Elements of the baseline process
- Review of available and relevant documents.
- Interviews with people familiar with operation and maintenance.
- Site reconnaissance and observation of accessible systems.
- A property condition report identifying material physical deficiencies and, when included, probable costs.
A PCA is not an exhaustive investigation
- ASTM E2018-24 describes a baseline process. It does not turn a primarily visual reconnaissance into destructive testing, an environmental assessment, structural analysis or a complete regulatory compliance review. Exclusions and additional services must be written.
Costs depend on assumptions
- An opinion of probable cost depends on quantity, chosen remedy, market, timing and available information. It supports planning; it is not a contractor’s price based on plans and specifications.
Adapt scope to the property
- Warehouses, offices, retail, refrigerated facilities, institutional or mixed-use assets create different priorities. Specialized systems may require complementary resources.
Sources and references
The following sources frame and support this content. The service agreement and the standard applicable to the assignment remain controlling.