When Should You Get a Condition Survey?

A building condition survey can be useful at multiple steps in the ownership of a commercial space. If you're looking to buy a building, getting an assessment of the space prior to signing can give you a clear view of how much work and money will go into repairing and getting things up to code. It's always a good idea to have someone check it out before the defects liability period (DLP) expires. This is typically within 18 months of vacancy for residential and 12 months from the date of possession of commercial buildings. By doing it early on, your liability for repairs is lessened.

If you already own a building and are thinking about getting a condition survey, take a look around your space. Are there any defects like cracks, water seepage, issues with the foundation? Even small problems are worth checking out. Those often times are only the tip of the iceberg.

-L