What Are Commercial Building Inspections? What Does The Report Cover?

If you’re looking to purchase a commercial building, you must make certain that you’re making the right investment decision. Fortunately, you can always schedule a commercial building inspection that helps identify the condition of the property and ascertain the cost of repairs. 

Before you schedule it, though, you should be familiar with the commercial building inspection checklist. That way, you can ensure that the inspector assesses the entire property. 

What Is A Commercial Building Inspection?

A commercial building inspection is an evaluation of a commercial property designed to assess its current condition. In addition to identifying the condition of the structure and its key components, a commercial inspection also helps establish how much the repairs will cost. 

This information is critical as it helps potential buyers negotiate a fair price to offset the cost of repairs. Alternatively, you can also make sure the seller makes those repairs before you go on with the purchase. 

The inspector will compile their findings and cost estimates in a comprehensive report after the inspection. Keep in mind that you won’t be provided with the final report at the site. Although this may sometimes be possible with home inspections, commercial evaluations take significantly longer due to the sheer size and complexity of the building. 

Still, depending on the inspector’s skill, you may receive the report within 48 hours of the inspection, but it all depends on the size and the issues found on the property. 

How long will the inspection take?

There are no guarantees here either, but you can expect it to take as little as an hour and as much as six hours. This is why you should hire an inspector who is competent as they’ll be more likely to complete a full inspection in a shorter time. 

Commercial Building Inspection Checklist

While some of the points may vary depending on the type of property, the commercial building inspection generally includes the following:

• Structural frame of the building
• Roof surface
• Interior and exterior elements
• Fire protection
• HVAC systems and ventilation
• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
• Characteristics of the site such as paving, landscaping, and utilities
• Document review
• Repair recommendations with cost analysis

With some commercial buildings, it may be necessary to inspect systems specific to the property. For example, some facilities may also need the sewage and treatment system to be inspected.

All of the systems outlined above must function correctly and efficiently. If there are any issues discovered, the inspector will provide you with an accurate cost projection of repair or replacement in the report. 

The inspector will also evaluate the quality of any previous repairs and renovations and confirm whether they meet the building code requirements in the local area. 

Document review is also an important step of the process. Inspectors will review plenty of documentation during the inspection, some of which may include:

• Building plans
• Floor plans
• Certificates of occupancy
• Construction permits
• Surveys
• Evacuation plans
• Appraisals

These documents reveal if everything with the building checks out, which is why they’re an integral part of the commercial building inspection checklist. 

How You Can Benefit From A Professional Inspection

You may have confidence that the building you’re checking out is perfect. Yet, more often than not, even properties that look or are brand new hide signs of defects that can only be recognized by a professional. 

Any of the problems with the building’s overall structure and its main systems could make the property’s actual value much lower than what’s written on the listing. 

For instance, it’s not uncommon for inspectors to find issues such as poor design and workmanship, violations of building codes, equipment nearing the end of its lifespan, or even poorly maintained areas. 

Awareness of these matters provides you with the ability to renegotiate the price or obtain the repairs before purchasing the property. Plus, it gives you a better understanding of the true value and informs you which updates you should make to increase the property value and make the building function better. 

Combine all this together and you’ve done all the due diligence necessary to protect your investment. 

You don’t want to be in the dark during the purchasing process. Even if the seller is forthcoming about the condition of the property, their goal isn’t to provide you with the truth. Rather, they want to sell the property at the price they deem fair, meaning they likely won’t tell you everything you need to know to decide whether you’re making the right choice. 

Plus, even if they’re being truthful, they may not know that some of the systems are practically on their last legs. The roof may be nearing the end of its useful life, and without doing everything in your power to protect yourself, you may have to pay for the repairs within months of owning the property.

This only adds to the amount you invested in the property. You’re paying for a functional building, and you should under no circumstances have to waste money on work that the previous owner should have done beforehand. 

A professional evaluation of all the aspects outlined in the commercial building inspection checklist helps you avoid this altogether. Ultimately, having the property thoroughly inspected grants you the peace of mind and the confidence that the building is a valuable investment that will help you earn money for years to come. 

Make The Best Decision 

With the knowledge of how an inspection can benefit you and familiarity with the commercial building inspection checklist, you have everything you need to know whether buying a certain property is in your best interest. Not only can you use this checklist when looking through the property for the first time, but you can also use it to check whether the inspector you hired provided you with a good service.

If you hire a professional with a strong reputation, you won’t ever need to worry about their methods. At Certified Inspectors, we have all the certifications in the book, close to 30 years of experience in real estate, and we’re known to consistently deliver the highest quality of service. 

Make the best decision - call (561) 570-6311 or fill out our contact form to book a commercial building inspection.