Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

3 Keys to Successful Property Inspections

  • By Western Specialty Contractors
  • 03/01/19

If you want to reduce maintenance costs, there are advantages to doing property inspections. To begin with, they give you valuable information that makes the stressful maintenance decision-making process easier and straightforward. We all know that effective inspections involve more than just walking around a property looking for potential issues. Here’s how to succeed at property inspections.

1. Start with standardized methods. Successful inspection programs, built on a foundation of standardized methods, help improve consistency over time. That way, you can reliably compare results from a current inspection to past ones. Take several pictures of each component’s condition—don’t try to rely on notes from inspectors exclusively; use a condition rating scale—keep ratings as simple as possible. Don’t be tempted to start doing inspections first, then record the data later. That’s a recipe for expensive mistakes and a sub-par inspection.

2. Instructions matter. Successful inspections leverage great written guidelines. Provide your team with written instructions they can review. Even if your inspection is set up correctly, it only makes it harder to get the traction if your staff isn’t sure what to do. It’s about taking the guesswork out of the equation.

3. Create checklists (or know where to get them). Successful inspections have rock-solid processes. If you’re new to exterior maintenance, creating checklists can be a fun and exciting way to get better. If you want to do a great inspection, you need to learn how to make inspection checklists. If that isn’t you yet, you can shortcut this by asking a contractor to help you. You might supply the vision and property knowledge, and they bring their years of experience and expertise.

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management March 2019 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

Western Specialty Contractors (www.westernspecialtycontractors.com), based in St. Louis, MO, is the nation's largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing.

Featured

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Parallel Architectural Products

    Armstrong World Industries, provider of interior and exterior architectural applications, recently announced that it has acquired the Colorado-based Parallel Architectural Products, according to a news release.

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.