation to control risks from dust or fumes. Administrative controls - Identifying and implement the procedures needed to work safely. For example, reducing the need for lone working or ensuring the work is completed in daylight; reducing the time workers are exposed to hazards (e.g. by job rotation); prohibiting use of mobile phones in hazardous areas. Personal protective clothes and equipment - After all the previous measures have been tried and found ineffective in controlling risks to a reasonably practicable level must personal protective equipment (PPE) be used. For example, where you cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.

Answer 31

The dilapidations schedule itself (format according to pre action protocol - reinstatement, repair, redecoration and statutory breaches, details on how the breaches should be rectified and associated cost). Confirmation of clauses referred to. Surveyor’s endorsement. Advise letter to the client explaining what items have been included in the schedule, items that may be contentious, estimated recovery and advise regarding next steps - how the schedule should be served (time period etc) and other documents that should be included when serving the schedule - reinstatement notice etc.

Answer 32

The current lease. The previous lease if this is referred to by the current lease. Any sub leases. Licences to Alter. Schedules of condition. Side letters - a short document that is ancillary to the main commercial lease, which is intended to vary, clarify or supplement the main lease terms. Deeds of variation - A deed of variation enables a landlord and tenant to change the terms of a property lease. It is a signed legal document that confirms in writing the changes that they have agreed – such as removing a restrictive covenant.

Answer 33

Sections Executive summary Recommendation - advised there was no reason not to proceed with purchase, but should give careful considerations to points raised in the report. Key survey findings - Key findings which are colour coded to give easy assessment of associated risk. Key risks included: delamination of the PVF2 costing and cut edge corrosion to roof sheets, diesel storage tank and improper storage of deiseal cans - recommended installation of oil interceptor to drainage, CCTV drainage survey - silts and roots blocking pipes, cracked pipework and unmaintained oil interceptor to one side of site, only one utility service provided to the unit, if the client wanted to split the unit they could sub meter the supplies or the DNO’s (distribution network operators) would need to split the supplied (could cost £150K - dependent on capacity of local sub station), no fire detection in the warehouse, advised the fire risk assessments for the unit are reviewed to determine whether fire detection in warehouse needed. Key landlord and tenant considerations: Property currently owned by occupier (super toughened glass) who let one half of the unit to their tenant cult beauty, Sale and lease back on FRI terms.  Leases are to terminate on 28 January 2028, with direct relationships between you and the two tenants, rather than head lessee and sub-tenant. EPC: Rating was C - considered low risk, currently above minimum D rating set by MEEZ. Reinstatement cost assessment: £12,000,000. Solicitor’s enquiries and information requests: Request fire risk assessments, request copy of health and safety files / O&Ms + any occupier fit-out, asbestos reports or registers, all warranties and guarantees that may be transferable, water hygiene risk assessment, Fire alarm test certs, lightning protection test cert, below ground drainage. Further investigations recommended prior to purchase: Phase 1 Environmental Audit to assess any risks - consider drafting the proposed leases to place liability on the tenants to ensure they adopt the correct approach in terms of their operations and potential contamination. Further investigations recommended post purchase: Fire compartmentation audit, all tenant stat documentation, undertake feasibility study to establish current metering strategy.

Answer 34

Included costs for anticipated recoverable and non-recoverable maintenance costs for year 1, years 2-5 and years 6-10. Recoverable costs included: cut-edge corrosion treatment works, recoating of delaminated roof sheets and general roof works, hardstanding repairs, elevation repairs, M&E replacement / repairs. Non-recoverable costs: Could be if there were areas not demised to the tenant - common areas in multi-let premises.

Answer 35

My advice for a purchaser’s survey would be slightly more tailored depending on their priorities and the scope of the instruction for example they may haver certain ESG requirements or eaves heights for a warehouse for example. My core advise would remain the same for both a purchaser and a vendor’s survey as I am to provide impartial advise relating to the condition of the property to allow a prospective purchaser to make an informed decision as to whether they want to purchase a property or portfolio.

Answer 36

Step one: Identifying the elements and sub-elements The surveyor inspects the property, identifies all the elements and sub-elements, and makes notes on the condition in the site notes. Where an element consists of one or more distinct parts, it should be divided into appropriate ‘sub-elements’. For example, a typical semi-detached, interwar dwelling may have the following: * three roofs – the main hipped and pitched roof, a front bay roof and a rear ‘back addition’ roof * two chimneys – the larger chimney at the ridge serving the main rooms and a single chimney from the kitchen area * two external walls – cavity walls to the main house and solid walls to the back addition * two types of windows – the original singleglazed casement windows to the rear and PVC double glazed replacements to the front and side. All of these parts can be considered as subelements. While the surveyor should ensure the report does not become complex, the property can be subdivided at the surveyor’s discretion. Step two: Condition rating the elements and sub-elements After sufficient reflection, the surveyor should apply a condition rating to all the elements and sub elements Step three: Establishing the element and sub-element rating The condition rating to be shown in the elemental condition rating box for each element must be the worst one identified by this process. The following examples illustrate this procedure: * Where the element has only a single part, then the condition rating will be given for that element and must be included in the elemental condition rating box. * Where there are some parts or sub-elements, condition ratings can be given individually. * Where some of the sub-elements are in the same condition and have the worst condition rating of all the sub-elements, then that condition rating must be shown in the elemental condition rating box. * Where all of the sub-elements have the same condition rating, this will be the one that is shown in the elemental condition rating box. The condition rating shown in the elemental condition rating box will be the one that Report writing The elemental text box must be used to provide the necessary evidence that supports the surveyor’s judgment of the condition rating reported, as well as the condition ratings of individual sub-elements. The following procedure should be observed: * The worst rated sub-element should be described first, and the best last. * Where several sub-elements have the same worst rating, the surveyor must choose the one that presents the greatest problem to the property owner and report this before the other sub-elements with the same rating. (For example, where the main hipped roof, bay roof and rear single-storey extension are all given a condition rating 2, the surveyor may choose to include the main roof in the summary because it is higher and larger, and may be more expensive to repair.)

Answer 37

Schedule of condition is usually used in leases where the condition of the property is recorded. A condition survey records the condition of the property alongside any recommended remedial items

Answer 38

Visual Inspection Carbonation testing Hammer test

Answer 39

Visual Survey Drainage Survey Speak to residents/occupiers for previous works Any previous issues Monitor if it isn't serious Appoint structural engineer

Answer 40

Use a camera on the building to survey. Blue areas are cold and red may be where heat loss is occuring

Answer 41

Cold bridging

Answer 42

New standard replaces all previous versions Aims to increase clarity and communication to homeowners and what is to be expected from each survey type. Released March 2021

Answer 43

A professional statement on best practice for completing home buyer reports

Answer 44

Pins and a calliper

Answer 45

Works must be completed within 3 years and to the plans submitted Any unusual conditions need to be discharged with the council where you prove that the conditional items have been carried out/ additional information provided Some conditions may require approval by the planning authority before development commences (such as agreeing the colour of materials), others can be discharged during the course of development (for example limits to site operating hours).

Answer 46

Level 1 (Condition report) - Basic condition survey and recommended if house is in reasonable condition Level 2 (Homebuyer report) - More detailed than condition report, advise on longoing repairs and maintenance, advise on any legal issues Level 3 (Building Survey) - In depth survey for large, older or run down properties.

Answer 47

Ensure I have the correct level of PII Obtain the clients brief to ensure a condition survey is what is required. Price up the fee and send across a proposal along with terms and conditions (T&Cs include invoicing, temination, complaints handling, document storage

Answer 48

Take the floor plan Do the measurements along the length and width of the plan Do triangulation to check the corners match up on the floor plan Use tap measures for smaller measurements.

Answer 49

Double check measurements. Use triangulation

Answer 50

The same term used for rising damp - The unwanted ingress of water that rising through capillary action

Answer 51

Dilapidations are breaches of leases due to the condition of the property being leased. This may result from mistreatment of the property or poor or absent maintenance or repairs that are required by the lease. Further work may also be required at the end of a lease to reinstate alterations that have been made to the property by the tenant. Interim schedule – claims during the term (uncosted to tenant, costed to landlord to show rights to claim). Terminal schedule – claims near or at the end of the term. Final Schedule - issued after expiry of the lease.

Answer 52

Premises description & if landlord has obligations to repair Obligations of repair (FRI/Internal only) - good & substantial or tenantable - differs in extent of claim Decoration - specific requirements stated, and usually included at intervals and a period before the end of the lease Alterations and reinstatement - express provision required in lease for lawful alterations Yielding up - comply with vacant possession, remove fixtures and fittings, reinstate etc up to wording in lease Statutory obligations - specific to use of premises, carry out works required by statute/law Recovery of fees - express provision for fees of preparing and issuing schedule as well as neogiotiation. Schedule of condition: a benchmark to assess tenant’s repairing obligation

Answer 53

A interim schedule is served during the term of the lease relating to the current condition and not the end of terms schedule. It is served uncosted, and is a method of envoking the tenant to comply with their repairing obligations where it is apparent they have not been and there is a risk that the value of the property might be reduced or further damage caused if they do not carry out their obligations when served the schedule.

Answer 54

A schedule of condition review the current condition of the property at a certain point in time (the survey day), a schedule of dilapidations records the damages and breaches the tenant has made to the property during the tenancy linked to the terms of a lease, with remedial repairs and applicable costs.

Answer 55

A Scott Schedule is an extended version of the Schedule of Dilapidations which enables the tenant (or their surveyor) to respond to the content of the Schedule of Dilapidations.

Answer 56

Legal Document

Answer 57

The proposed future of the building. For example is the building is going to be demolished the claim will have no affect on the value of the building, with the exception of hazardous materials that will be required to be disposed of accordingly.

Answer 58

A SOW is a single document that concisely lists what is to be done, where, how and to what quality.

Answer 59

Label items in traffic light system Urgent repairs Repair non urgent Maintain building as normal Outside, Chimney, roof coverings, RWG, walls, windows Inside, roof structure, ceiling Services, Gas/oil, water, heating Grounds, garage, boundaries

Answer 60

P402 Surveying and sampling for asbestos in buildings

Answer 61

Health and Safety Risk Assessment

Answer 62

I follow the specification of works to the letter, I inspect each location and identify the works or remedy required, I identify omissions that require rectifying

Answer 63

Review of alterations carried out, check on planning authority, if the building is listed, check its listed status on historic England and English heritage. I will ask the client to provide me with any plans or brochures of the property and ask them generic safety questions to ensure that it is safe to survey.

Answer 64

Speedy carbide test Thermographic testing Drone surveys Ground investigation Asbestos investigation

Answer 65

Structural alteration drawings Guarantees in respect of the premises or its services Flooding or boundary documentation Items of fixed equipment likely to be removed by the occupiers Records of service agreements on items of plant Records of testing of life safety systems Water Hygiene and legionella reports Planning and building control applications and approvals Operation and maintenance manuals Asbestos registers Radon tests and high alumina cement tests

Answer 66

If the roof pitch is suitable. If the change is in keeping with planning guidelines? Is it a listed building? Can the existing joists support heavier concrete tiles? What thermal improvements need to be made in compliance with Part L whereby any refurbishment over 50% of the roof requires you to upgrade the roof as close as possible to current regs.

Answer 67

I am not a qualified engineer to determine if the sound timber that remains is suitable.

Answer 68

Cracks have appeared primarily because of thermal expansion and contraction. If the building is framed, the movement to the frame could have caused cracking.

Answer 69

Potential for flooding and heave.

Answer 70

Produced during the decay of Radium which occurs naturally through the presence of uranium in most rocks, soil, bricks and concrete. it's not particularly dangerous if breathed in and immediately exhaled. The issue is when the decaying product attach themselves to dust and moisture which can get stuck in your lungs

Answer 71

Radon disperses externally. Internally, it may potentially build up to harmful levels. The amount of gas released depends on the area in the UK but is more concentrated with areas of high concentrations of granite and limestone.

Answer 72

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) surveys are an essential tool that enable building owners/occupiers to proactively maintain, manage and improve their properties over a period of years. Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and stock condition surveys are an essential tool that enable clients to monitor and control costs, as well as optimise the value of their property portfolios over a determined timeframe.

Answer 73

This is a 1st Edition Guidance Note Including Pre site survey preparations including desktop and health and safety Survey and data collection Survey content

Answer 74

Enquiries: Clarify the purpose of the survey, the scope, any specific issues to focus on, and access requirements. Arrangements: Confirm appointment, access permissions, scheduling, and if there are any specific requirements (e.g., health and safety concerns, client preferences). Also, make sure you understand the building's history or any known defects.

Answer 75

Tape measure, digital level, camera, flashlight, damp meter, thermographic camera, laptop/tablet (for note-taking and documentation), ladder, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including gloves, helmet, and protective footwear.

Answer 76

Check for visible damage or wear, ensure calibration is up-to-date, review user manuals for proper use, and follow relevant inspection and maintenance procedures for the equipment.

Answer 77

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Building Regulations, Fire Safety Regulations, and Environmental Protection Laws.

Answer 78

RICS Professional Guidance Note (PGN) and RICS Rules of Conduct, which provide guidance on safety, risk management, and professional standards during inspections

Answer 79

Risk of falls, hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos), confined spaces, structural safety, fire hazards, safe access and egress, manual handling, and working in extreme weather conditions.

Answer 80

Process: Conduct a risk assessment, identify potential hazards, determine control measures, and review the client's existing risk assessments. Tools: Use risk assessment forms, a safety checklist, and a method statement for high-risk tasks.

Answer 81

Look for asbestos, lead-based paints, PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), fluorescent lighting containing mercury, and radon. Use specialist equipment (e.g., asbestos testing kits, lead testing kits) or refer to historical records.

Answer 82

Professional indemnity insurance, Public liability insurance, Employers’ liability insurance (if you have employees).

Answer 83

A spirit level or digital level is used to measure horizontal planes at various points across a building, creating a grid of known levels to assess potential structural issues like settlement.

Answer 84

A theodolite is a precise instrument used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. It is used during detailed surveys to measure building elevations, or in surveying large areas where high accuracy is required

Answer 85

Condition surveys, dilapidations surveys, pre-acquisition surveys, measured surveys, defect diagnosis surveys, and health & safety audits.

Answer 86

Condition survey: Provides a detailed assessment of the current state of a building and its components. Schedule of dilapidations: Focuses on identifying breaches of lease terms, usually on commercial property, and the state of repair at the end of a tenancy.

Answer 87

A client might require it to ensure work is being carried out to the agreed standard, on schedule, and within budget. The survey provides documentation of progress, quality issues, and any corrective actions.

Answer 88

When taking an instruction from a client to conduct a survey, what information would you require from them? What documents would you put in place to ensure there is agreement on the scope and extent of the work to be carried out? Information: Purpose of the survey, scope of work, building details, access arrangements, and health and safety considerations. Documents: Agreement/letter of instruction, detailed brief, risk assessment, and method statement.

Answer 89

Include the scope, timing, access arrangements, fee structure, key personnel involved, and any exclusions or limitations to the survey.

Answer 90

Consider any personal medical conditions, appropriate PPE, the need for vaccinations (e.g., tetanus), and any potential physical strain (e.g., lifting equipment).

Answer 91

Start with external elements (e.g., roof, walls, windows), move to internal elements (e.g., floors, ceilings), then check services (e.g., electrical, plumbing), and finish with areas like storage or attic spaces.

Answer 92

A damp meter measures moisture levels but can’t distinguish between types of moisture (e.g., rising damp, condensation, or leaks). It may also give false readings in certain materials.

Answer 93

Thermography (infrared cameras) detects temperature differences on surfaces, allowing you to identify areas of moisture where heat loss occurs, often indicating leaks or water ingress.

Answer 94

Emergency exits, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire-resistant doors, escape routes, electrical systems, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations

Answer 95

Use precise instruments (laser distance measurers, tape measures). Ensure all measurements are double-checked for accuracy and consistency, document any discrepancies or limitations of the survey.

Answer 96

Ensure safe access and egress, compliance with fire safety standards, correct lighting, ventilation, ergonomics, and general office conditions to avoid potential hazards.

Answer 97

Accessible entrances, door widths, ramps, lifts, parking spaces, toilet facilities, clear signage, and compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Answer 98

Do not disturb the material. Leave the area, and report to the appropriate authorities or an asbestos removal specialist to carry out an inspection and test.

Answer 99

Required when considering accessibility for disabled individuals or to ensure compliance with building regulations or the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Answer 100

Digital tools: Tablets or smartphones with surveying apps, drones for aerial surveys, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) software for data visualization. Advantages: Faster data entry, real-time access to data, improved accuracy, and easier sharing with team members. Data security: Encrypt files, use secure cloud storage, and back up data regularly.

Inspection Flashcards

(125 cards)