Analysis of Standardization and Guidelines for Facility Condition Assessments

Abstract

Facility Condition Assessments (FCA's) in the facility management (FM) profession is a growing area of research. However, delivery methods of FCA projects and studies on standardization has largely not been a focus of further exploration. Thus, this research aims to identify a current state of academic research on standardization of condition assessments and FM practitioner perspectives on FCA delivery methods and standardization. Results revealed 75% of participants indicated that no standards were used in conducting their FCA. This study identifies underutilization of standards and guidelines to conduct an FCA and leads to the proposal of three FCA project delivery methods; 1. Conduct FCA's with in-house personnel and resources; 2. Outsource the FCA to a service provider; 3. Hybrid the approach with both in-house and contracted FCA service providers. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing FCA project delivery methods for owners and or operators to consider when deciding to pursue an FCA project. Further, the apparent absence of standards and guidelines use in the practice of FCA's in the FM profession presents an opportunity for future research efforts towards FCA standardization.