Property inspections are a core part of architectural due diligence. Architects, owner’s representatives, and design teams rely on inspections to verify existing conditions, document risk, and confirm that a building is ready for design or occupancy. These inspections support feasibility, code compliance, and long term facility planning.

A property inspection is a structured and documented evaluation of a building or site. The inspection reviews structural components, building systems, finishes, and life safety features. It also confirms that the property meets the conditions described in drawings, leases, or acquisition documents.

Inspections support early decision making. They help the team clarify unknown conditions before design work begins. They also help identify constraints and issues that may affect cost, sequencing, or scope.

Why Property Inspections Matter in Architecture

Architects and owner’s reps perform property inspections at several key project stages. Existing conditions must be validated before schematic design. Site constraints must be confirmed before feasibility studies. System conditions must be checked before renovation planning.

Inspection findings guide scope and cost planning. They also help teams avoid assumptions that create risk later. Clear documentation protects the design team and the client by showing baseline conditions.

Inspections also support code and life safety evaluations. They identify problems that affect occupancy, egress, accessibility, or mechanical capacity. These findings help owners plan for corrective work.

Types of Property Inspections for AEC Teams

Existing Conditions Inspections

Architects document the current state of a property before design. These inspections capture dimensions, finishes, materials, and system conditions. They form the foundation for room data sheets, space lists, and early Revit models.

Due Diligence Inspections for Acquisition

Owner’s reps perform inspections before a purchase or lease. The inspection helps identify deferred maintenance, safety concerns, or code issues. These findings help buyers understand risk.

Pre Renovation Inspections

Design teams perform inspections to map structural constraints, mechanical capacity, and envelope performance. This information supports accurate renovation scope.

Facility Condition Assessments

Facility teams inspect buildings to understand long term needs. These inspections track system age, performance, and replacement cycles.

Code and Safety Inspections

Architects review life safety features, egress paths, accessibility conditions, and system compliance. These checks identify issues that must be corrected for occupancy.

Insurance and Risk Inspections

Insurers inspect commercial properties to assess risk. They evaluate structural integrity, fire protection, and hazards.

The Layer Property Inspection Workflow

1. Preparation

Review any available plans or documents. Identify areas with missing information. Confirm access requirements before the site visit.

2. On Site Capture

Document each room or area. Record dimensions, photos, and notes. Inspect systems for visible issues. Mark deficiencies with clear descriptions.

3. Systems Review

Inspect the structure, envelope, and roof. Review HVAC equipment, electrical panels, and plumbing fixtures. Confirm fire protection coverage and alarm locations.

4. Issue Logging and Priorities

Organize deficiencies by severity. Identify code issues, safety hazards, and deferred maintenance. Note issues that may affect design or occupancy.

5. Reporting

Compile a summary of findings. Attach photos and floor plan notes. Include recommendations and next steps.

6. Follow Up

Discuss findings with the client. Confirm which issues affect scope or cost. Provide documentation for future reference.

A Checklist of Common Items to Include in an AEC Property Inspection

These elements are important as they form the baseline for design, renovation, and cost planning.

Digital Tools for Property Inspections

Traditional inspection workflows rely on clipboards and later transcription. This creates errors, delays, and gaps in documentation.

A digital inspection workflow improves accuracy and clarity. Inspectors can capture photos, notes, and form entries in the field. They can also attach information directly to a location in a floor plan or Revit model.

Tools such as Layer support this process. Inspectors can document rooms, equipment, and deficiencies directly on a plan. Photos and notes are organized instantly. Reports can be generated without manual copy and paste.

Digital tools help teams collaborate across disciplines. They reduce the time spent searching for information. They also ensure that inspection data remains connected to building data throughout the project.

Sample Property Inspection Checklist

Property Inspection FAQs

What is the difference between a property inspection and a condition assessment?

A property inspection documents current conditions. A condition assessment evaluates system performance, age, and long term needs.

Do architects perform inspections?

Yes. Architects perform inspections during due diligence, pre design, and Construction Administration.

Are property inspections required before design work?

Property inspections are not always mandated by code, but they are essential for accurate design work. Existing conditions must be verified before schematic design begins. Floor plans, measurements, and system diagrams are often outdated or incomplete.

Site inspections confirm that structural, mechanical, and life safety conditions match the documents. These findings help the design team identify risks that may affect scope, code compliance, and cost. A thorough inspection reduces assumptions and prevents redesign during later phases.

How do architects document inspection findings?

Architects document findings using a combination of field notes, measured surveys, photographs, and marked floor plans. They record dimensions, materials, equipment data, and observed deficiencies. Photos are tagged by room or system to retain context. Floor plans are marked to show locations of issues, hazards, or required corrections.

Some teams use digital tools to link this information directly to a Revit model or a floor plan view. This creates a structured record that remains consistent from existing conditions through design development and Construction Administration. Digital capture also reduces transcription errors and ensures that inspection data remains accessible to the entire project team.

Further Resources

Explore related workflows and templates for design teams:

• Construction Administration Workflows

• RFI Templates and Guides

• Room Data Sheet Templates

• Existing Conditions Documentation Tools