Building InspectionsBy PrimeCheck · 2 min read
The condition record and the building inspection answer different questions. Put both against your intended use before taking over a retail tenancy.
A retail tenancy condition report records the premises at a particular point, including the condition of the finishes and items described in it. A building inspection assesses the accessible building elements within its agreed scope. Before taking possession of a Victorian retail tenancy, check which document you have and what you still need to investigate.
What the condition record helps you do
A useful record identifies the premises, date, room or area and condition of the listed fixtures and finishes. Dated photos help you locate the same wall, floor or fitting later. Ask for the available condition report and record areas that are missing or described differently from what you observe.
The Victorian Small Business Commission’s repairs and maintenance guidance recommends requesting the condition report and taking photographs before possession. Have a retail leasing adviser review the lease and its repair obligations alongside those records.
What to put in the building inspection brief
Tell the inspector the property type, intended use and the decision you need to make. Agree the areas and elements they will assess, access limitations and whether separate specialist checks are needed. A visible damp patch, for example, may warrant follow-up beyond recording its appearance. Ask the inspector what their findings can establish and which questions remain open.
If you’re taking a shop with a suspended ceiling, confirm whether the inspection can assess anything above it. For shared roofs or plant areas, arrange permission through the owner or building manager before booking. Have the inspector identify any parts of the premises they could not assess.
Compare the documents using the same area references
Use one premises plan and label each issue consistently. For a mark on the rear storeroom wall, keep the condition photo, inspection observation and any maintenance response together. Record who is following up and when the answer is needed. That makes it easier for your adviser to review the information before you commit.
Choose the scope before commissioning the report
Ask the provider what they inspect, what the written report includes and what sits outside their scope. Tell them if you need a record for a lease decision, nearby construction or another specific purpose. Our dilapidation report guide explains how a before-works condition record is used when building activity may affect a property.
- commercial building inspections
- retail tenancy
- Victoria
