ABBE L6 Building Surveying study plan

Classify the principal mechanisms of damp ingress (rising, penetrating, condensation, plumbing) and match each to its diagnostic indicators

Explain the causes and progression of common structural defects including subsidence, heave, wall tie failure and roof spread

Describe the properties, typical uses and failure modes of the main construction materials (masonry, timber, concrete, steel, mortars and renders)

Trace how construction detailing decisions in traditional and modern buildings create predictable defect patterns

Diagnose cracking by type and width, distinguishing movement, thermal, settlement and structural causes

Explain moisture behaviour and salt-related deterioration in masonry, including spalling and efflorescence

Compare traditional and modern construction methods and identify where material incompatibility causes decay

Apply knowledge of timber decay, insect attack and rot to describe survey evidence and treatment options

Plan a systematic inspection sequence for a building exterior and interior, listing what to observe at each stage

Select appropriate survey instruments and techniques (levels, moisture meters, crack gauges, thermal imaging) for given defect investigations

Distinguish between condition, dilapidation and structural surveys and state the purpose and typical output of each

Interpret survey readings and observations to reach a defensible condition rating

Summarise the key duties and obligations arising under building regulations, fire safety legislation and party wall legislation as they affect surveyors

Identify when listed building consent, planning permission or building control approval is required for proposed works

Apply the professional code of conduct and ethical decision-making to realistic conflicts of interest and competence scenarios

Outline health and safety duties for surveyors, including risk assessment for site visits and work at height

Match repair and maintenance techniques to defect types, distinguishing repair from replacement and like-for-like from upgrade

Explain the principles of planned preventative maintenance and how to build a maintenance schedule from survey findings

Describe the main building services (heating, ventilation, drainage, electrical) and common faults surveyors should recognise

Assess how ventilation, insulation and moisture control interact to affect environmental performance and occupant health

Explain the roles and responsibilities of contract administrator, employer's agent and principal designer under common procurement routes

Describe how variations, valuations, extensions of time and practical completion are administered and recorded

Apply conservation principles (minimum intervention, reversibility, honesty of repair) to refurbishment decisions in historic fabric

Evaluate sustainability interventions such as retrofit insulation and glazing upgrades for their heritage and moisture implications

Re-test weak areas by working through mixed defect-diagnosis and survey-method questions under timed conditions

Explain survey methodology choices, limitations and sources of error in inspection and reporting

Consolidate material performance knowledge by comparing alternative repair materials for compatibility and durability

Practise structuring written answers that move from observation to diagnosis to recommendation

Consolidate regulatory, services, repair, contract and ethics knowledge into concise revision summaries

Complete a full-length timed mock examination across all nine domains

Review every incorrect answer and write a corrective note for each

Finalise a personal exam-day strategy covering time allocation and question sequencing