Building Characteristics 

Attribute 

Definition 

Year Built 

The year of construction, typically taken as the year construction began. 

Number of Stories – Above Ground 

The number of stories above ground, including the first/ground floor. 

Number of Stories – Below Ground 

The number of stories below the first/ground floor. 

Floor Area 

The total gross floor area of the property, measured in square feet (or meters based on org setting). 

Floor Area Including Subterranean Parking 

The total gross floor area including subterranean parking of the property, measured in square feet. 

Floor Area – Parking Structure 

The total floor area for the parking structure of the property, measured in square feet. 

Floor Area – Residential 

The total gross floor area for the residential portion of the property, measured in square feet. 

Floor Area – Retail 

The total gross floor area for the retail portion of the property, measured in square feet. 

Floor Area – Surface Parking 

The total gross area for surface parking of the property, measured in square feet. 

Building Foundation 

Foundation type for the primary building on the property. 

Building Condition 

A measure of Good, Average, or Poor indicating the physical wear, structural integrity, and maintenance level of a property. 

Construction Quality 

Categorizes the quality of construction. A building constructed with subpar materials will behave poorly under stress even if adequately designed. 

Building Footprint Class 

The shape of the building in plan as it contacts the ground, excluding overhangs. 

Distance to Nearest Building 

The distance from the insured building to the next closest building, measured in feet. 

Cripple Walls 

A short wood frame wall that rests on the foundation and supports the floor and exterior walls. 

Soft Story 

A multi-story structure where one level (usually the ground floor) is significantly weaker or more flexible than the stories above, creating a major seismic vulnerability. 

Short Column Concrete 

A concrete structural member that primarily supports vertical compressive loads and fails by material crushing rather than lateral buckling. 

Torsion 

The twisting of a structural member caused by a turning force applied about its longitudinal axis, generating internal shear stresses. 

Vertical Irregularity 

Abrupt, non-uniform changes in mass, stiffness, strength, or geometry between stories, causing uneven distribution of forces during earthquakes or high winds. 

Ornamentation 

The amount of decorative features attached to the exterior of the building that could cause structural damage if damaged by wind or other forces. 

EQ Special Systems 

Defines whether a seismic resilience system is present in the building. 

Equipment Earthquake Bracing 

Provides information on the bracing of equipment throughout the building. 

Interior Partitions 

Defines the construction material of interior walls. 

Building Redundancy 

Refers to the existence of an alternate means to resist structural loads, preventing sudden or progressive collapse if a primary component is compromised. 

Accessory Structures 

Typically residential structures outside of or attached to the main building, such as fences, lanais, carports, porches, balconies, and sheds. 

Deck 

Provides details on the exterior deck of the structure. 

Floor System 

Indicates the primary building material of the floor. 

Foundation to Frame Connection 

Describes the method of attachment between the foundation and the primary vertical load-bearing structure. 

Emergency Flood Protection Measures 

Indicates whether emergency flood protection measures (those requiring human intervention to deploy) are in place. 

Permanent Flood Protection Measures 

Indicates if the building has permanent flood protection measures that do not require intervention at the time of flooding. 

Contents Vulnerability – Flood 

Indicates how susceptible personal property, inventory, and equipment are to water damage. 

Contents Vulnerability – Vertical Distribution 

Indicates how the vertical placement of contents within the building affects susceptibility to water damage. 

Contents Vulnerability – Wind 

Indicates how susceptible personal property, inventory, and equipment are to wind damage. 

Basement Finish Type 

Defines whether the basement is finished or unfinished. 

First Floor Elevation 

The floor-to-floor elevation of the lowest finished floor in a building, measured in feet (also referred to as Lowest Floor Elevation). 

First Floor Height 

A measurement in feet from the first floor elevation to the second floor elevation. 

MEP Equipment (Basement or 1st Floor) 

Indicates the existence of Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) equipment at the ground level or in the basement, relevant for flood risk assessment. 

Number of Elevators 

The total count or number of elevators present at the property. 

Number of Pools 

The total count or number of swimming pools present at the property. 

Rack Storage Present 

Defines whether rack storage is provided, which may increase fire risk or require specialized fire protection. 

Height of Rack Storage 

The distance from the floor to the top of the highest rack (not the commodity stored). Typically applies to shelving greater than 12 feet in height. 

Residential Garage 

Provides details on the garage in a residential structure. 

Charging Station Power 

Indicates the capacity of the electric vehicle charging power system. 

Water Heater Bracing 

Indicates the existence of seismic bracing on the water heater. 

Wiring Type 

The type of electrical wiring system used in the property (copper, aluminum, aluminum pigtail, or other materials).