Inspection

Question 1

What you do before undertaking inspections? Take me though from the office to site.

Answer 1

• Request information in advance that might be relevant to the survey, plans, asbestos information and other survey reports.
• Undertake my own desktop review of the site, location and history, check travel route to and from site.
• Take suitable equipment, dependent on the survey.
• Undertake the survey in a methodical manner, recording the survey on Dictaphone/notes and accompanying photographs.

Question 2

What equipment do you take on an inspection?

Answer 2

• Depends on the survey, typical equipment would include:
   Dictaphone
   Notepad & Pen
   Camera
   PPE
   Phone

Question 3

What is your survey methodology?

Answer 3

• Logical, top down survey format.
• Externally, start at the chimneys, roof surfaces, external walls, windows, doors, features, entrances, ground and lower ground floor areas
• Internally, ceilings, walls, windows, doors, floors, lighting, services

Question 4

What are the limitations of an electrical resistance meter?

Answer 4

• Advantages
   Provides an indication of moisture conductivity in materials.
   Allows a profile of readings to be ascertained over internal wall surfaces.
• Disadvantages
   Only provides WME readings, relative readings on other materials.
   Only measures conductivity, therefore foil backed plasterboard or high carbon materials i.e. black ash mortars, will register high readings

Question 5

How do you calibrate a moisture meter?

Answer 5

• Using a sensor block
• Self-test function on moisture meter

Question 6

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a borescope?

Answer 6

• Advantages
   Minimum disruption for intrusive investigation
   Access to hard to see areas
   Fibre optic borescopes allow a high degree of movement
• Disadvantages
   Poor quality images
   Fibre optic cables are hard to manipulate

Question 7

What are the limitations of a Disto?

Answer 7

• Limited range
• Hard to use externally
• Must be calibrated regularly by measuring a known distance or check measurement

Question 8

What is a building survey?

Answer 8

• A detailed evaluation of a properties condition and involve extensive inspection, tends to include the following:
• Documenting the present condition of the property, highlighting areas of failure or concern.
• Identifying causes of past, or ongoing, deterioration.
• Identify issues that need attention to pre-empt problems in the future.
• Presenting conservation and maintenance recommendations.
• Providing an estimate of the cost of any works that may be required.

Question 9

What is a reinstatement cost assessment?

Answer 9

• Provides an assessment of the tender price for reinstating the building upon a total loss, or where complete demolishing or rebuilding would be necessary.

Question 10

What is a schedule of condition?

Answer 10

• A snapshot of a buildings condition at the time of the survey, with split out each room, element, surface and provide and statement on the condition of these items.
• Typically used as a record, i.e. common parts prior to flat refurb, prior to taking a lease.

Question 11

What is infrared thermography?

Answer 11

• Cameras that detect the infrared radiation of materials or objects, detects long wave IR (8-14μm) μm = Micrometre
• Non destructive
• Allows temperature differences in materials to be observed, which indicate cold spots.
• Should be used by an ITC certified thermographer to interpret the results.

Question 12

What is NRM?

Answer 12

• New Rules of Measurement – provide a standard set of rules for estimating, cost planning, procurement and whole life costing for construction projects.
• NRM1 – Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works
• NRM2 – Detailed Measurement of Building Works
• NRM3 – Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building works

Question 13

What is a letter of reliance?

Answer 13

• Reports are usually issued for the sole use of the client, a letter of reliance is a statement that third parties can rely on the contents or a specific part of a report.

Question 14

What would a letter of reliance include?

Answer 14

• A description of the report
• The reason for reliance
• A warrant that the author has exercised reasonable skill and care in preparing the report.
• Confirmation of PI insurance
• A licence for use of the report
• Details of the original appointment

Question 15

Would you draft a letter of reliance?

Answer 15

• No, the letter should be drafted by a legal professional
• The wording of the letter will either result in a common law duty to use reasonable skill and care, or whether it amounts to a contract between the parties that may introduce a greater duty.

Question 16

Is the RICS surveying safely a guidance note or a professional statement?

Answer 16

• A guidance note – provides users with recommendation for accepted good practice