Existing Building Assessment
Understand the building before deciding what comes next - drawings, defects, previous modifications and intended use define the assessment required.
Quick Answer
Refurbishment, a change of use or a proposed alteration should begin with an understanding of the existing structure. Available drawings, observed defects, previous modifications and intended future use help define the assessment required.
For an Indian property, the review should consider the building's particular exposure and maintenance history. The next step should follow the evidence available for that building.
Who This Is For
- - Building owners
- - Developers planning refurbishment
- - Facility & asset managers
- - Prospective purchasers
When It Is Needed
- - Before refurbishment
- - Before a change of use
- - Before alterations are designed
- - When records are incomplete
What Problems This Service Solves
Decisions about an existing building are only as reliable as what is known about it. Assessment replaces assumption with evidence.
Missing Records
Original drawings may be incomplete or absent. We record what exists, what is missing and what must be confirmed on site.
Previous Modifications
Earlier alterations can change how a structure carries load. Their history is part of the assessment.
Observed Defects
Cracking, staining or movement is a symptom. We seek to understand the cause before a response is chosen.
Intended Future Use
A change of use can alter loads and demands on the structure. The proposal shapes the scope.
Exposure & Maintenance History
A building's exposure and how it has been maintained influence its condition. Both are considered for the property in question.
Choosing Repair Too Early
Repair, strengthening or further investigation should follow the evidence, not precede it.
The Assessment Process
Brief
The proposed change and the questions to resolve
Records Review
Available drawings, reports and maintenance history
Site Assessment
Observation of the structure and recorded defects
Targeted Testing
Where warranted, testing to fill specific gaps
Report
Findings, limitations and options for next steps
Methods & Techniques
Testing is selected only where it helps answer a defined question, and its results are interpreted alongside the other evidence for the building.
Visual Condition Survey
Systematic observation of accessible structural elements.
Records & Drawings Review
Comparison of what exists with what the documents show.
Targeted Non-Destructive Testing
Suitable methods chosen for the question at hand.
Material Sampling
Sampling and laboratory testing where properties must be confirmed.
Crack & Movement Monitoring
Recording of change over time where movement is a concern.
Capacity Check
Review of whether the structure can accommodate the proposed change.
What You Receive
Deliverables are agreed for each assignment and shaped around the project's stage, available information and the question to be resolved. Findings are recorded with their basis and limitations, so decisions can follow the evidence.
Assessment Report
Condition findings, limitations and recommended next steps
Defect Records
Observed defects recorded by location with photographs
Statement of Information Used
The drawings, records and tests the findings rely on
Testing Summary
Results of any testing, interpreted with the other evidence
Options for Next Steps
Repair, strengthening or further investigation, as the evidence supports
Input to Design
Information suitable for passing to the design team
Why New Nordic
Defined Scope
Each assignment starts with a clear question, an agreed scope and a stated reporting format.
Site-Specific Approach
Location, building use and available records shape the work, not assumptions from another market.
Evidence-Led Findings
Observations are recorded with their location and context, with limitations stated plainly.
One Connected Team
Planning, design, supervision and review can be discussed together, with responsibilities agreed from the outset.
Related Services
Structural Inspections
Visual and technical inspection of building structure, recording defects and reporting what they may mean for the building.
Modification Design
Structural design for openings, added floors and alterations, developed from existing-condition information and the proposed change.
Structural Strengthening Design
Design of strengthening and repair measures for existing structures, based on assessment findings and project-specific assumptions.
Frequently Asked
Can you review a building before an alteration or change of use?
Yes. We begin with the proposed change and the information available about the existing structure, then define the review required.
What if there are no drawings?
That is common. The assessment records what can be confirmed on site and states clearly what remains uncertain.
Will testing always be needed?
No. Testing is proposed only where it helps answer a defined question.
Do you assume the same conditions for every property?
No. The review considers the building's own exposure and maintenance history rather than assumptions from elsewhere.
What do I receive?
A report explaining what was reviewed, what was found, its limitations and the options for the next step.
Start a Conversation
Talk to Us About Existing Building Assessment
Tell us where the project is, what stage it has reached and the questions you need to resolve. We will discuss the scope of support required.