CLIENT BRIEF
RTP Surveyors were instructed by a private purchaser to undertake a pre-purchase building survey of a commercial property in office use in Threemilestone, Truro. The purpose of the instruction was to provide a strategic assessment of the building’s overall condition and its suitability for acquisition, with particular focus on identifying any material defects or risks associated with ongoing occupation and management.

Following completion of the purchase, RTP Surveyors were further instructed to prepare a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) report to support longer-term asset management and inform anticipated expenditure.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Given the commercial nature of the property and its use as office accommodation, a detailed inspection was required to assess both external fabric and internal building elements that could impact ongoing operational use. Particular attention was given to high-level and less accessible areas, where defects can often remain concealed without enhanced inspection methods.

Drone technology was utilised to assist in the inspection of elevated areas, improving visibility of roof coverings and external elements that would otherwise have required intrusive access. This approach helped to reduce uncertainty in condition assessment and supported a more comprehensive understanding of potential maintenance liabilities.

Consideration was also given to the transition from acquisition to asset management, ensuring that the survey findings could be effectively developed into a forward-looking maintenance strategy following purchase.

OUTCOME
A detailed pre-purchase inspection was completed and a comprehensive report issued, providing the client with a structured assessment of the building’s condition, identified defects, and associated repair considerations to support the acquisition decision.

Following completion of the purchase, a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) report was prepared. This set out anticipated maintenance and repair requirements over a 10-year period, providing the client with a clear framework for forecasting expenditure and supporting informed management of the property, including service charge planning for tenants.