Preserving Value and Implementing a Circular Strategy Through Structural Inspections
As part of a consistent and environmentally conscious circularity strategy, preserving existing buildings should be prioritised whenever possible. Regular inspections play a crucial role in this process, allowing defects to be identified and addressed before they develop into major structural issues. For this reason, we engage with VDI 6200, the guideline for the periodic inspection of structural stability, and actively contribute to structural assessments.
Securing the Value of Your Property Through Regular Structural Inspections
In recent decades, discussions about structural safety in the media have often focused on infrastructure, particularly bridges. For the general public, such reports typically translate into frustrating traffic disruptions, as bridges deemed structurally deficient may be closed entirely or subjected to restrictions on speed and vehicle weight. The fact that these safety issues often seem to emerge unexpectedly has many underlying causes. However, the reality is that all structures are subject to ageing and wear. If these processes go unnoticed for too long, critical safety issues may only become apparent when visible damage has already occurred. At this stage, not only is the usability of the structure significantly impacted, but the effort and cost of repairs can be substantial.
This is just as true for buildings as it is for bridges.
Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners
Every building owner or operator has a legal duty to maintain their property in a condition that does not endanger public safety and order, particularly life, health, and natural resources (as stated in §3 of the Model Building Code). Furthermore, Sections 823, 836–838 of the German Civil Code place an obligation on property owners to ensure that their buildings do not pose a risk to users.
Building Preservation as a Sustainability Strategy
Constructing new buildings is both resource- and energy-intensive. In the shift towards a circular construction and real estate industry, new builds alone can no longer be the sole solution to meeting demand for residential and commercial spaces. The real estate sector is gradually embracing this reality, with a growing focus on adaptive reuse, conversion, and refurbishment of existing buildings using circular principles.
This shift raises a key question for property owners and operators: What is the current condition of my building? What risks arise from existing defects or planned repurposing?
A general rule applies: The less accessible a building’s structure is, the greater the uncertainty about its condition.
Three Key Aspects of Structural Safety
When assessing the safety of a structure, three aspects must be considered:
- Structural Stability
- Operational Safety and Usability
- Durability
Structural stability primarily concerns preventing risks to life and health. Any defects that compromise stability always affect the load-bearing structure of a building.
Operational safety and usability issues, on the other hand, often arise from damage to non-load-bearing elements such as interior finishes, installations, or mechanical systems. The aim here is to prevent accidents, injuries, or health hazards caused by faulty components.
Durability relates to defects that develop over time due to poor maintenance or lack of repair. If left unchecked, these issues can extend beyond surface deterioration, affecting the structural integrity of both non-load-bearing and load-bearing elements, ultimately impacting both operational safety and structural stability.
The load-bearing structure is what ensures a building’s stability. Depending on building type (e.g. industrial halls, multi-storey buildings) and construction method (e.g. solid construction, skeletal frame construction), structural elements are often hidden behind finishes and furnishings. This makes it particularly challenging to assess their condition. By the time visible damage appears—such as cracks, moisture penetration, or deformations—restoration efforts are often extensive and costly.
Why Structural Inspections Are Essential
Imagine one of your commercial tenants wants to install vibration-sensitive measurement equipment in their workspace. You need to decide whether this installation can be permitted under the lease agreement. Could the additional dynamic loads cause fatigue damage to the floor structure?
Or suppose you are renovating the flooring of an office unit. During removal of the raised floor system, widespread moisture damage is discovered. What risks does this pose?
Now consider that you want to convert an unused roof into a green roof and terrace. What investment will be required to ensure the roof remains structurally sound, functional, and durable?
In answering all these questions, a building inspection record based on VDI 6200 can be an invaluable resource.
VDI 6200: A Systematic Approach to Building Inspections
The VDI 6200 guideline provides clear assessment criteria and practical guidance on the inspection and maintenance of both existing and newly planned buildings. A key feature of the guideline is its classification system, which groups buildings into damage consequence classes and robustness classes. This classification enables tailored inspection methods and intervals, ensuring that maintenance efforts align with a building’s specific risks and requirements.
We support property owners in assessing the condition of their buildings, minimising risks, and ensuring long-term value preservation.
Regular monitoring enhances safety—and helps protect your property’s value.
