Inspection

Question 1

What equipment would you take with you during a survey?

Answer 1

Pencil, paper & pad
Disto
Tape measure
Phone (for camera and dictation)
Moisture meter
Ladder
Torch
Angle finder

Question 2

What would you consider before going to visit a site?

Answer 2

1. Potential risks
2. If I am competent to carry out the inspection
3. If I am adequately insured to carry out the inspection
4. I would ensure I have been formally appointed
5. Desktop research - gather as much information as possible to assist in my inspection

Question 3

How would you undertake an inspection?

Answer 3

1. Walk the building to get a feeling for the property
2. I start externally working from top down
3. I then survey internally on a top basis
4. I like to break the property down elementally to ensure no areas are missed

Question 4

What kind of risks do you consider?

Answer 4

Lone working
Asbestos
Working at height
Hazards working in empty properties
Confined spaces

Question 5

When inspecting a roof what things would you look for?

Answer 5

Slipped, broken, missing slates
Poor repairs e.g. flash bands
Evidence of previous repairs
Gutters and rainwater goods e.g. are these blocked
Condition of chimneys - pointing, stonework and capping.

Question 6

How would you ascertain the condition of electrical installations without employing a specialist?

Answer 6

Consider the age of the installations and if any EICR’s are available. I would also check to see if lights etc are in good working order and also discuss any past works with the owner / occupier.

Question 7

How could you date the age of electrical installations?

Answer 7

I would look at the colour of wiring used if possible.

Pre 2004 - Yellow & Green (Earth), Neutral (Black) and Live (Red)

Post 2004 - Yellow & Green (Earth), Neutral (Blue) and Live (Brown)

Question 8

What guidance notes are you aware of in relation to inspection?

Answer 8

• Dilapidations Scotland
• Technical Due Diligence of Commercial Properties
• Reinstatement Cost Assessments of Buildings
• Home Survey Standard

Question 9

Are you aware of any legislation or guidance surrounding the use of drones?

Answer 9

Yes, the:

• RICS insight paper on drones for commercial use.
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Air Navigation Order
• Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990

Question 10

When would you need to register a drone?

Answer 10

All drones with a camera are required to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority, even if under 250g.

Question 11

When carrying out a reinstatement cost assessment what is your basis for measurement?

Answer 11

I measure the property externally to get a gross external area then using CAD offset it by the wall thickness to get an approximate gross internal area.

Question 12

What is the gross internal floor area according to IPMS2?

Answer 12

Under IPMS2 this is the internal area measured to the internal dominant face of the property.

Question 13

What is the internal dominant face under IPMS?

Answer 13

The internal dominant face is the face of the interior of a property which makes up greater than 50% of the wall area. In most cases this is usually the wall linings i.e. plasterboard.