Building Conditions Assessments
A thorough understanding of a building’s physical condition is essential to informed planning and long-term stewardship.
Through detailed field surveys and systematic on-site evaluations, our team examines materials, construction systems, and building systems–such as roofing, masonry, wood, and mechanical components—to identify deterioration, assess risk, and determine maintenance needs.
The team starts by establishing what historic materials are present and what condition they are in. At Noble Hardee House, materials include brick, stucco, cast iron, wood, and sandstone, and that is only on the exterior of the building!
Conditions Glossary
A full building survey is conducted to document where conditions are and how they might be interrelated. Surveys often take multiple days or weeks to meticulously understand and document conditions. Tools of the trade include sounding mallets, loupes, scalpels, and chisels, which can be used to characterize each material and its current condition.
Survey Method
Once conditions are documented, the team can determine the priority of repairs. Stabilization of any rapidly progressing conditions is often the most important intervention to protect the building and those working on it.
Prioritizing Repairs & Interventions:
Learn more about our Building Conditions Assessment initiatives
