Inspection Level 2 - Barnes Retail

Question 1

Describe the property?

Answer 1

Vacant ground floor retail unit with two storey residential flat above
mid terrace
Victorian - traditional brick construction, timber framed windows, pitched roof
Ground floor retail unit - steel framed single glazed frontage
internally - open sales area with w/c kicthen
waiting tenant fit out, plastered walls
timber flooring

Question 2

What were some external defects you were looking out for?

Answer 2

any defects in brick work such as efflorescence or spading

Question 3

What is efflorescence?

Answer 3

white spots on brick, when water reacts chemically with natural salts can cause moisture problems or compromise structural integrity.

Question 4

What is Spalding?

Answer 4

when bricks freeze and thaw, become saturated with water can lead to water ingress. The bricks appear cracking / crumbling

Question 5

what were some of the internal defects you were looking for?

Answer 5

unit had been recently plastered - any shrinkage cracking.

Question 6

Talk me through your inspection

Answer 6

I inspected a ground floor retail unit for valuation purposes.

I carried out due diligence prior to the inspection, I had regard to the location map, EPC rating and checked planning history.

I carried out an inspection of the local area noting down any agency boards, local occupiers and business vibrancy.

I carried out a external inspection of the property, I had regard to the brickwork on the residential uppers and checked there were no defects.

I inspected the internal area, I checked for any internal defects such as cracking in plastering or condensation. The unit was in good condition and was awaiting tenant fit out.

Question 7

If you identified a defect what actions would you take?

Answer 7

Identify, photograph and document defect
try to establish cause on site
inform client of investigations with photographs to give context
recommend advice from building surveyor