School building surveys typically occur every three to five years, and while they are often just routine inspections, they can still be daunting for leadership teams. Repairs or requirements to improve sustainability features can be costly, so it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation.
We believe that understanding what to expect when your school is surveyed can make the process a lot less stressful, allowing you to prepare better and take action quicker if any issues are identified during the inspection.
Below, common questions are answered, and top tips are shared to make you feel more at ease when your survey date comes around.
What school building surveys are available?
Before thinking about what happens when your educational institution is inspected, it is important to understand the different survey types. Some of the more common options include:
- Condition survey – An in-depth look into the condition of your estate, focusing on deficiencies and maintenance issues
- Energy efficiency survey – An assessment of your property’s energy usage to find ways to improve its efficiency
- Fire risk assessment – A service focusing on the potential fire risks across your buildings, which will include recommendations to ensure you meet legal requirements
- Valuation – An appraisal of your estate’s worth. These are needed for lending purposes, financial reporting and in several other circumstances
Who conducts a building survey for schools?
A RICS-certified surveyor conducts this service. They follow the Building Surveying Standards and Guidance or Red Book – Global Standards, depending on the type of work being undertaken.
It is vital that you choose a regulated professional, like the ones here at Eddisons Education, to ensure accuracy and compliance every time.
What should I expect from my school building survey?
Before
Start by contacting a reputable firm to conduct the survey. They will take time to understand your requirements and answer any questions you have about the process. You should then lock in a date and time for the inspection. We recommend choosing a time that will be least disruptive to students, such as a weekend or during a half term.
Prior to the surveyor’s visit, they may request documents and data. This information will be used to help them prepare. Once they are satisfied with everything you have sent them, you should inform your staff about the survey. If the inspection occurs during a regular school day, then we advise informing students as well to avoid any confusion.
During
On the day of the survey, you can usually expect the process to begin with the surveyor walking through the school with a member of the site or leadership team. Visual inspections of roofs, walls, windows and floorings will follow, before mechanical and electrical system checks are completed.
Measurements, photographs and notes will be taken throughout to be included in the final report. It is worth noting that most surveys are non-invasive and are designed to avoid interrupting learning where possible. However, they may need to enter some classrooms to ensure the inspection is thorough.
After
You will receive a detailed report soon after the survey is completed. Timelines for these can vary depending on the size and complexity of your estate. Your report will highlight the current condition of your buildings, any compliance issues, maintenance priorities and recommendations for future upgrades.
It will then be up to you to take the next steps to ensure your school is a safe as possible. If you choose a company like Eddisons Education to conduct your survey, then your report can be passed on to a building consultancy team to manage upgrades and renovations. We believe that this streamlines the process and ensures you get the most out of the appraisal.
Top tips to follow when preparing for a school survey
If you have an upcoming school building survey, here are some tips to ensure it is a success:
- Keep your documents up to date, and make sure they are readily available for your surveyor
- Ensure access to all areas of the school during the inspection
- Maintain clear communication with your stakeholders, so everyone is aware of what is happening
- Have your site team regularly assess your properties and ask them to note down any areas of concern
Book a school building survey with Eddisons Education today
Building surveys for schools should be a routine procedure, and we believe they are nothing to be concerned about. You can depend on us to conduct a thorough investigation of your premises whilst ensuring that you are comfortable with the process.
Please call 0808 253 2759 or use the form below to arrange a free consultation today. Be sure to read our case studies as well to see how we have helped other education providers.
