Why Do You Need To Conduct A Commercial Building Inspection

Commercial Building Inspection

Finding a building for your business is a daunting task since making mistakes can be costly, which is where a commercial building inspection comes in to dispel your worries.

It can identify the condition of the property, providing you with a clear idea of how many repairs you'll have to complete in the future. Since the outcome of the inspection will determine whether you’ll purchase the building, you need to be 100% sure you’re making the right investment.

However, before you get started, you’ll need to know about a building inspection checklist so you can understand exactly what you’re looking for. That way, you can ensure that every nook and cranny of the building is assessed.

Continue reading to learn a little bit more about commercial inspections and a building inspection checklist.

What Is A Building Inspection?

The goal of a commercial building inspection is to assess the state of a commercial building or property, such as an office building or an apartment complex. 

Since buying or just leasing a commercial property is a hefty investment, taking the extra steps to gain information about the condition of the building makes certain that the investment is secure and you are getting a property that can complete its purpose. 

A commercial inspection reveals the real condition and outlines any costs required for remediation work and maintenance.

How Important Are These Inspections?

Short answer - very important, especially when you consider the fact that an inspection can help you avoid overpaying.

Let’s face it, many buildings look great at first glance and seem like a good deal, but it all falls apart once you scratch under the surface. 

For instance, a commercial building inspection may reveal structural problems or issues with appliances that significantly affect the market value of the property. It’s also possible to find issues with design, poorly applied maintenance, and violations of building codes, among others.

Benefits of a Commercial Inspection

Some of the main benefits of a commercial inspection are:

• Better understanding of the right property value
• Ability to make an informed decision and negotiate a fair price
• Obtain repairs before purchasing the property
• Insight into the state of the systems and any appliances in the building, allowing you to make proper updates
• Protects your investment
• Learn about all the features of the building/property

Most sellers are honest, but they still need to make money. This means it’s not uncommon for them to simply leave out key pieces of information. 

Still, the building inspection usually covers everything so all your concerns will be addressed. This also covers any necessary repairs along with cost estimates, allowing you to budget properly and adjust the price.

If you bite the bullet on leasing or buying a property without having an inspection, you’re leaving the door open to expensive issues down the road - one you and your company will inevitably have to deal with. 

For example, without a professional inspector checking the condition of the building, you may purchase a property that will require a complete roof replacement or a new HVAC system. This will put your business at a significant disadvantage as you’ll pay for repairs the previous owner should have done.

Commercial Building Inspection Checklist

Before proceeding with an inspection, you need to be aware of a commercial building inspection checklist, as well as the aspects of the building that are covered by the inspection. This will help you make an informed decision and let you know if the inspection was done correctly.

First, note that there are different types of properties, such as apartment buildings, office buildings, warehouses, and so on. All of these types have their own building inspection checklist, and some inspections will depend on the use. 

However, a commercial building inspection checklist will typically include the same vital components that are important for the building’s performance. Some of these systems and components are:

• Roof surface, including drainage and penetrations
• HVAC system
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing system
• General topography of the site
• Exterior elements and fixtures
• Parking areas and sidewalks, including accessibility barriers
• Basement, building foundations, and crawl spaces
• Balconies and wood decks
• Interior, doors, and windows
• Life-safety features
• Kitchen spaces
• Storage spaces
• Areas specific to the type of property

Pro tip: feel free to use this commercial building checklist while you’re checking out the property for the first time. You can also take note of the same items if you’re the property owner so you have an idea of what elements of the building you should maintain diligently for maximum property value.

Commercial Building Property Checklist Include a Comprehensive Review of the Building’s Documentation

More importantly, the commercial building property checklist will also include a comprehensive review of the building’s documentation, which may present a better idea of the true value of the property and the cost of owning it. This may include documents such as:

• Building plans
• Appraisals
• Certificates of occupancy
• Citations
• Construction permits
• Environmental studies
• Evacuation plans
• Floor plans
• Fire safety system records
• Surveys
• Maintenance records

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive the findings in a Property Condition Report. It will include written and photographic evidence of the inspector’s observations. Along with the evidence, you’ll also receive any recommendations on how to correct the issue, as well as an estimated cost of replacement or repairs.

Since a commercial building inspection checklist is quite comprehensive, the inspection may take a while depending on the size of the property. Normally, larger properties may require up to six hours, while some smaller properties can be inspected in an hour or two. 

While you won’t get the final report on site, you’ll only need to wait a day since most reports are completed within 24 hours of the inspection.

Protect Your Investment

Running a business is not easy and you don’t want to leak money simply because the HVAC or anything else in your new property started malfunctioning. Commercial property inspection helps you make an informed decision about whether all of it is worth your time and money or not, which means you are less likely to make a costly mistake.

To protect your investment, reach out to Certified Inspectors. Our team not only has strong values and integrity, but it also has years of experience to back them up. Even better, we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality.

Schedule an inspection now by calling +1 561-570-6311 or filling out our contact form - we’ve got your back!