Property Inspections
An inspection that produces a report nobody acts on is a cost, not a control.
The Routine
A property manager inspects each development formally every three months. The findings go to the board with action points agreed against them, which is the step that turns an inspection into a decision rather than an observation.
Between formal inspections, additional visits happen as required to meet contractors and residents. Where a development has on-site staff, day-to-day condition is monitored continuously and the formal inspection becomes a check on the standard rather than the only look anyone takes.
What a Formal Inspection Covers
The condition of the structure and external fabric as far as it is visible. Communal areas, stairs, entrances, lighting and signage. Grounds, boundaries, parking and bin stores. Evidence that the building's statutory testing regime is being carried out, including fire alarm and emergency lighting testing and, where the building is over 11 metres, the quarterly communal fire door checks and annual flat entrance door inspections the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require.
Findings are fed into the following year's budget rather than absorbed as surprises. That is the whole commercial point of inspecting on a schedule.
The Assessments That Sit Alongside
A health and safety risk assessment is carried out annually for each development. Combined fire and health and safety assessments are no longer considered best practice, so the two are treated separately.
Health and safety assessments are carried out by our own trained staff. Property management staff hold the IOSH Certificate in Health and Safety and more senior staff are trained to NEBOSH standard, which is what allows findings to be understood and actioned rather than passed along.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Health and safety risk assessment, below 11 metres | £198.00 |
| Health and safety risk assessment, 11 to 18 metres | £270.00 |
| Health and safety risk assessment, above 18 metres | £540.00 |
Taken from our published Additional Services price list, PBM Form #01-27 rev.6, effective 23 June 2025. All fees quoted are inclusive of VAT.
Where We Do This
From our Plymouth office, across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West. Each area page sets out the authority, the fire and rescue service and the local building stock.
Common Questions
How Often Is Our Block Inspected?
Formally every three months by the property manager, with a report to the board and agreed action points. Additional visits happen between those as required, and the annual health and safety risk assessment runs separately.
Do You Inspect Inside Flats?
No, other than the flat entrance door where the building is over 11 metres and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require an annual inspection of it. The interior of a flat is demised to the leaseholder and is theirs to maintain.
What Happens to the Inspection Report?
It goes to the board with action points, and the actions are tracked to completion. Findings with a cost attached are fed into the next service charge budget so they are funded rather than deferred.
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