Property Condition Assessments (PCAs)

VERTEX’s team provides clients with PCA services for acquisition, financing, management, and disposition planning.

What Does A Property Condition Assessment Encompass?

A property condition assessment (PCA) is an evaluation of commercial property, including office, multi-family, healthcare, hospitality, retail, industrial, institutional or recreational sites. The main objective of a PCA is to identify and communicate physical deficiencies of the subject property and also to forecast significant capital needs for repairs or renovations in the future. VERTEX PCAs follow the Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments (ASTM E2018), to allow for a consistent and measured approach.

BASELINE PCA

A single qualified professional with general experience in the evaluation of all building components typically conducts this field effort as a visual assessment that exceeds the requirements of ASTM E2018. The assessor conducts a review of the site components, parking/paving, structure, building exterior, roofs, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, conveyance and fire/life safety systems. A report describing the condition of the observed elements and detailing anticipated costs to repair significant deficiencies and long term needs is provided in an easy-to-read and understand format.

ENHANCED PCA

This assessment includes the baseline PCA with specific items of concern investigated in more detail by one or more specialists in their respective fields (mechanical engineer, roofing consultant, structural expert, etc.). Our VERTEX staff includes professionals with expertise in all kinds of building related components, augmented by subconsultants, various contractors and sampling and testing, and when needed. The end product is a consolidated report encompassing all aspects of the assessment, including the enhanced reviews and general cost estimates for recommended actions.

EXISTING CONDITION SURVEYS

VERTEX can provide general or detailed descriptions of the existing conditions including photographic and video documentation of observed deficiencies. These baseline surveys are often utilized by owners or tenants to determine existing conditions at the time of tenant first occupancy. Condition surveys are also utilized in the construction industry to provide baseline conditions prior to construction activities, including drilling and blasting, pile driving or other vibration inducing procedures.

BUILDING REPLACEMENT ESTIMATES

VERTEX provides insurable replacement cost estimates for commercial properties of all types. These can be customized based on property type, size, and construction details and can be provided in both summary formats as part of a PCA or as a standalone report.

FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

VERTEX’s team includes Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems experts with experience in all property types, and including heavy industrial, manufacturing, LNG and LPG properties. A few areas of analysis include:

• Sprinkler system evaluations – Visual review and document study to determine if protection systems are adequate for current and future stored materials in warehouse and distribution scenarios.
• Hydraulic Analysis – Testing and review of existing system performance to determine the hydraulic capabilities of an existing system.
• Code Consulting – Review of applicable building and fire codes to determine specific client requirements or to confirm that existing systems meet code requirements.
• Audits and Surveys – Evaluation of existing systems to confirm adequate protection and determine “gaps” (GAP analysis).
• PFAS Foam Retrofit Consulting – Evaluation of systems used to effectively suppress fires from flammable liquids stored in depth assists clients in these retrofit processes.

ESG EVALUATIONS

Our team has created both abbreviated checklists and detailed reporting formats for evaluation of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) as it relates to real property. From climate resiliency to energy benchmarking/usage to site accessibility, we provide a wide variety of ESG related assessments, each tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients.

ENERGY SAVINGS INVESTIGATIONS/AUDITS

As a supplement to our PCA visit, or as a stand-alone service, VERTEX professionals can evaluate a building’s potential for Energy Savings. A review of utility usage, coupled with a detailed site walk, results in recommended actions for building improvement for both low/no-cost opportunities and longer-term capital intensive projects.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

VERTEX delivers full-service Construction Program Management, helping clients coordinate multi-site, multi-year projects with cost-effective strategies, reduced risk, and consistent project controls. Ranked as a top firm by ENR, our expert program managers oversee planning, design, construction, and QA/QC to ensure timely, budget-conscious results. Services include owner’s representation, procurement strategy, standards development, third-party quality control, and tailored training. VERTEX acts as an extension of your team to streamline complex construction programs from concept to completion.