Knowing what you should expect from a property inspection is important to make informed decisions. Also, what happens during an inspection?
During a commercial property inspection, an inspector evaluates the property’s true state, value, and the needed repairs. It is a crucial step to understand the building’s functionality and condition.
This blog will walk you through the essential steps of a commercial property inspection. These can offer you valuable insights regarding this assessment process.
Exterior Inspection
An inspector’s first step during a commercial inspection is performing an exterior inspection. During this, they perform a detailed inspection of the building’s external components.
An inspector will be looking at the different aspects of a commercial property.
Roof
They will be examining the roof’s structure, material, and drainage. The primary purpose of this will be to look for signs of damage. They will be looking for missing shingles, sagging sections, or leaks.
Later, they will also predict the roof’s expected lifespan and age.
Building Envelope
A building’s envelope includes its outer shell, facades, and cladding. Inspectors inspect these to ensure the property’s integrity.
Moreover, they will also look out for water intrusion points.
If they find any damage, cracks, or gaps in the building’s envelope, they note it down in their report.
Windows and Doors
Home inspectors will examine all windows and doors to check their functionality. To do this, they will inspect the condition of glass, frames, and weather stripping.
While inspecting, they will consider the insulation and energy efficiency, too.
Foundation and Structural Elements
Inspecting this part of a commercial property is essential. Any harm to the property’s foundation or structure can be a huge red flag.
Commercial property inspection services include looking out for cracks and settling while inspecting this part of the house. Inspectors also evaluate load-bearing structures, support beams, and columns. This will ensure the building’s stability.
Inspectors will also note any signs of damage to the foundation or erosion.
Exterior Utilities and Drainage
If you are wondering what exterior utilities include, let us answer that for you. Exterior utilities include water supply lines, electrical boxes, and meters.
Whereas drainage systems include downspouts, gutters, and grading. Inspectors inspect both to prevent water damage, standing water, or electrical issues.
Interior Inspection
After inspecting the building’s exterior, inspectors will move toward its interior. During a commercial property inspection, interior inspection is a thorough process. It involves multiple steps and areas that are evaluated.
Here are some of the major areas inspected during a thorough interior inspection.
Accessibility and Safety
Assessing these plays a vital role in the home inspection process. Moving through the various areas of the building, home inspectors examine multiple areas.
These areas often include railings, the presence of ramps, and fire exits. If there are issues with any of these, they document them.
A building with poor safety invites risk and hazard, and inspectors ensure you are safe.
Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
Interior walls are also as important as exterior walls. Thus, inspectors pay close attention to these. In addition to walls, they also look out for issues with floors and ceilings.
Signs of water intrusion, damage, or wear make commercial property unwanted for many buyers. Inspectors also check for stains, cracks, or visible issues to let you help make informed decisions.
Common Areas
Most of the commercial properties have common areas. These include hallways, lobbies, restrooms, or shared spaces.
If your property has one, it will be an area of interest for your inspector. During the inspection, they will inspect these for maintenance and safety.
Security Systems
These are an additional layer of safety and security for your property.
These often include the following:
- Alarms
- Access control
- Surveillance cameras
If inspectors find any issues that can breach your security, they will ensure to report that, too.
Major Systems
Major systems examination is also another part of the best commercial inspection. Inspectors perform a thorough assessment of the critical systems of a property. These systems are usually essential for the property’s safety and functionality.
Below are some of the significant systems that commercial inspection services always include.
HVAC Systems
HVAC plays a vital role in ensuring the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Thus, inspectors will be assessing this. They will also include heating and cooling units, controls, and ductwork.
Furthermore, they will also check the proper air quality and temperature. Inspectors also give priority to the energy efficiency maintenance needs when inspecting HVAC systems.
Plumbing Systems
The significant issues these systems will be inspected for are leaks. In addition, inspectors will also inspect clogs and water pressure issues.
During the inspection, an inspector will examine sewage systems, fixtures, pipes, and water heaters. Besides this, they will also be concerned about system compliance with local plumbing codes.
Electrical Systems
This is another important system of commercial property. To evaluate their functionality and safety, inspectors often inspect many features. These include outlets, wiring, panels, and circuit breakers.
Inspectors will also check for exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, and potential fire hazards. Inspectors will ensure these systems comply with electrical building codes in this case.
Environmental Systems
Environmental systems are also essential for your commercial property. These systems include ventilation and air quality control.
The primary purpose of assessing these is to ensure they comply with environmental regulations. Further, this step also helps identify any potential indoor air quality issues. Such issues can be either mold or asbestos.
And on an important note, these issues can become a significant health hazard.
Protect Your Property’s Long-Term Value
A commercial inspection is a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the building. Also, a careful evaluation of the major systems is a part of a commercial property inspection.
This thorough assessment gives property stakeholders a clear picture of the property’s state, safety, and maintenance requirements.
A commercial property inspection is essential for you to make informed decisions by addressing potential concerns, safety dangers, and maintenance needs.
Lastly, it aids in ensuring the commercial property’s long-term worth and functionality.
Contact Go Home Pro today for a comprehensive inspection and peace of mind and to ensure your property’s condition.
