Specialist Certificate in Building Inspection

Course details

The pre-condition of an effective maintenance system is reliable inspection data. The inevitable subjectivity of inspectors results in pergent maintenance recommendations; this is an undesirable situation since accommodation, maintenance and other facilities related policies are influenced by the existing condition of facilities. Variability in inspections if not addressed will lead to inefficient allocation of often-limited budgets for facility maintenance and upkeep.

The Rijksgebouwendienst (RGD) or Dutch Government Building Agency, which manages some 6-million m2 of Dutch Ministries and State properties, developed an inspection system and six-point condition scoring system to address the subjectivity problem and ensure consistency in condition assessment for its maintenance policy and planning. This RGD inspection system and framework (‘1’: ‘As New’ Condition to ‘6’: ‘End of Service Life’), forms the basis of the new Dutch standard (NEN 2767) for Building Condition Assessment. The system is being transferred to Singapore through this SRP-REMMI Building Inspection-Condition Assessment course.

Course Objectives 

The course will provide the knowledge and skills to conduct and reduce subjectivity in inspections as a precursor to implementing a condition-based maintenance management. The inspection system comprises of:

• Defects Parameters
• Defects Classification Framework and Matrix
• Condition Scores and Standards
• Maintenance Prioritisation Parameters

Course Structure 

The course comprises of four modules:

1. Inspection Needs & Norms

• Building Inspections in Maintenance Management
• Practice of Building Inspections & Methodology
• Subjectivity Problems & Inspection Standardisation
• REMMI Building Condition Matrix

2. Inspection Protocol, Proformas & Aids

• Inspection Protocol
• Pre-Inspection Documentation
• Inspection Proformas
• Inspection Instruments and Aids

3. External & Internal Building Components Inspections

• Inspection of External & Internal Components
• Common Defects in Building Components
• Protocol for Inspection and Inspection Points
• REMMI Condition Matrix: Guided Inspections & Application

4. Condition Assessment & Maintenance Prioritisation

• Condition Scores and Maintenance Standards
• Maintenance Prioritisation Parameters
• Condition-Based Maintenance Management
• Maintenance Planning & Budget Allocation Norms

Entry Requirements 

4.1 Applicants are expected to have the following qualification:

• Diploma in a building-related field from approved institutions with at least two years work experience in building operation and maintenance

4.2 Applicants with the following qualifications are required to complete a pre-requisite course in Building Technology and Services:

• ITE/CITI Certificate in a related field with at least five years work experience in building operation and maintenance
• 'A'/'O' Levels (Credits in English and Mathematics) with at least ten years work experience in building operation and maintenance

Course Accreditation 

The course has been approved for 60 PDU units under the PE Board Continuing Professional Development programme.