Trends in Building Condition Assessments and Property Management in BC

As 2024 unfolds, the property management and building assessment industry is seeing significant shifts, driven by new technologies, regulatory changes, and evolving property owner expectations. In British Columbia, these trends are reshaping how Building Condition Assessments (BCAs), depreciation reports, and warranty reviews are conducted, making it crucial for property managers and strata councils to stay ahead of the curve.

This post highlights key industry news and developments that are impacting the property management landscape in BC.

1. Increased Focus on Risk Management in BCAs

One of the biggest trends in 2024 is the growing emphasis on risk management. Property owners and managers are increasingly seeking Building Condition Assessments that highlight potential risks to asset performance, occupant safety, and regulatory compliance. This shift includes a focus on:

• Critical Systems Assessment: BCAs are now placing more importance on evaluating the condition and reliability of essential building systems—such as roofing, structural frames, and life safety systems (e.g., fire alarms, sprinklers). Identifying vulnerabilities early helps reduce unexpected failures and costly emergency repairs.

• Prioritization of Major Repairs: Inspections increasingly include clear prioritization of deficiencies based on risk factors like severity, likelihood of failure, and potential consequences. This approach supports better decision-making on where to allocate maintenance budgets first.

• Maintenance Strategy Support: Modern BCAs are expected to do more than simply list issues—they provide guidance on proactive maintenance strategies that can extend the life of building components. By identifying early intervention opportunities, property managers can optimize repair budgets and minimize future capital costs.

2. Advancements in Building Technology and Assessment Tools

The rise of new technologies is improving how Building Condition Assessments are conducted. In 2024, assessors are increasingly using enhanced diagnostic tools like thermal cameras and moisture meters to deliver more accurate, faster, and cost-effective inspections.

• Thermal Cameras: Thermal imaging technology is now a standard part of many BCAs. Thermal cameras help detect hidden issues such as heat loss, moisture intrusion, and electrical hotspots that are invisible to the naked eye. This allows for early identification of building envelope deficiencies, reducing the risk of costly repairs down the road.

  
  

• Moisture Meters: Moisture meters are used during inspections to detect elevated moisture levels within building materials such as walls, floors, and ceilings. This is critical for identifying hidden water ingress issues that could lead to mold growth, material degradation, or structural damage if left unaddressed.

  
  

• Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: By combining traditional visual inspections with modern diagnostic tools, assessors can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a building’s condition. This leads to better-informed maintenance recommendations and a clearer understanding of potential hidden problems.

3. Evolving Expectations from Property Owners and Strata Councils

In 2024, a major shift affecting Building Condition Assessments is not regulatory change, but rising expectations from property owners, councils, and asset managers. Stakeholders are seeking more detailed, practical, and transparent information to support better property stewardship.

• Greater Demand for Actionable Recommendations: Owners and councils are looking for BCAs that go beyond technical jargon. They want clear, prioritized recommendations that help them plan future maintenance activities effectively—addressing what needs attention soon versus what can be deferred.

  
  

• More Focus on Short- to Mid-Term Planning: While BCAs are not financial planning tools like Depreciation Reports, property managers are increasingly using BCA findings to support short- and mid-term decision-making. By assessing the current physical condition of building components and identifying near-future repair needs, BCAs help owners prioritize maintenance and renewal projects that protect the building’s performance and value over the coming years.

  
  

• Higher Expectations for Reporting Transparency: Stakeholders are asking for clearer, more visually accessible reports—such as condition rating systems, summary tables, and risk matrices. A visually transparent BCA helps councils and owners quickly grasp the key issues without needing a technical background.

4. A Shift Toward Proactive Maintenance and Risk Management

Property managers are increasingly adopting a proactive approach to building maintenance, driven by the growing recognition of the financial and operational benefits. In 2024, we’re seeing more strata corporations and commercial property owners embrace preventive maintenance plans that focus on:

• Early detection of issues: By scheduling regular BCAs and using advanced technology, property managers are able to catch issues like water ingress, mechanical failures, and structural defects earlier. This reduces repair costs and extends the lifespan of key building components.

• Short- to Mid-Term Maintenance Planning: Strata councils are placing greater emphasis on proactive maintenance by using BCA findings to plan for key repairs and upgrades over the next several years. Although BCAs focus primarily on current conditions and immediate to mid-term needs, the information they provide helps councils make better-informed decisions about scheduling major work, avoiding reactive maintenance, and preserving property value.

• Risk management: More property managers are using BCAs and depreciation reports as part of their risk management strategy, ensuring that their buildings meet safety standards and insurance requirements. This reduces liability and keeps properties attractive to tenants or buyers.

5. Rising Demand for Certified BCA Professionals

With these changes in technology, sustainability, and regulations, the demand for certified professionals to conduct Building Condition Assessments is higher than ever. In 2024, property owners and managers are increasingly looking for professionals who hold key certifications like Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Certified Reserve Planner (CRP), and Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA).

• Why certification matters: Certified professionals bring both technical expertise and a strong understanding of financial forecasting, ensuring that BCAs are not only technically sound but also financially actionable. Property owners are recognizing that working with certified professionals helps ensure compliance with regulations, reduces liability, and improves building performance over time.

  
  

• ENGIPRO’s role: At ENGIPRO, our team is fully certified with P.Eng and CRP, offering in-depth knowledge and fast, reliable Building Condition Assessments across BC. As the industry shifts toward more advanced assessments and stricter regulations, working with qualified experts is essential for maintaining and enhancing property value.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of 2024’s Industry Trends with ENGIPRO

As the property management industry in BC continues to evolve in 2024, staying on top of new regulations, technological advancements, and sustainability trends is more important than ever. Building Condition Assessments are a critical part of this process, helping property managers and owners make informed decisions about their building’s future.

At ENGIPRO, we offer certified, fast, and reliable BCAs tailored to meet the unique needs of strata corporations, commercial properties, and industrial facilities. Contact us today to schedule your Building Condition Assessment and stay ahead of the latest trends in property management.