Built by researchers from ETH Zurich · Columbia University · Leiden University

From inspection setup to structured report output.

BIRD supports the established inspection process while reducing the manual work required to produce a report. Properties, components, site photographs, and findings are organised in one structure, with the inspector retaining full editorial control over every assessment.

Four steps to carry out an inspection.

Property details

01.Property details

Enter the building address, type, year of construction, and inspection metadata. BIRD creates a structured project that contains all evidence and outputs for that property.

Select components

02.Select components

Choose building elements by survey section and assign condition ratings: 1, 2, 3, or NI. Notes and field observations attach at component level.

Upload photos

03.Upload photos

Upload inspection photography. Images are categorised by building component and linked to the corresponding element in the report.

Report

04.Report

BIRD generates a structured condition report with a cover page, condition overview, element-level detail, photographs, and narrative assessments.

What image-based assessment can and cannot support.

These are published benchmarks for what computer-vision condition assessment detects from photographs, not BIRD’s own production figures. They also show where photographs are not enough, which is where the site visit and the professional’s judgment stay essential.

DomainAccuracy RangeNotes
Surface-visible defects92–96%Cracking, damp, corrosion, surface finishes. Consistent across published studies, and dependent on photo quality and lighting.
Equipment condition80–90%Visual assessment only. No functional or performance testing.
Behind-wall, under-floor, and sealed areasNot assessable from photosRequire physical access and stay with the on-site professional.

These ranges reflect published benchmarks for computer-vision and language models applied to building inspection. They are not BIRD’s own metrics. We will publish our production figures once the platform has accumulated enough reviewed reports to measure them honestly.

Standards are built into the workflow.

BIRD is designed around established condition-reporting frameworks. The workflow can map inspection evidence into defined section structures, condition rating logic, and report conventions for the standards below.

  • RICS Home Survey Level 3
  • SIA 469 (Swiss building condition assessment)
  • ASTM E2018 Property Condition Assessment

Professional control remains with the inspector.

BIRD prepares the report structure and draft assessment for review. The inspector checks every finding, adjusts the condition rating or narrative where required, and approves the final report under their own name and firm standards.

Try BIRD