Q: What level of survey do I need?

Needs come in all forms so the PCA will be tailored to meet yours. We meet with you, listen to your concerns, and discuss survey options, your risk tolerance and the cost benefit of the various aspects of a survey

Q: How much can I expect to pay for a PCA?

No two properties are exactly alike so without some understanding of the property and your needs there is no set amount to pay for a survey. But to provide a frame of reference fees can range from 0.05 $/sf to 0.20 $/sf

Q: How long does it usually take to perform a diligent and thorough Property Condition Assessment (PCA)?

In most cases we can provide a written proposal, within twenty-four hours from the time we receive your request. The PCA survey can be scheduled in a matter of days and generally takes a week to perform the survey and to gather the buildings historical information review thoroughly and thoughtfully and develop cost estimates.

Q: How soon can I expect to receive my Property Condition Report (PCR) once the PCA has been completed?

Once the PCA is completed, you can expect to receive the PCR via an email file attachment in PDF format within five to ten business days depending on the complexity of the property. We will provide a schedule with our proposal so you know what expect. This typical time line allows us enough time during a normal workweek to carefully review our findings and put them into a readable PDF format that is easy to use.

Q: Does your PCA include a warranty or written guarantee of any kind?

Is it important to understood is that a PCA is predicated upon a visual and non-invasive assessment of the property to observe and determine the readily apparent condition of building systems and components listed under the scope of the PCA on the day thereof. As such, a PCA is not intended to determine nor can it predict how long a particular system or component may last or continue to perform its intended function. The ASTM guide explains that the PCA and PCR are an opinion of condition and does not constitute a warranty or guarantee. That said, we stand behind our work with regard to our assessment of the property on the day thereof.

Q: Another company told me they can complete my PCA including the report in only one day or in half the time and for less money than you can. How can this be?

Unless we have all the facts up front, we can only assume they are not providing the same service, ie comparing apples to oranges. The point is, while you may shop at the big box stores to save money in looking to purchase a like product, this seldom if ever works in comparing PCA fees alone where you get what you pay for. This is why it's so important to ask questions ahead of time in making sure you're comparing apples to apples so you don't end up with a lemon!

Q: Need I be present for my Property Condition Assessment (PCA)?

A typical PCA survey may take from a few hours to several days, we do not expect you to be present for the survey but we do enjoy the client’s participation so we can update regarding any important issues or concerns that may have come to our attention. We will call you at the end of each business day to discuss our findings and update you on our progress. Also, once we finish the PCA and submit our Property Condition Report (PCR), we will want to meet with you as soon as possible to review, discuss and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Property Condition Assessment and report.

Q: Who other than myself is entitled to receive a copy of my Report?

Once you receive your property condition report (PCR), this decision is left up to you.

Q: Is a PCA worth considering when looking to purchase new construction or older commercial properties that have since been restored or rehabbed?

Regardless of a buildings age or state of rehabilitation there will always be things you should be aware of as a potential buyer/leasor. Are there any code issues left unresolved? What quality of mechanical equipment has been provided? Contractors make mistakes, are there any unknown issues with the quality of the construction? While it may be a limited scope or a simple survey we believe there to be value regardless the age or reported condition of the property.