Property Condition Assessment
Visually assessing a building's condition results in a Property Condition Report (PCR). PCAs are typically required by the lender in property transactions, however, there are buyer and owner-specific versions.
For the peace of mind that comes with understanding the possibilities, barriers and costs of lending on or purchasing a new property, you need a Property Condition Assessment.
PCAs are usually ordered by the lender during a property purchase to understand the asset's risk profile, but any property or portfolio stakeholder may find the data useful, including:
- Buyers
- Owners
- Facility Managers
- Investors
- Developers
What does property condition assessment encompass?
Property Condition Assessment is the professional inspection of commercial or large residential property for real estate due diligence purposes. The main purpose of the PCA report is to identify and evaluate all the aspects of a physical property to help people decide whether to buy or not, avoiding any potential risk. It also gives a preliminary examination of the building's interior spaces.
- Type I PCA
A qualified and experienced professional or individual engineer who inspects the property exceeds the requirements of ASTM E2018.
- Type II PCA
This assessment encompasses the Type I PCA with more details in the inspection by the experts o the relevant areas like roofing consultants, mechanical engineers, etc.
- Type III PCA
This assessment also encompasses the Type II PCA with details in the inspection by the expert subcontractors and testing of the components, where warranted and approved.
Not all Property Condition Assessments are equivalent. AMA Architects understands that every property comes with its unique challenges and opportunities, therefore we endeavor to understand your objectives and goals first so we can present you with the most accurate information possible to make the best business decision.
FAQs
What is property condition assessment?
Property Condition Assessment is an inspection of commercial or large residential property. The purpose of the PCA report is to identify and evaluate all the aspects of a physical property to help people decide whether to buy or not, avoiding any potential risk.
What is a property condition assessment report?
A property Condition Assessment report is the evaluation of a commercial property based on the inspection. It is mainly ordered as part of the due diligence process when a property changes hands. Property condition assessment services help the buyer or lender understand the property's condition before buying.
How to do a property condition report?
A property Condition Report is significant for the buyer or lender as they get to know about the property's current condition, and it also helps to resolve the damage. For making a property Condition report, you need to do a walk-through survey to observe visually, prepare a written report with all details, and file it online.
Property Condition Assessments and Facility Condition Assessments in NYC
A Property Condition Assessment (PCA) documents the physical condition of a commercial or multifamily property and the cost of the work it needs. Lenders, buyers, owners and investors use the resulting Property Condition Report to understand an asset's risk before an acquisition, refinancing or long-term capital plan.
AMA Architects PC performs PCAs and Facility Condition Assessments (FCAs) led by a Registered Architect, with MEP and energy review by a licensed Professional Engineer on our team. We assess the building envelope, roofs, structure, building systems, site and accessibility, and report findings in a format lenders and owners can act on.
What Our Assessment Covers
Walk-through survey of the site, exterior, roofs, common areas and a representative sample of units or tenant spaces.
Building envelope: facades, windows, sealants, parapets and waterproofing.
Roofs: membrane, flashings, drainage and remaining service life, reviewed by a Registered Roof Observer (RRO).
Structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and vertical transportation systems.
Accessibility observations under the ADA, the Fair Housing Act and the NYC Building Code, where applicable.
Review of available drawings, permits, DOB violations and FISP filings, and interviews with building staff.
The Property Condition Report
Our report identifies material physical deficiencies and provides opinions of probable cost, organized by priority:
Immediate costs: deficiencies that affect safety, code compliance or the building's ability to operate.
Short-term costs: repairs recommended within the next one to two years.
Replacement reserves: a schedule of expected capital expenditures over the evaluation term, when required by the lender or client.
Assessments follow ASTM E2018, the standard guide for baseline property condition assessments, or the lender's or client's own scope of work.
Facility Condition Assessments for Institutions and Public Owners
For schools, colleges, municipalities and portfolio owners, an FCA applies the same approach across multiple buildings and a longer planning horizon. We document each system's condition and remaining useful life and prioritize capital needs, so owners can plan maintenance and budgets with current data. Our work includes a Facility Condition Assessment of Old Town Hall for the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut.
Why Work With AMA Architects PC?
Because we also provide FISP inspections, facade restoration design and roof assessments, our PCAs draw on direct experience with the conditions that drive repair costs in NYC buildings, especially facades and roofs. We are licensed in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and certified as a NYS MBE and DBE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who orders a Property Condition Assessment?
Lenders typically require a PCA for commercial and multifamily loans. Buyers, owners, investors and developers also commission PCAs before a transaction or major capital decision.
What is the difference between a PCA and an FCA?
A PCA is usually tied to a transaction and focuses on near-term risk and cost. An FCA is commissioned by an owner, often for several buildings, to support long-term capital planning.
Does a PCA include destructive testing?
No. A baseline PCA is a visual, non-invasive assessment. Where conditions warrant, we recommend further investigation such as probes, testing or a specialist review.
Discuss Your Property
Send us the property address, the purpose of the assessment and any lender scope of work, and we will recommend the appropriate assessment. Call (212) 931-1042.
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