Timely building inspections are necessary for several reasons. When the weather changes, the outer layer of a building has to bear a lot of hits from Mother Nature. For example, the outer section has to bear the heat of the sun during the summer seasons and also the extreme cold of the winter months. As a result of this, a building can easily get weaker by the year. Timely building inspections can easily avoid the structure from collapsing with time. Building inspections are crucial for both multi-unit residential and commercial buildings. Some of the common items that need to be inspected during a building inspection include elevators, sprinklers, boilers, backflow preventers, plumbing systems, and facades.
Various Types of Inspections
When it comes to a building inspections Adelaide Jims, there are different types of inspections involved. It is important for you to understand that all types of inspection may not be carried out on the same day. Some specific components or systems may be inspected. Some of the different types of inspections are discussed below.
- Façade Maintenance: This should be performed at a time span of 2 years.
- Boilers: This should be performed every year.
- Backflow Preventers: This is also a yearly requirement.
- Elevators: It is important to check the elevators once every year.
- Sprinkler Systems: If a building is constructed after the year 1973, it is important to inspect the sprinklers on a yearly basis.
What Happens During A Building Inspection?
When it comes to a building inspection, several things happen that together comprise of the entire inspection. These have been discussed below.
- The inspector will arrive at your location to inspect the building in question. After formally introducing himself, the inspector will ask for some schematics and documents before starting the inspection.
- After viewing all the important documents of the property, the inspector will start with the inspection. Normally inspectors follow a checklist while performing building inspections to avoid forgetting anything. The checklist will also have some room for the inspector to write any notes that may be necessary.
- Once the entire inspection of a building is completed, either the inspector himself or a third-party contractor will let you know about the completion of the job. They may even provide you with a report of the findings either informally or formally.
Why Do Buildings Fail Their Inspections?
There are several reasons for buildings to fail their inspections. Some of these reasons have been listed below.
- Missing or blocked exits in agreement with occupancy rating.
- A life safety problem is discovered.
- Elevators are not working at all or are malfunctioning.
- Stairwell and exit signs are not properly illuminated.
- Fire extinguishers are either not charged or the fire safety systems have not been tested.
- The hot water systems of the building in question are not working.
- Malfunctioning or missing backflow preventers.
- Missing exit signs and emergency lighting.
- Obvious structural problems in the building.
- Possible signs of pest issues in the building.
- Broken or malfunctioning HVAC systems.
