Exterior Inspection

Commercial Building Inspectors

Commercial building inspectors specialize in inspecting properties dedicated for commercial use. Oftentimes they possess backgrounds in facilities management, maintenance, engineering or architecture.

Commercial inspectors must also understand local building and zoning ordinances, which vary by town. If any violations occur, commercial inspectors must alert building owners so they can rectify them quickly and efficiently.
Exterior Inspection

An exterior of a commercial property should not only look appealing; it must also be maintained well to keep up with regular foot traffic such as retail or hospitality buildings.

An inspector can perform an exterior property inspection that covers its foundation, roof, masonry walls and under-floor framing systems as well as landscaping elements that could potentially pose hazards on a property such as large trees.

At times, inspections will consist of no more than a walk-through survey and verbal communication. This may be because architectural design, large furniture and other factors limit where interior testing can take place – for instance in window corners where typical construction techniques leave behind stud blocks which support different parts of the wall above.
Interior Inspection

Inspectors use five core components when inspecting commercial properties. Inspection can occur at various points during construction, but most often before purchasing or selling an investment property.

Inspectors review all documentation related to a property, such as appraisals, citations, construction plans, building permits, evacuation plans and environmental studies. They then conduct a visual inspection of its interior.

At this stage of an inspection, experts inspect interior walls and insulation for cracks, mold, or water damage as well as checking windows, doors, stairs and flooring surfaces for defects or wear and tear. Interior testing helps determine if a building meets code requirements while simultaneously testing for its structural integrity.
Mechanical Inspection

At a mechanical inspection, a commercial building inspector will examine the air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, heating and electrical systems to ensure they are working as they should be. Should any be found lacking, an estimate for their repair or replacement will be included in their report.

Additionally, they will review fire safety records and evacuation plans, in addition to conducting special inspections regarding storm water design, structural design proposals, or civil engineering modifications.

Commercial property inspections serve the purpose of identifying any issues which might compromise the value, health and safety of occupants of any given commercial property. From office space and schools to businesses of all kinds, such inspections help identify any possible threats which might impact upon both owners and occupants alike.
Electrical Inspection

Commercial inspectors play an invaluable role in inspecting electrical wiring of buildings. Any noncompliance can present serious risks to those living or working inside.

An electrical inspector will conduct a detailed examination of each wire connected to each outlet and ensure that they are securely bonded and grounded, including grounding Pre Purchase Building Inspections   ensures any electric current will pass safely through the ground instead of people, thus protecting against injury or fire.

An inspector will also check for proper circuits, including checking that there are enough circuits in total and looking out for GFCI outlets in every room with water such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
Plumbing Inspection

An intensive plumbing inspection examines all aspects of a building’s water systems, from drains and pipes to sewer connections and leak detection. Professional inspectors conduct numerous tests in order to ascertain that everything works as intended in terms of plumbing systems integrity.

These tests involve inspecting toilets to ensure proper flushing, testing water piping pressure levels, and searching for major clogs or corrosion. Inspectors also examine drain laterals, inspect and assess sewer systems, as well as ensure compliance with codes and regulations on properties.

As with residential properties, commercial buildings may experience various issues that are more complicated and have greater consequences for business operations than their residential counterparts. Therefore, investors in commercial real estate should make sure they get an expert inspection when investing in their investment properties.