What are the primary objectives of a building condition survey?

The primary objectives of a building condition survey include evaluating safe reentry and determining necessary permits, especially after an incident such as a flood or natural disaster. This involves assessing the structural safety of the building to ensure that it is safe for occupancy and that all environmental hazards are identified and mitigated. A survey focuses on identifying any damage that could pose risks to occupants and determining if repairs or reinforcement are needed to make the building safe.

In this context, understanding the specifics of how the condition affects reentry is crucial. Local building codes and regulations often require permits to ensure repairs are made to standard, which ties into the survey's goal of facilitating a safe and lawful return to the building. This is particularly important in floodplain management, where conditions may vary widely depending on the extent of flooding and damage.

While assessing market value, determining insurance eligibility, or preparing for demolition can be involved in different types of surveys, the core focus for a building condition survey is distinctly on safety for reentry and compliance with regulatory requirements.