A commercial inspection is more comprehensive than a typical home inspection, examining both the physical and business aspects of a property. Commercial properties include retail and restaurant spaces, office buildings, apartment complexes, and industrial facilities. The inspectors that perform this type of inspection have a wide range of specialized knowledge that can help them assess the condition of these types of properties. They also have a more expansive network of clients than residential inspectors, and can bring in additional inspectors for specializations like drone inspections and environmental testing.
This type of inspection involves a walk-through survey of the property, as well as review of relevant records and documentation. Relevant documents may include property warranties, building permits, notices of code violations, repair invoices, and maintenance logs. Having these documents can help the inspector determine how much it costs to own the property, and can therefore provide insight into its true value.
In addition to reviewing these documents, the inspector will also check a number of systems, including plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, roofs, and structural components. They will ensure that these systems are in good working condition and that any necessary repairs or replacements have been completed. They will then include a cost estimate for the property in their report.
Because there are many different types of occupancies in the market, it’s important for inspectors to have a variety of specialized training. Having this training allows them to identify the most pressing issues and recommend the best course of action for the client. This may include recommending certain renovations or highlighting areas that need to be updated.
During the exterior portion of the inspection, the inspector will examine the building’s outer walls, foundation, roof, and parking lot for any signs of damage or wear. They will also look at the building’s landscaping, and any other structures on the property. Inspectors will also use their expertise to determine how healthy the building’s exterior is, and may ask for opinions from experts like construction contractors and roofing professionals.
After completing the exterior portion of the inspection, the inspectors will move inside to inspect the interior for safety hazards and compliance with local building codes. This will include checking the building’s bathrooms, kitchen spaces, offices, and other rooms. They will also note if any of these spaces need to be renovated or are not up to code.
In addition to the walk-through survey and review of relevant documents, a commercial inspector will conduct interviews with a variety of people who have information about the property. This will include the owner, current tenants, and past tenants. This is a common practice in real estate, and can be helpful for the inspector to gain an in-depth understanding of the property. This will help them create a more complete and accurate property condition report.