A facility condition assessment (FCA) is an inspection of a building that records the condition of each major system, how much useful life it has left and what it will cost to repair or replace. It turns “the building seems fine” into a list of items with priorities and budgets.
What an FCA covers
- Roof: type, age, condition, leaks and drainage
- Building envelope: walls, windows, doors, sealants
- HVAC: each unit’s age, condition and service history
- Plumbing: fixtures, water heaters, drains, backflow devices
- Electrical: panels, lighting, emergency lighting
- Life safety: alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, exits
- Interiors: floors, ceilings, walls, restrooms
- Site: parking lot, sidewalks, landscaping, signage
What the report should include
For each item: its condition, the remaining useful life, a recommended action, a rough cost and a priority. Photos make the report usable by people who were not on site.
How to use an FCA
- Budget. Spread replacements over several years instead of paying for surprises.
- Rank work. Fix safety and security items first.
- Negotiate leases. Show landlords what needs attention before renewal.
- Plan preventive maintenance. Focus scheduled work where equipment is aging.
- Compare locations. See which sites need investment and which do not.
How often to assess
Many owners assess each site every few years and update the record after major repairs or replacements. High-traffic locations, older buildings and sites in harsh climates may need more frequent reviews.
How Facility First helps
Facility First can arrange condition assessments across a portfolio and keep the results with each location’s work order history, so the assessment and the day-to-day maintenance record stay together. [CONFIRM: whether FCAs will be offered as a service]