Inspections & Reports

Property Condition Assessment (PCA)

ASTM E2018 property condition assessments for buyers and lenders of commercial and multifamily property. Typical US fees run $1,500 to $10,000 per property, and most projects take 2 to 4 weeks.

Typical US fee$1,500 to $10,000per property
Typical timeline2 to 4 weeks
Permit drawingsAs needed

What the work involves

A PCA evaluates a commercial or multifamily property's building systems, structure, site, paving and drainage, and estimates immediate and long-term repair costs. It follows the ASTM E2018 standard and is commonly required by commercial lenders. Engineers and architects lead the assessment, often with specialists for roofing, mechanical and electrical systems.

When you need it

  • Buying or refinancing commercial property
  • Lender requires a PCA
  • Capital planning for a portfolio
  • HOA reserve planning

What you receive

  • PCA report
  • Immediate repairs list
  • Capital reserve table
  • Photos

What drives the cost

Estimate. Depends on building size and complexity.

Frequently asked questions

How much does property Condition Assessment (PCA) cost?

Across the US, property Condition Assessment (PCA) usually costs $1,500 to $10,000 per property. Estimate. Depends on building size and complexity.

How long does property Condition Assessment (PCA) take?

Plan on 2 to 4 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Is a permit required for property Condition Assessment (PCA)?

Often not on its own, but the findings frequently lead to work that does need a permit. We tell you which parts of the follow-up work your local building department will review, and can prepare those drawings too.

Will I also need a architect?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, property Condition Assessment (PCA) can also involve a architect, MEP engineer, roofing consultant or structural engineer. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide property Condition Assessment (PCA) for?

Most of our clients for this service are developers, lenders, business owners and attorneys. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

What standard governs PCAs?

ASTM E2018 sets the baseline scope and terminology for property condition assessments. Lenders may add their own requirements.

Does a PCA include environmental review?

No. Environmental issues are covered by a Phase I ESA, which is often ordered at the same time.

Who uses the reserve table?

Lenders and buyers use it to plan replacement costs over the loan or hold period. It is an estimate, not a contractor bid.

Is a PCA a code compliance review?

Generally no. It may note obvious code issues, but a full compliance review is a separate scope.

Where we provide this service

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Sources

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