A commercial building inspection also called a commercial property inspection or commercial inspection is a vital part of the commercial real estate transaction. We have built a commercial building inspection checklist to help buyers review their commercial real estate with their commercial inspector.
Before we jump into the commercial inspection checklist, let’s cover what a commercial inspection is and why it is important.
What Is A Commercial Building Inspection?
According to the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association, a commercial property inspection is defined as the process of an inspector collecting information through visual observation during a walk-through survey of the subject property, conducting research about the property, and then generating a meaningful report about the condition of the property based on the observations made and research conducted by the inspector. A commercial inspection requires the inspector to make observations, conduct research, and report findings.
In essence, a commercial inspection is an independent inspection of commercial real estate property and building. The inspector will walk around the property and document safety issues, hazards, and other notices. Then, a report will be put together on the inspector’s findings.
Why Is It Important?
As mentioned, commercial inspections are a vital process during a commercial real estate transaction. The buyer will want to hire a qualified and experienced commercial inspector in order to get an accurate report of the commercial property.
Commercial buildings are costly to maintain and repairs and the owner’s liability extends to employees and customers. Therefore, a commercial property inspector can help reduce their risk with a commercial property inspection. It may also help the owner make a good business investment by more thoroughly understanding the property.
Commercial Building Inspection Checklist
Finally, let’s get on with the commercial building inspection checklist! Please use this checklist during your commercial real estate transactions to ensure everything important to you is covered.
- heating and ventilation systems;
- cooling systems;
- plumbing systems;
- mechanical and electrical systems;
- roof surface, drainage, and penetrations;
- exterior elements and fixtures;
- the general topography of the building site;
- parking areas and sidewalks (for barriers to accessibility);
- wood decks and balconies;
- basement, foundation, and crawlspace;
- doors, windows, and interior;
- life safety components;
- kitchen (including storage);
- and other areas that are specific to the subject property.
Items reported may identify deficiencies related to:
- poor installation and workmanship;
- inadequate design for the intended use;
- deferred maintenance;
- environmental damage or risks; and/or
- systems near the end of their service life.
Documents To Prepare For Inspectors
Commercial inspectors will want to evaluate all related documents to the building and property. Therefore, a buyer should request and prepare the following for the inspector’s review:
- Floor plans
- Building plans
- Appraisals
- Certificates of occupancy
- Construction permits
- Surveys
- Evacuation plans
Items Not Included
You should discuss items not included with your potential commercial inspectors. Some examples of items not included in a commercial inspection may or may not include:
- Elevators – Or just general function;
- Anything that cannot be seen – the inspections are visual only;
- Parking lots;
- Landscaping;
- Fire Equipment such as extinguishers or Exit signs;
Sample Commercial Building Inspection Report
View a sample commercial building inspection report.
Hiring Commercial Building Inspectors
Before hiring your commercial inspector, be sure to call a few different companies, ask for quotes, and compare their online reviews. A few good questions to ask the company are how long they have been in business, what kind of experience or certifications they have for commercial inspections, and if they will bring out specialized inspectors for different equipment.