OKANAGAN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS & ASSESSMENTS

With today’s ever-tightening budgets, facility managers need to do more with less. Okanagan Inspections can give you the facts on the most cost-effective strategy to manage building maintenance today and for the future. At Okanagan Inspections Building Condition Assessment (BCA) includes: 

• Inspection of building envelope, interior finishes, mechanical and electrical systems, and accessible structural components
• Assessment of fire and life safety systems and exterior site features such as walkways, parking, and landscaping
• Written and photographic documentation of each component together with observed deficiencies
• Review of general documentation on repair and maintenance histories
• Interviews with facilities and maintenance staff
• A formal written report including observed deficiencies, estimated lifespan of building elements and systems, and a list of recommendations for repair or replacement with estimated costs.
• Facility condition index benchmarking and funding considerations

A BCA is a smart way to maximize building life and reduce repair and maintenance costs.

Okanagan Inspections BCA services can help our clients develop long-term capital budget planning of expenditures for major repairs or replacements of building components and equipment.

 A Property Condition Assessment (or Property Condition Report), is a professional evaluation of a property’s physical condition from an engineering and construction standpoint, for real estate due diligence purposes. Property Condition Assessments are also referred to as “PCA Reports,” and include conclusions and recommendations pertaining to the unforeseeable costs, financial liabilities, and acquisition risks about the site. Moreover, PCA Reports entail a comprehensive inspection of a site and noting any defects that may affect property value. These reports also conform to an official standard, set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  

 Typically, there are three applications for PCA reports (1) real estate due diligence; (2) loan qualifications; and (3) landlord and tenant property evaluations. In due diligence applications, a PCA report discloses material deficiencies at a site for buyers and sellers. This may also be performed alongside a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Report. Whereas in loan qualification applications, PCA reports aid lenders for risk assessment purposes. Lastly, Property Condition Assessment reports also can document the state of a property upon the commencement or termination of tenant occupation. For example, when a long-time tenant of a warehouse moves out, a PCA can document the condition of the property upon the end of their lease. 

Pre-construction surveys in Kelowna BC and the Okanagan

Are you planning a construction project in Kelowna BC or the Okanagan? A Pre-Construction Survey (PCS) is a critical step to protect your property and mitigate risks. At Okanagan Inspections, we offer comprehensive PCS services tailored to commercial properties in Kelowna BC and the Okanagan.

Why Choose a Pre-Construction Survey?

For property owners, a PCS serves as a vital documentation tool. It provides a detailed record of the existing conditions of your property, helping to attribute any future damage or structural settlement to the construction activities. This ensures that any issues are appropriately addressed by the responsible party, typically the contractor or developer.

From a contractor or developer's perspective, a PCS acts as a proactive measure for loss control and claims defense. In the event of property damage claims, the survey serves as a reference point to distinguish pre-existing damage from damage caused by construction activities, facilitating fair and prompt settlements.

Scope of Pre-Construction Surveys

Before conducting the survey, we review the drawings for the proposed adjacent building. This helps us understand the implications of the construction work and identify specific areas of the property that require closer inspection. During the survey, we visually identify and document all existing signs of exterior and roof damage, as well as any signs of structural settlement. We provide photographs and detailed descriptions of each anomaly noted, including the type, size, and location of cracks.

To monitor changes during construction, we can install crack monitoring gauges over cracks located adjacent to the proposed new construction. Follow-up surveys are conducted during and post-construction to document any changes to previously identified anomalies and identify new cracks or anomalies.

Municipal Requirements

While Kelowna BC does not have specific requirements for pre-construction surveys, it's essential to adhere to any local regulations or by-laws that may apply. We recommend consulting with local authorities or a professional inspector to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.

Contact Us for Pre-Construction Surveys in Kelowna BC and the Okanagan

Ensure your property is protected during construction with a comprehensive Pre-Construction Survey from Okanagan Inspections. Contact us today to schedule a survey and safeguard your property.