What is Planned Preventative Maintenance?
A Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Survey focuses on the fabric and structure elements of a building. This type of survey assesses the condition of the building’s external and internal components, identifying areas that require maintenance to prevent deterioration and ensure long-term performance.
Key Aspects of a PPM Survey:
External Building Fabric Inspection:
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Assessment of the roof (including roof covering, flashing, gutters, and downpipes) for leaks, damage, or blockages.
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Examination of external walls for cracks, damp, or signs of structural movement.
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Inspection of windows, doors, and external finishes for signs of wear, rot, or failure.
Internal Building Condition Assessment:
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Checks on roof structure, ceilings, walls, and floors for cracks, water damage, or general deterioration.
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Review of internal finishes, such as paintwork, plaster, and flooring conditions.
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Inspection of staircases, handrails, and other structural components for safety compliance.
Common Areas & Fixtures:
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Inspection of communal spaces, lobbies, corridors, and stairwells for maintenance needs.
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Visual observations of fire doors, signage and accessibility features, with recommendations for specialist advice where appropriate.
External Grounds & Drainage:
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Review of paths, driveways, and external landscaping for trip hazards or wear.
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Inspection of boundary walls, fences, gates, and external lighting structures.
Maintenance Schedule & Recommendations:
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A structured plan outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term maintenance priorities.
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Budget forecasts and indicative maintenance programmes, typically covering a 5–10 year period.
This type of survey provides property owners and managers with a structured approach to maintaining building assets and planning future expenditure, for property owners, landlords, and investors to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetics of a building while preventing costly repairs in the future.
The Value of a PPM Survey
A PPM survey is one of the most beneficial surveys required by Property Management and commercial clients. Progressive deterioration of a property, if left unidentified, can lead to significant secondary defects including structural issues, damp penetration, timber decay, internal and external damage, resulting in costly remedial works.
A professional property inspection can:
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Cost Efficiency & Budgeting: Identifies issues early, preventing costly, unexpected emergency repairs and allowing for accurate, proactive financial planning.
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Asset Value Protection: Helps protect the long-term condition and value of the property by keeping it in prime condition.
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Reduced Disruption: Minimises operational downtime for occupiers by scheduling repairs in advance.
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Risk Management: Helps identify defects and highlights matters that may require further review in relation to statutory compliance.
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Lifecycle Management: Provides a detailed, long-term, comprehensive report (usually 5–10 years) covering building fabric and internal areas.
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Strategic Planning: Helps facility and property managers plan, prioritise, and justify future maintenance costs.
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Component Lifespan: Extends the useful life of building assets.
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Early Diagnosis: Timely diagnosis almost always results in lower long-term repair costs.
Our Approach
As independent Chartered Building Surveyors, our focus is on detailed assessments — not the sale of remedial works. We provide:
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Clear, structured written reports
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High-resolution annotated imagery
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Practical, proportionate recommendations
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Transparent advice tailored to the building type and age
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Identify defects at an early stage and assist in planned preventative maintenance
Where drone inspection is appropriate, it is used as a safe and efficient investigative tool. Where closer inspection is required, traditional methods are employed. In many cases, a combination of both approaches delivers the most comprehensive assessment.
Areas Covered
Based in Liverpool, we undertake instructions across:
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Merseyside
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Greater Manchester
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Cheshire
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Lancashire
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North Wales
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Wider North of England
Arrange a PPM Survey
If you require a professional PPM survey, a traditional inspection, or specialist advice, please contact our office to discuss your requirements.
We will advise on the most appropriate method of inspection and arrange a convenient appointment with a Chartered Building Surveyor.
Inspections are visual and non-invasive unless otherwise agreed. Reports provide an independent professional opinion based on evidence available at the time of inspection and are subject to our Terms of Engagement.
Maintenance forecasts and budget projections are indicative only and based on the condition observed at the time of inspection, current assumptions, and information available. Actual costs and timescales may vary.
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