What is a Property Condition Report?

A Property Condition Report is a necessary document to have when purchasing a property, whether commercial or residential. Property Condition Reports must be done by qualified property surveyor who will carefully examine the entirety of the property in order to find any potential issues or damage with the property.

The surveyor should include:
- the grounds such as the pavement, railings, irrigation and outside lighting
- the roof and roof subfloor
- structural items such as the foundation and walls
- the drainage facility and ventilation systems
- soundness of fire and other safety alarms
- an inspection of the property's "soft goods", such as furnishings

It is important to note that a Property Condition Report does not cover any damage that may be hidden in concealed areas of the property, such as the foundation, plumbing, and gas pipes. A clean bill of health from a PCR cannot guarantee that the property will not develop problems in the future.

The PCR will also include the expert's recommendation about the property. These recommendations are vital information for potential property owners to gauge the property's true worth and the time and money they may need to invest in it. PCRs can be requested by either the buyer or the original property owner. In fact, many property owners request a PCR before they even begin showing the property and make this information readily available to potential purchasers.

If you have any questions or concerns about buying a property, or Property Condition Reports, feel free to contact my office at (718) 317-5007.