Make exterior concerns visible before planning repairs.

Use photographs and fixed reference points.

“Crack near the entrance” is hard to track. A dated image, elevation, gridline, measurement, and repeat photo create a useful record.

Entrances and circulation

• Doors, frames, closers, seals, thresholds, glazing, canopies, lighting, and signage.
• Steps, ramps, landings, railings, guards, trip points, pavement, and drainage paths.
• Accessible routes and areas affected by deliveries, snow clearing, or waste movement.

Walls and openings

• Visible cracks, movement, impact, staining, corrosion, loose material, and failed coatings.
• Sealants around windows, doors, penetrations, transitions, and dissimilar materials.
• Signs of water entry inside that may relate to exterior locations.

Water and seasonal change

Record ponding, blocked or damaged drainage, splashback, erosion, ice patterns, and recurring wet areas. Compare observations after rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and snowmelt where safe to do so.

Turn observations into actions

Classify each item as monitor, maintain, repair, investigate, or restrict access. Assign a responsible person and due date. Structural movement, falling-material risk, roofing, major envelope concerns, electrical hazards, and public-safety issues require appropriate qualified assessment.