With an emphasis on planning and cutting costs to make better use of resources, facilities managers at community colleges across the nation have undertaken facilities audits usually with the help of outside engineers. Such assessments analyze the history and structural integrity of buildings and core components on campus, including heating systems, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, electrical systems, roofs, boiler and water facilities, and even parking lots. While these projects aren't likely to save colleges money--facilities assessments can be expensive, costing upwards of tens, even hundreds, of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the institution--engineers say they help administrators avoid nasty surprises and plan months, and often years, in advance for large capital expenses. In addition to recording the age, condition, and life expectancy of facilities and equipment, facilities assessments also help determine if the fire codes and other regulations are being met. Facilities audits and assessments are important tools to help facilities professionals prioritize limited resources for capital construction and day-to-day maintenance. In addition to helping colleges plan for capital expenditures, facilities assessments are good ammo for funding conversations with state legislators and other funders. Assessments help administrators validate requests for capital projects and assist the institution in long range planning rather than dealing with break downs that requires emergency replacement, which can often be more costly. A five item checklist of successful facilities assessments is provided to assist in long term planning.