Scope & Limitations of Services

Purpose of This Page

This page outlines the general scope, methodology, and limitations applicable to services provided by Okanagan Commercial Inspections, including Building Condition Assessments (BCA), Property Condition Assessments (PCA), Pre-Construction Condition Surveys, and related supplemental services. These statements are intended to clarify expectations, define boundaries of service, and support consistent interpretation of reports and deliverables.

General Scope of Services

Testing scope, duration, and interpretation depend on building use, occupancy patterns, and client objectives. Radon screening or measurement may be considered in:

Non-invasive and visual in nature

Limited to visible and reasonably accessible areas at the time of the site visit

Based on conditions observed on the date of inspection only

Performed to support planning, documentation, and decision-making, not design or certification

Applicable Standards

Where applicable and specified in the engagement agreement, services are completed in general accordance with ASTM E2018-15 or similar industry-recognized frameworks.

Not all assessments include every element of ASTM E2018-15. Scope, level of detail, and deliverables vary based on:

Client objectives
Property type and size
Access conditions
Budget and timeline constraints

Access & Visibility Limitations

Areas or systems that are not visible or accessible at the time of inspection are excluded from evaluation unless otherwise noted.

Observations are limited by conditions beyond the control of the inspector, including but not limited to:

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Occupant belongings or tenant use

Finished surfaces concealing components

Locked or restricted areas

Weather conditions

Height or safety limitations

Inoperable or shut-down systems

Seasonal conditions

Systems & Components Not Included

Unless explicitly included in writing, services do not include:

Destructive testing or invasive investigation

Structural engineering analysis or load calculations

Geotechnical evaluation or soil analysis

Environmental testing (e.g., asbestos, mold, lead, soil, water)

Indoor air quality assessment beyond stated scope

Code compliance certification or enforcement

Boundary surveys or legal land descriptions

Appraisals or property valuation

Energy audits or commissioning services

Engineering, Design & Code Compliance

Okanagan Commercial Inspections does not provide engineering services, architectural design, or professional certification unless performed by appropriately licensed third parties under separate engagement.

References to building codes, standards, or regulations are general in nature and based on observed conditions only. Such references do not constitute confirmation of compliance with any authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Life Safety & Accessibility

Observations related to life safety systems or accessibility features are limited to visible components and general use considerations. Formal life safety analysis, fire protection engineering, accessibility audits, or compliance certification are outside the scope unless explicitly stated and provided by qualified professionals.

Cost Opinions & Timelines

Cost opinions are not bids, quotes, or guarantees, and actual costs may vary significantly based on market conditions, contractor pricing, design requirements, and unforeseen conditions.

Any cost opinions or timelines provided are:

Planning-level only

Order-of-magnitude estimates

Intended to support budgeting, prioritization, or negotiation

Pre-Construction Condition Surveys

Pre-Construction Condition Surveys are documentation services only.

They:

Record observable conditions at a specific point in time
Do not determine cause, responsibility, or fault
Do not predict future movement or damage
Are not engineering, structural, or boundary surveys

Documentation reflects conditions as observed, without interpretation of liability or performance.

Radon & Environmental Considerations

Where included by request, radon measurement or environmental observations are limited to the defined scope and duration of testing.

Such services:

Do not constitute a health risk assessment
Do not predict future environmental conditions
Do not include mitigation design or installation
Should be interpreted within the context of building use and occupancy

Reliance & Use of Reports

Reports and deliverables are prepared solely for the named client and for the purpose outlined in the engagement agreement.

Use or reliance by third parties is not authorized unless expressly agreed to in writing.

Professional Judgment

Findings, observations, and opinions are based on professional judgment, experience, and conditions observed at the time of inspection. Buildings are complex systems, and hidden or latent conditions may exist that are not reasonably discoverable through a visual, non-invasive assessment.

Questions or Clarifications

Clients are encouraged to review reports in full and seek clarification on any findings or limitations. Okanagan Commercial Inspections remains available to discuss observations within the original scope of work.