EXTERNAL INSPECTION

Question 1

What are the main components of an external inspection?

Answer 1

• Method of construction and materials.
• Repair and condition from roof downward.
• Car parking, access and loading arrangements.
• Structural movement and defects.
• Boundaries checked against OS or title plans.

Question 2

How can a building’s age be determined?

Answer 2

• Asking the client, reviewing planning consent or building control records.
• Checking architectural style or certificates of practical completion.

Question 3

What external indicators may show structural movement?

Answer 3

• Cracks in brickwork, bulging walls or differential settlement.
• Horizontal cracking suggesting wall tie failure.

Question 4

What signs of damp may appear externally?

Answer 4

• Damp staining around ground level or roof junctions.
• Blocked gutters, defective downpipes and vegetation growth.

Question 5

What site information should be recorded outside?

Answer 5

• Boundaries, rights of access and security features.
• Parking, loading, landscaping and drainage points.

Question 6

Why is roof inspection important?

Answer 6

• Roofs are a common source of defects including leaks and material failure.
• They influence maintenance liability and lease obligations.