Inspection

Question 1

How do you prepare for an inspection?

Answer 1

I undertake desktop reviews, including leases and drawings, to understand obligations and scope before attending site.

Question 2

Tell me about a critical issue you identified during inspection.

Answer 2

At Brent Cross, I identified loose copings posing a falling risk. I immediately notified the client and arranged urgent remediation.

Question 3

What is a building inspection?

Answer 3

A systematic assessment of a building’s condition to identify defects, assess performance, and inform advice or reporting.

Question 4

What types of inspections have you undertaken?

Answer 4

• Dilapidations inspections
• Schedules of Condition
• Planned Maintenance Reports (PMRs)
• Technical Due Diligence surveys

Question 5

What are the key stages of an inspection?

Answer 5

• Pre-inspection preparation
• Site inspection
• Recording findings
• Analysis and reporting

Question 6

Why is preparation important before an inspection?

Answer 6

It ensures understanding of the building, scope, risks, and relevant documentation such as leases or drawings.

Question 7

What equipment do you typically use?

Answer 7

• Laser measure
• Tape measure
• Camera
• Torch
• Moisture meter

Question 8

How do you approach an inspection on site?

Answer 8

I follow a methodical approach, typically external to internal, ensuring all elements are assessed systematically.

Question 9

How do you ensure your inspections are thorough?

Answer 9

By following a structured process, taking detailed notes and photographs, and cross-referencing findings with drawings and documentation.

Question 10

Give an example of a detailed inspection you carried out.

Answer 10

At Brent Cross, I inspected ~95 rooftops, planning access routes and risk assessments in advance, and recording findings systematically for reporting.

Question 11

How do you record your findings?

Answer 11

Through photographs, written notes, and marked-up drawings, ensuring clear evidence to support conclusions.

Question 12

How do you prioritise defects identified during inspection?

Answer 12

Based on risk, severity, and urgency — particularly health and safety risks are prioritised.

Question 13

How do you move from inspection to advice?

Answer 13

By analysing findings, identifying causes of defects, assessing risks, and recommending appropriate remedial actions.

Question 14

How do you ensure your advice is accurate?

Answer 14

By relying on evidence, experience, and seeking specialist input where required.

Question 15

When would you recommend further investigation?

Answer 15

When defects are unclear, complex, or beyond my level of expertise — for example structural issues or specialist testing.

Question 16

How do you ensure your advice is accurate?

Answer 16

By relying on evidence, experience, and seeking specialist input where required.

Question 17

How do you manage client expectations following an inspection?

Answer 17

By clearly explaining findings, risks, and options, including cost and programme implications.

Question 18

What would you do if you identify a serious defect during an inspection?

Answer 18

Notify the client immediately, particularly if it poses a health and safety risk, and recommend urgent action.

Question 19

What if access is restricted during an inspection?

Answer 19

Note limitations clearly in the report and advise the client of the need for further inspection if required.

Question 20

What would you do if you missed something during an inspection?

Answer 20

Be transparent, inform the client, and take steps to rectify the situation, following professional procedures.

Question 21

How do you deal with uncertainty in your findings?

Answer 21

Clearly state assumptions and limitations and recommend further investigation where appropriate.

Question 22

Give an example where your inspection identified a risk.

Answer 22

At Brent Cross, I identified loose copings posing a falling risk and immediately advised the client, leading to same-day remediation.

Question 23

Tell me about a complex inspection you carried out.

Answer 23

The multi-roof inspection at Brent Cross required detailed planning, risk assessments, and structured documentation across a large site.

Question 24

How have you improved your inspection skills?

Answer 24

Through CPD, experience across different inspection types, and learning from senior colleagues and specialists.

Question 25

What is the biggest risk when undertaking inspections?

Answer 25

Missing defects or failing to identify risks due to poor preparation or methodology.

Question 26

How do you demonstrate Level 3 competency in inspections?

Answer 26

By not only identifying defects but analysing them, advising the client, and influencing decisions.

Question 27

Why is documentation important in inspections?

Answer 27

It provides evidence, supports conclusions, and protects against disputes.

Question 28

What key equipment do you use during inspections and why?

Answer 28

• Laser measure – for accurate distance and area measurements • Tape measure – for short distances and verification • Moisture meter – to detect damp and moisture levels • Camera/phone – to record photographic evidence • Torch – to inspect poorly lit areas

Question 29

How do you ensure your laser measure is working correctly?

Answer 29

By checking calibration against a known distance (e.g. tape measure), ensuring batteries are charged, and confirming readings are consistent.

Question 30

How do you ensure your tape measure is accurate?

Answer 30

By visually checking for damage, ensuring the hook is secure, and occasionally cross-checking against a known measurement.

Question 31

How do you use and check a moisture meter?

Answer 31

• Use: Measure moisture levels in materials to identify damp or water ingress • Check: Ensure it is calibrated, test on a known dry surface, and compare readings across areas for consistency

Question 32

How do you ensure your photographic records are reliable?

Answer 32

By ensuring images are clear, time-stamped where possible, correctly labelled, and linked to specific locations or defects.

Question 33

What is the purpose of a torch during inspection?

Answer 33

To inspect areas with limited visibility such as roof voids, plant rooms, or behind services to identify hidden defects.

Question 34

Why is it important to check your equipment before use?

Answer 34

To ensure accuracy of data collected, as incorrect measurements or readings could lead to incorrect advice and risk to the client.