RICS APC Building Surveying & Construction

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an RICS Level 3 Building Survey (formerly a Full Structural Survey)?

Accepted Answer

To provide a detailed assessment of the property's condition, identify defects, advise on remediation and cost implications, for older, unusual, or significantly altered properties

Answer

To provide a mortgage valuation for a lender

Answer

To assess energy performance and produce an EPC rating

Answer

To provide a standard condition report for typical residential properties

Question 2

What does 'dampness' in a building typically refer to, and what are the three main sources?

Accepted Answer

Unwanted moisture in the building fabric — the three main sources are rising damp (groundwater), penetrating damp (rain ingress), and condensation (moisture from internal humid air)

Answer

Chemical deterioration of masonry caused by acid rain only

Answer

Subsidence-related cracking allowing water ingress

Answer

Thermal bridging in modern cavity wall construction

Question 3

What is 'subsidence' and how does it differ from 'settlement' in building surveying?

Accepted Answer

Subsidence is downward movement of the ground beneath a building due to loss of support (e.g., shrinking clay, root damage, mining); settlement is the gradual, expected compression of ground under a new building's load — settlement is normal, subsidence is a defect

Answer

Subsidence and settlement are interchangeable terms for the same phenomenon

Answer

Settlement is movement caused by tree roots only; subsidence is caused by mining only

Answer

Subsidence always requires demolition; settlement does not

Question 4

What is a 'Schedule of Condition' and when would a commercial building surveyor prepare one?

Accepted Answer

A factual record of a property's condition at a specific date, typically prepared before a lease is granted — used to limit a tenant's dilapidations liability at lease end

Answer

A programme of planned maintenance work for a commercial building

Answer

A Scott Schedule used in party wall dispute resolution

Answer

A document prepared by a contractor before commencing building works

Question 5

What is a 'Party Wall etc. Act 1996' notice and when must it be served?

Accepted Answer

A formal notice served by a building owner on an adjoining owner before carrying out works affecting a party wall, party structure, or excavation near the neighbour's building — typically 1–2 months before works begin

Answer

A planning application notice for works that affect a shared boundary

Answer

A building regulations submission for structural alterations to a party wall

Answer

A notice served by local authority on homeowners requiring them to repair a dangerous party wall

Question 6

What is a 'dilapidations' claim in commercial property and what does a terminal schedule typically contain?

Accepted Answer

A landlord's claim against a tenant at or near lease end for breach of repairing, decorating, and reinstatement obligations — a terminal schedule itemises each breach, the required remedy, and the estimated cost of works

Answer

A claim by a tenant against a landlord for failure to repair the structure during the tenancy

Answer

A schedule of planned maintenance works to be carried out during the tenancy

Answer

A building regulations inspection report prepared at lease end