Each Facility Rating Scale in this classification (see Figs. 1-6) provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability, and to compare that level against the level of any other building or facility.

This classification can be used for comparing how well different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building shape.

This classification can be used to estimate the amount of variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities.

This classification can be used to estimate the following:

4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other than its present use.

4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been planned but not yet built.

4.4.3 Serviceability (potential) of a facility for which a remodeling has been planned.

Use of this classification does not result in building evaluation or diagnosis. Building evaluation or diagnosis generally requires a special expertise in building engineering or technology, and the use of instruments, tools, or measurements.

This classification applies only to facilities that are building constructions, or parts thereof. (While this classification may be useful in rating the serviceability of facilities that are not building constructions, such facilities are outside the scope of this classification.)

1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales (see ) for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements for structure and building envelope.

1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales (see ) are for classifying one topic of serviceability. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic, which occupants might require. The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability.

1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see ) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning, to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type of occupant group, over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing.

1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings and outline specifications have been prepared.

1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility to be rated at a certain level of serviceability, but does not state how to conduct a serviceability rating nor how to assign a serviceability score. That information is found in Practice E 1334. The scales in are complimentary to and compatible with Practice E 1334. Each requires the other.