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Baltimore, Maryland Property Condition Assessments

In Baltimore, Maryland, Property Condition Assessments provided by Partner’s engineers follow all ASTM guidelines and specialize in delivering a comprehensive range of services tailored for the Commercial Real Estate Industry. From Property Condition Assessment Reports to Structural Engineering Evaluations and Probable Maximum Loss Assessments, our prowess lies in deciphering the intricacies of buildings. Understanding your investments becomes effortless with our insights.

Connect with us, share your unique circumstances, and watch as we craft bespoke solutions such as Property Condition Assessments or personalized engineering inspections tailored precisely to your requirements.

Partner’s Advantages:

Licensed Engineers
Seasoned professionals steeped in the nuances of commercial building inspections
Adherence to ASTM Standard E2018 for Property Condition Assessments

Explore a myriad of our Building Science Services, including:

Probable Maximum Loss Reports
Structural Assessments
LEED Consulting
ALTA Surveys
Building Energy Audits

State & Local Resources

Additional state and local information about PCAs can be obtained from the following resources:

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation: https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Baltimore City Department of Finance: https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/realproperty
Property Condition Assessment Professionals: https://www.pca.org/login
Maryland Department of Assessment and Property Tax (SDAT): https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/
Maryland Department of Environment (MDE): https://www.maryland.gov/

Solutions

A Property Condition Assessment (PCA) involves a comprehensive evaluation of a property's physical condition, typically conducted by a qualified professional or team. In Baltimore, Maryland, this process may involve several specific steps. These steps may vary based on the specific requirements of the property, the type of assessment, and any local regulations or unique conditions in Baltimore, Maryland:

Initial Review and Documentation: The process begins with gathering existing documents related to the property, such as previous inspection reports, maintenance records, and building plans.
Site Visit: A thorough physical inspection of the property is conducted, examining both the exterior and interior components. This includes assessing the structural elements, building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), roofs, parking lots, landscaping, and more.
Interviews and Documentation Review: Engaging with property managers, maintenance personnel, and other relevant stakeholders to gather information regarding the property's history, maintenance practices, and any known issues.
Testing and Analysis: Some assessments might include testing various systems, such as environmental testing (for asbestos, lead, mold, etc.) or conducting specialized tests for electrical and mechanical systems.
Risk Assessment: Evaluating potential risks associated with the property, including factors like environmental risks, safety hazards, or deferred maintenance issues.
Code Compliance Check: Assessors review the property to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations in Baltimore.

Documentation of Findings: Creating a detailed report outlining the assessment findings, including photographs, descriptions, and prioritization of issues based on severity and urgency.
Cost Estimation: Providing estimates for necessary repairs, replacements, or maintenance based on the findings. This might also include projected costs over short-term and long-term periods.
Recommendations: Offering suggestions for addressing identified issues, prioritizing actions to mitigate risks and maintain or enhance the property's value.
Final Report: Compiling all collected data, assessments, and recommendations into a formal report that includes an executive summary, detailed findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Presentation and Review: Presenting the report to the client or stakeholders, discussing the findings, answering questions, and providing clarifications as needed.
Follow-Up and Consultation: Offering continued support or consultation regarding the report's findings, assisting in decision-making processes related to property management or investment strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific regulations or standards for PCAs in Baltimore, Maryland?

It's essential to check with local authorities or industry organizations to understand any specific regulations or standards that may apply to PCAs in the Baltimore area.

Who typically needs a PCA?

PCAs are typically required for commercial property transactions, such as purchases, sales, or refinancing. However, they may also be beneficial for property owners who are considering making major renovations or repairs.

Where can I find more information about PCAs?

Additional information about PCAs can be obtained from the following resources:

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation: https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Baltimore City Department of Finance: https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/realproperty
Property Condition Assessment Professionals: https://www.pca.org/login

Digging Deeper

What Makes Baltimore’s PCAs Unique

The City of Baltimore and surrounding suburbs have a dense urban population, and many historic structures and neighborhoods. Due to the potential for aged properties, extra attention should be paid to supportive infrastructure and utilities, as well as the physical condition of the buildings/sites themselves.
While not directly related to a PCA report, Industrial Hygiene scopes, such as asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP), can impact projected costs for repairs on existing buildings, especially multifamily, if abatement is needed/warranted.
Other concerns to be aware of are moisture infiltration, particularly in subterranean areas, as site drainage and foundation waterproofing issues are common.
Lastly, roof access can be a hurdle as many older structures do not provide safe access to attic spaces for pitched roofing and/or flat roof areas. Coordinating roof access ahead of time, as well as building permit review, accessing historical/current aerial photos, and potentially recommending additional services to assess roof condition are prudent measures.

Hiring an experienced professional for your commercial real estate due diligence is important.

Get in Touch

Bill Whitty, Jr.

Relationship Manager

+1 410-816-4696

[email protected]

8422 Bellona Lane suite 301, Towson, MD, USA

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