What is a Building Condition Survey?
Maintaining and upgrading educational facilities is crucial for providing a conducive learning environment. One instrumental tool in this process is a Building Condition Survey.
A Building Condition Survey is a visual inspection of the physical, mechanical and electrical condition of your school buildings, systems and external areas. Condition surveys provide a uniform, objective way to gather information about the condition of your buildings and facilities and should be completed by a chartered building surveyor. It addresses significant requirements for improvement which are vitally important to the smooth running and safety of schools. This includes keeping them warm (heating, windows, roofing, insulation), dry (walls, roofing, windows) and safe (fire safety, asbestos removal, safeguarding the perimeter, M&E).
Before you can determine the maintenance, refurbishment and replacement priorities for your school, college or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) for the financial year, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of the condition of your buildings and facilities. A survey can help you identify the scope and cost of works.
What are Building Condition Surveys used for?
• Identifying Structural Issues:
Building Condition Surveys help identify structural issues early on, preventing potential safety hazards. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly ensures a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff.
• Asset Management and Planning:
These surveys provide valuable data for effective asset management. By understanding the condition of the building components, schools can plan and budget for maintenance and renovations strategically, extending the lifespan of their infrastructure.
• Budgeting and Funding Allocation:
Building Condition Surveys enable schools to develop accurate and realistic budgets for maintenance and improvements. This is particularly vital when applying for funding, as it provides concrete data to justify the financial requirements.
• Compliance with Regulations:
Regular surveys ensure that school buildings comply with safety and accessibility regulations. Compliance not only safeguards the well-being of the occupants but also prevents potential legal issues that may arise from non-compliance.
• Enhancing Energy Efficiency:
Assessing the condition of a building allows schools to identify opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades. Investing in energy-efficient measures not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
Right now is the perfect time!
Many educational institutions receive funding announcements in the Spring . By scheduling a Building Condition Survey now, schools can present a comprehensive report along with their funding applications, demonstrating a proactive approach to facility management.
Although schools and academies are expected to pay for building condition surveys, the information the survey provides can be used as evidence to apply for funding. Condition surveys can help larger MATs prioritise its Schools Condition Allocations (SCA) and small MATs in their application for a Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) grant.
How we can assist
Our team, consisting of more than 60 RICS-certified surveyors, is experienced in addressing the unique challenges faced by educational facilities. These challenges range from working within limited budgets and meeting project deadlines to the essential task of minimising disruptions during academic terms and examinations.
In addition to our surveying services, we possess the capability to oversee building and maintenance projects efficiently. Moreover, we can assist you in navigating the process of securing funding for these initiatives. Our objective is to contribute to the understanding of the condition of your facilities while supporting you in managing and improving them to create an optimal learning environment.