Published in the early 1990s as the first book dedicated to the systematic evaluation of building systems, this handbook is designed to assist real estate investors, property ownersand building professionals in establishing engineering assessment programs in order to make informed investment decisions and/or determine the financial and operational viability of properties. This 20th Anniversary Edition has beenupdated with hundreds of new component photographs, industry references, "red flag" commentary, forms to use as templates and building evaluation techniques. This hands-on guide establishes how to appraise structural, roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting and interior systems for defects, useful life and code violations, as well as how to rate the systems for remainung useful life. This book will show the reader how to establish and estimate costs for uncovered issues, and much, much more. Learn how to conduct a facility assessment from the ground up -- literally! This book is the only book you need -- it includes all of the information needed to inform on the process of building condition assessments, and will show you how go about conducting your own assessments while avoiding common mistakes and "red flags".

Accurately Assess the Physical Condition of Property for Commercial Real Estate Transactions! Turn to Property Condition Assessments for comprehensive guidance on accurately collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on the physical condition of property for commercial real estate transactions. This definitive resource provides expert information for evaluating the quality of construction, integrity of building systems, and other critical components. This hands-on reference discusses the latest industry standards and explains how to appraise structural, roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and interior systems ...rate the condition of existing equipment and components...establish estimated costs for correcting physical deficiencies...uncover maintenance problems...and more. The book also shows you how to incorporate and set up a corporate website, seize business opportunities in the booming property assessment field and maximize returns. Filled with over 250 detailed illustrations, Property Condition Assessments features: Guidelines for identifying defects, deficiencies, items of deferred maintenance, and code violations Insights into litigation, dispute resolution, and expert testimony Business-building advice on presentations, marketing, and setting up an office and website Sample reports, forms, templates and letters - all needed for a successful career in this industry Inside This One-Stop Property Assessment Guide • The Property Condition Assessment Process • Building Systems: Design and Evaluation • Building Systems: Description and Observation • Business Development • Sample Documents • Standards and Guidelines • Resource Listings • Glossary of Terms •_ And Much More

The presence of various historically-deficient building materials such as polybutylene piping, fire-retardant treated plywood, and aluminum branch wiring is considered a "red flag" by real estate investors, managers, and lenders. The identification of these problematic building materials and/or conditions is vital to the legitimacy of the due diligence effort, critical to successfully operating a property, and imperative to profitable real estate investing. For those investing in real estate, managing properties, and performing Property Condition Assessments, it is important to have a good working knowledge of these materials, components, and conditions due to their history of failure and the resulting impact on safety, real estate value, and operations. The first publication of its kind, this reference book discusses 20 different problematic building materials, components, and conditions seen in commercial and residential real estate throughout the United States. This book has been designed to be used by students, due diligence engineers, and real estate professionals as a reference guide while studying, evaluating, and operating commercial properties. With over 300 images and diagrams enabling the reader to identify these problematic materials, this book discusses the following building components and conditions: 1.Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Sanitary Piping 2.Aluminum Branch Wiring 3.Cadet and Encore Electric In-Wall Heaters 4.Chinese Drywall 5.Composite Wood Siding 6.Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Piping 7.Edison Base (Type T) Fused Electrical Overload Protection 8.Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panels 9.Fire Retardant Treated (FRT) Plywood 10.HCFC and CFC Refrigerants in Air Conditioning Systems 11.Insufficient Apartment Unit Electrical Amperage 12.Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in Fire Sprinkler Systems 13.Mold 14.Phenolic Foam Roofing Insulation (PFRI) 15.Polybutylene (PB) Water Distribution Piping 16.Recalled Fire Sprinkler Heads 17.Recalled PTAC, Heat Pump, and Room Air Conditioner Units 18.Single-Ply Thermoplastic Membranes 19.Synthetic Stucco / Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) 20.Zinsco/Sylvania Electrical Panels In addition, the book features examples of historical and informational exhibits including landmark class action settlement documents, notable recall claim forms, and detailed manufacturer's brochures of historically-deficient building components over the past fifty years. This first edition of the reference guide has been arranged to present the 20 historically problematic building materials and conditions commonly acknowledged in the commercial building evaluation industry. Each chapter features a different red flag with information and discussion on the following topics: A.Description of the Material, Component, or Condition B.Installation Dates C.Geographic Region D.Manufacturers and Trade Names E.Common Problems F.What to Look For During an Inspection G.Lawsuits and Recalls H.Replacement Materials I.Cost to Correct These topics provide specific data designed to be used by due diligence and real estate professionals as a reference while evaluating, operating, and investing in commercial and residential properties.