Building Condition Assessments in Toronto & the GTA

Building Condition Assessment (BCA)

A Building Condition Assessment is an inspection and report outlining the current and potential future costs associated with the maintenance of the building. It is often required:

A Building Condition Assessment, as described by ASTM Standard E2018-24, is as follows:

Structural and foundation condition survey of concrete, steel, timber and masonry structures, including the roof and exterior doors and windows.
Condition survey for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security and fire safety systems.
Inspect for water damage and/or mould growth.
Evaluation of observations and reporting with photograph documentation.

When you need a building condition assessment

Most of the BCAs we are asked for happen during a purchase. A buyer of a commercial, industrial or multi-unit building orders one in the conditional period so the price reflects the roof that is near the end of its life, not just the lobby that was just renovated. Lenders often ask for a BCA alongside a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment before they will finance the deal.

Owners use them too, for capital planning. Knowing that the rooftop units and the parking deck membrane both need money in the next few years is easier to budget for when it is written down with estimates attached.

What the report gives you

Our engineers walk the building and document what they see, following the scope in ASTM E2018. The report describes the condition of each building system with photographs, separates what needs attention now from what can wait, and estimates the cost of repairs and replacements over the coming years. It is written for the people making the decision, so a buyer, a lender and an owner can each find the number they need without reading the whole thing.

A BCA and a Phase 1 ESA from one firm

A BCA covers the building. A Phase 1 ESA covers the land and what past uses may have left in it. Buyers and lenders usually want both, and because Fisher does both, you deal with one consultant for the whole property. If the Phase 1 turns up a concern, our site assessment team and in-house lab can take it from there.

To book a building condition assessment in Toronto or the GTA, call 905-475-7755 or send us the property details.

Building Condition Assessment FAQ

How is a BCA different from a home inspection?

A BCA is done by an engineer, prices the repairs, and is what commercial lenders and buyers ask for. A home inspection flags visible defects in a house but does not forecast capital costs.