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Conduct property surveys with a building condition survey template

Learn all about what a condition survey is and why it's useful. With this information, you can determine how best to proceed with creating a survey report of your very own. Inspect and document the building’s condition with a free checklist.

What Is a building condition survey template?


A condition survey report provides an up-to-date and accurate description of the building’s condition, specifically relating to the integrity of its structure and operating systems. A building quality survey consists of conducting visual inspections to determine if there are any weak points or issues with the structure, plumbing, safety, or electrical and mechanical systems. With the help of a checklist, licensed engineers and inspectors can evaluate the building’s overall condition and document any damages. Based on the results of their appraisal, they can assess whether the building remains in a liveable condition that’s safe for inhabitants and make recommendations about repairs.


The following topics are covered in this article:


1. Why is a building condition survey template useful?


2. How to prepare a condition survey report?


3. A digital solution for a building condition survey template.


Why is a building condition survey template useful?


A condition survey report helps real estate and construction professionals make informed decisions regarding building maintenance and repairs. It can also provide potential property buyers and sellers, investors, mortgage lenders, and architects with important information regarding the worth of the property, its resell value, and whether or not it makes sense to refinance.


What to look for in a building condition assessment:


The building structure


There are several reasons why inspectors will take a closer look at the building’s internal and external architecture, the most important of which is to ensure that it’s structurally sound and safe to use. But there are plenty of other meaningful reasons for surveying a property. For example, surveys and inspections reveal critical information that helps potential buyers make purchasing decisions. It lets them know if the asking price is fair or whether or not they’ll be investing in a virtual money pit. Indeed, the price of the property can be negotiated down if latent problems are discovered and need to be repaired before the title switches hands.


The following is a sample of inspection points found on a condition survey checklist:


  • Construction
  • Supporting structure
  • Roofing
  • Walls
  • Surface
  • Timber construction
  • Heat generator
  • Pest infestation
  • Railings
  • Supply line

The Buidling Mechanics


During a survey, inspectors will test all mechanical features supporting the building’s livability. This includes running the water to check for any leaks or clogs that might indicate a larger problem at hand, like a sewage line break or frozen pipes. Surveying the building’s mechanics verifies there’s nothing inherently wrong with the structure’s inner workings that might indicate a buyer is getting more than what they bargained for. These include:



Room Inspections


Although checking to see if the building has aesthetically pleasing decor or a feng shui layout might not seem like the most important aspect of a survey, it does serve a purpose depending on why someone chooses to evaluate a building’s condition. For example, they might be realtors looking to sell a property. In this instance, components like design and blueprint will reflect on its marketability and, therefore, price.


  • Ceilings
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Windows
  • Aesthtic appeal
  • Design
  • Layout
  • Other abnormalities in the room

These are the three main inspection categories assessed in a PCA report. As discussed, there are several different industries that will use a PCA checklist to conduct a property survey for the same number of reasons. It could be a mortgage lender wanting to get an accurate account of the site’s condition before doling out the cash or it could be a seller wanting to shore up any necessary repairs before putting their assets on the market. Whatever the profession for whatever the reason, a property assessment is an investment for which the informational return could save you more than its preliminary cost.




How to prepare a condition survey report?


The following describes how you can create a building condition report. To start, carry out a comprehensive and detailed condition analysis of the building and take photographs of weak points and abnormalities in and on the property. After you have completed the building condition inspection and signed off on its release, you will receive a final report. This allows you to clearly view your results.


Condition Survey Report


  1. Describe the condition of the property
  2. Describe the external condition of the house
  3. Record the internal condition of the building
  4. Check the condition of the utilities
  5. Evaluate the condition of the heating systems
  6. Photograph conspicuous features
  7. Sign off on the inspection with the date and your signature

An inspector surveys the site's layout with the help of equipment

A digital solution for a building condition survey template


Digital checklists are particularly useful not only for documenting a building’s condition but especially when analyzing the results. Checklists minimize the risk of forgetting inspections and overlooking critical inspection points.


The mobile app and desktop software allow you to access the respective checklists regardless of location. This can even be done online or offline. The app allows you to carry out a condition analysis directly on site. All important data is then securely stored in the cloud. If problems occur and corrective measures become necessary, you can be informed immediately from the app.


Digitize checklists and internal processes with Lumiform:


  • Save time with the app’s analysis function which puts all the relevant information in one place. With faster issue identification, you can focus all your attention and resources on solving the problem.
  • Lumiform’s flexible checklist builderhelps you to convert any individual paper list into a digital checklist in minutes.
  • All results, images, and comments are automatically bundled in a digital report.
  • In addition, we offer over 12,000 ready-made templates to help companies get started digitally in no time.

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A buliding who needs a building condition inspection
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