Property Condition Assessments (PCAs)

The physical condition of a building including the quality of construction, and integrity of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing are important considerations that prospective building owners, real estate developers and lenders need to know.  Natura’s professionals help our clients determine these factors through a tailored scope building assessment.  Performing a property condition assessments allows our clients to make informed decisions during the due diligence process.

Natura Architectural Consulting provides thorough PCAs in accordance with the current ASTM E2018 guidelines as well as government agency reports including; HUD, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and USDA RD.  For more information on NAC’s multifamily condition assessments please click here.

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• ASTM E2018 Property Condition Assessments
• Equity PCAs conducted by Licensed Architects
• Architectural Document & Cost Reviews & Construction Loan Monitoring
• Portfolio PCA Assessments
• Reserve Studies for Community Associations and Time Share Properties
• Seismic Risk Assessments that meet ASTM E2026
• Probable Maximum Risk Assessments that meet ASTM E2557

WHAT IS A PCA?:

A PCA is a physical inspection of the interior and exterior of a building and its mechanical and structural systems to determine deficiencies.  A PCA provides a record of a property’s current condition and forecasts the useful life of the amenities and building systems.

PCA’s are often used when purchasing or refinancing a property to determine the costs of upgrades or renovations that are potentially needed.

PCA’s vary depending on what the client’s needs are.  Each and every PCA is different and can be tailored for each client.  It is important to complete the building due diligence before purchasing a property to identify potential hazards and costly repairs.

BUILDING TYPES:

NAC performs condition assessments on all building types including;

• Retail
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Multifamily
• Self storage facilities
• Mobile home communities
• Historic properties

SCOPE OF THE PCA:

A typical PCA will have inspections of the following scope items:

• Visual inspection of the site and grounds,
  • Pavement, parking, curbs, loading docks, sidewalks, landscaping, drainage, lighting walls, fencing, railings, signage
• Structural systems
  • Foundations, walls, columns, floors, roofs
• Building exteriors
  • Exterior finishes, stairs and steps, exterior doors and windows
• Roofing
  • Roof membranes, parapet wall, flashing, penetrations, drainage and skylights
• Plumbing and Mechanical systems
  • Domestic water, plumbing fixtures, natural gas, sanitary sewer and storm water systems
• Electrical systems
  • Power, lighting and emergency systems
• Fire Safety systems
  • Fire protection sprinkler and standpipe systems, fire extinguishers, alarm and security systems
• HVAC
  • Cooling, heating, air distribution and ventilation systems
• Interior building components
  • Interior finishes of common areas and tenant spaces
• Vertical Transportation Systems
  • Elevator and escalator equipment
• Review of architectural drawings and mechanical systems
• Interview key personnel
  • Facility maintenance operators or property managers
• Accessibility review (ADA)
  • Parking, ramps, entrances/exits, path of travel, elevators and restrooms

Download our Property Condition Assessment Cut Sheet Here