Building Condition Assessments (BCAs)

A Building Condition Assessment holds immense significance for various stakeholders, including property owners, facility managers, investors, and tenants, including:

• Similar to Phase One Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), BCAs are often required as a condition of purchase financing, sale, or refinancing a commercial property. A BCA provides valuable insights into the condition of the building, which helps both buyers and sellers make informed decisions, negotiate terms, and assess the true value of the property.
• Identifying maintenance needs early on helps prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. Timely intervention and proactive maintenance can help building owners, investors, and property managers save money in the long run.
• Assessing the condition of building components and systems helps estimate their remaining useful life. This understanding aids in planning replacements or upgrades before critical failures occur.
• A well-maintained building retains its value and attracts tenants or buyers. Regular assessments contribute to preserving and enhancing the asset value of the building, making it more attractive in the market.
• Buildings must meet various safety standards and adhere to local codes and regulations. A BCA helps identify areas of non-compliance, allowing for necessary corrective actions.
• Whether it’s planning for renovations, evaluating investment opportunities, or understanding the impact of aging infrastructure, a BCA provides data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

Ultimately, the value of a Building Condition Assessment is that it offers a comprehensive understanding of a building’s condition, enabling proactive maintenance, risk mitigation, and informed decision-making regarding the property, whether you plan to sell or not.

Our Building Condition Assessment Reports include:

• A detailed description of the site including observations and overall structural competency of the building
• An evaluation of the condition of building and system elements including:
  • Architectural components of the site (building envelope, foundation, insulation)
  • Exterior finishes (roof system, window / wall systems, pavements)
  • Interior elements (including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire safety systems)
• Observations and conclusions about the roof collected via an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) survey, and potentially via physical walkover if safe access to the roof is provided.
• A list of components to be repaired, replaced, or upgraded immediately to conform to industry standards.
• A list of recommendations for repair or replacement, with corresponding time frames and cost allowances.

*Note the BCA will not include an inspection on any interior installations, appliances, or equipment. These are not considered to be part of the building.

• Overall Building & Property Size: larger properties or facilities with extensive grounds may require additional time for assessment and reporting.
• Age of the Building: as older buildings often present more wear and tear, outdated materials or systems, which can generate more deficiencies to be assessed
• Building Height and Accessibility: the height of the structure—such as low-rise versus high-rise—may necessitate the use of specialized equipment, including drones or lift access, to safely and effectively inspect roofing and exterior components.
• Construction Materials: the type and condition of materials used (e.g., concrete, brick, steel, wood framing, cladding systems, roofing membranes) can influence the scope and depth of the assessment.
• Property Use and Occupancy Type: whether the building is commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-residential can affect access requirements, systems complexity, and the level of detail required.
• Number of Units (if applicable): in multi-tenant or residential buildings, the number of units or suites can increase the scope of systems and features to be reviewed.
• Complexity of Building Construction and Configuration: features such as irregular building shapes, multi-level roofs, extensive venting or HVAC systems etc. may require a more detailed and time-intensive inspection.
• Travel Time and Expenses: locations that involve extended travel time, remote access, or overnight stays may include associated travel and logistical costs.