What to Expect in a Condition Survey Report: Key Insights for School Administrators

Condition surveys are an essential tool in estate management. They are non-intrusive surveys designed to provide invaluable insight into the physical condition of a building, enabling people to make informed decisions about things like repairs and maintenance plans. Many school administrators also rely on building condition surveys to help them maintain a safe, compliant and inspiring learning environment for students, staff and visitors. Once carried out by a qualified professional, survey reports play a key role in strategic estate management. 

In the education sector, conducting condition surveys is recommended in the Department for Education’s Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS) guidance to manage school buildings and facilities proactively. Collecting and analysing data about the condition of school estates will influence long-term maintenance planning and help school administrators prioritise the work required to maintain and protect the buildings in their estates. Below we have explored building condition surveys in more detail, highlighting what you can expect from a survey report to help you plan for the future. 

The Benefits of Building Condition Surveys for Schools 

Getting an accurate building condition survey is the best way to understand the current condition of your school estate. Surveys are typically carried out every 3 to 5 years by a qualified surveyor. The report you receive will be clear, accurate and practical, taking the guesswork out of planning repairs and maintenance work. 

By assessing the condition of your estate and identifying potential problems early, condition surveys help prevent minor issues from escalating into extensive repairs. Having a proactive approach not only saves money, but also minimises disruption by addressing issues before they impact the building’s functionality. Professional surveys and inspections are also essential for maintaining compliance with building regulations and other health and safety standards. A comprehensive building condition survey report provides an overview of areas that require attention, enabling you to address them and avoid the repercussions of non-compliance. 

Regular building condition surveys are incredibly useful for long-term asset management. The detailed breakdown they provide of an estate’s overall condition enables school administrators to create a clear timeline for repairs, maintenance, upgrades and even expansion projects. Building surveys should also provide an indication of how much future work might cost, supporting effective resource allocation which is essential for schools with limited funds. Condition survey reports can even be used to assist with competitive funding applications, such as the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). 

What to Expect in a Condition Survey Report 

Following a condition survey, you will receive a detailed report from the surveyor. Within this report, you will find a vast range of information that provides a clear picture of your estate’s overall condition. Here is an example of what school administrators can expect to find in a building condition survey report; 

• Detailed Building Assessments – The report will contain a detailed analysis of the buildings in your estate. It will describe any issues that require attention and provide photographic evidence for your reference. 
• Maintenance and Repair Recommendations – There will be recommended actions for each issue identified in the report, such as repairs, replacements or further investigations. These recommendations will include estimated costs and information about the benefits of works to help you prioritise maintenance.
• Risk Assessments – For any hazardous areas, condition surveys will also include risk assessments. This section will highlight their potential impact on things like safety and day-to-day operations, enabling you to make suitable changes. 

Building Condition Issues Included

A comprehensive condition survey covers a range of building components to ensure nothing important is overlooked. You can expect the report to include information about the following; 

• Structural Elements – This covers building fabric, including walls, floors, windows and doors, to ensure they don’t have any major issues that compromise safety.
• Roofing Systems – Roofs are examined for leaks, damage and signs of wear and tear. This is essential for preventing costly repairs and damage to the learning environment.
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems – School estates have several key systems, from heating and ventilation systems to lighting and plumbing systems. Condition surveys assess all of these systems to make sure they are functional and energy efficient.
• Fire Safety and Security – Safety and security solutions are evaluated to help plan preventative maintenance and prioritise improvements. 
• Estate Grounds – The condition of external areas, such as car parks, paved areas and sports fields, are also included. This not only ensures outdoor areas are safe, but the site layout is optimised to improve the experience for students and staff.