Bridging Continents Through Condition Assessments: A Building Surveyor’s Experience in Asia

To really understand a building, you have to understand the bigger picture. That often means looking beyond just the structure and paying attention to the surroundings, the use, and the culture around it. Recently, I had the opportunity to represent Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. in Nepal, Japan, and China on a two-week-long trip undertaking Property Condition Assessments (PCAs) on a variety of commercial and residential properties. It was an eye-opening journey that reminded me how universal our work is across the world, but with slight adaptations to our approach from country to country.

Property Condition Assessments Across Borders

At its core, a Property Condition Assessment is about helping clients make informed decisions about real estate investments. We evaluate a structure’s physical health, identify current or potential deficiencies, and estimate capital needs over time. These insights are essential for mitigating risk and managing long-term operational costs.

But performing PCAs across three very different countries revealed just how adaptable the process—and the people behind it—must be.

Nepal: Balancing Practicality

In Nepal, buildings reflect a blend of modern adaptations and traditional construction methods. Buildings here have undergone phased developments and repairs over decades to adapt to a difficult climate and repair damage following earthquakes and seismic activity. Documentation was often limited, and regulations differ from what we are used to in Europe, which required a more tactile approach. Transport to sites was also difficult due to the remote locations and conditions of the rural roads in the mountains, however, the local drivers seemed unfazed and tackled these challenges with ease.

This taught me the value of flexibility and intuition in the field and the importance of on-the-ground judgment through experience.

Japan: Simple efficiency

In Japan, the property assessed was a rather straightforward commercial building, however, this still presented some unique surveying challenges – navigating differences in building regulation requirements, as well as understanding the specific wear-and-tear patterns that might be unique to the region, required careful attention. The simplicity of the structure helped streamline the process, but factors like the building’s age, material durability, and previous maintenance history still needed thorough evaluation. In this case, the efficiency of the property management ensured that documentation for the building was prepared prior to our arrival, and the thorough record-keeping significantly streamlined the assessment. Simple efficiency like this really makes the life of a surveyor a lot easier!

China: The Cost of Scale of Speed

In China, I witnessed the massive scale of ongoing urban development. Entire city blocks of commercial buildings have risen in just a few years, and many continue to evolve at a rapid pace. With speed comes complexity, particularly when it comes to maintaining construction quality and consistent documentation. I was able to see firsthand some of the issues that can arise as a result of such rapid growth. This is especially true in areas built on reclaimed land, where development is becoming more common and brings its own unique set of challenges and technical considerations.

Overall, it showed me how important it is to take time to undertake a thorough inspection, especially in fast-changing environments like this, where things can move quickly and affect how well a building performs over time.

Consistency Is Key—Even When Everything Else Varies

Despite the diversity in architecture, infrastructure, and regulation, one thing remained constant: the need for consistent, reliable due diligence.

At Partner, we take pride in delivering reports that are not only thorough but also globally aligned with our clients’ expectations. That means applying a consistent methodology, adapting to local nuances, and maintaining clear communication throughout the process. Our goal is to ensure that an investor reading a report from Kathmandu has the same confidence and clarity as they would from a report in London or Munich.

Why International Expertise Matters

In today’s increasingly interconnected real estate market, investments in multi-national portfolios are more common than ever. For clients navigating unfamiliar regulatory landscapes and building practices, having experienced and versatile professionals is invaluable.

Our work doesn’t just help protect investments—it bridges gaps in understanding between different construction cultures, risk profiles, and operational expectations. And as a building surveyor, it’s rewarding to know that the work we do supports smarter, safer decisions on a global scale.

Final Thoughts

Surveying buildings across Nepal, Japan, and China was more than just a professional assignment—it was a reminder of why this work matters, why my experience matters, and also a great time to sample some excellent food and culture!

I’m grateful to Partner for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful global work and for continuing to lead the way in delivering high-quality due diligence services worldwide.