Looking to buy a property for your new office or commercial outlet?
In search of a space for an office block, warehouse, retail shop, small factory, community hall, childcare centre, school, restaurant or motel?
There are numerous elements, components, aspects, areas that need a thorough check done to be sure of any structural defects and other identifiable issues posing a threat to your immediate investment in the near or far future.
Building Systems
Any commercial building inspection must include the structure’s system including the mechanical, heating, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The inspector must determine the health of every system in the building. Once everything is found in great working condition, then it is time to include the repair and replacement cost in the inspection report. Building alarms, sprinkler systems, fire safety systems, as well as security systems all form a part of the commercial building inspection process.
Interior
Floors, walls, offices, kitchens, bathrooms all form a part of the inspection process. This interior inspection informs the investor with information for renovations, including the cost of bringing the interiors up to date. The interiors of this building must always meet local building codes.
Exterior
Exterior of the commercial building is the best part of inspection. The areas that will need to undergo inspection include, landscaping, roof, building structure as well as parking facilities. A typical commercial inspection aims at analyzing whether or not the building, as well as its exterior, are sound for occupancy. The main inspector can hire construction and roofing inspection specialists for examining the property’s exteriors.
What Elements and Areas Are Checked?
Roofing – Surface conditions, flashings, valley seams, cover material type, drainage, debris, heaps, ridges, penetrations, ventilations, chimneys, vents, skylights etc.
Interior – Ceilings, walls, windows, doors, stairways, steps, counters, railings, fixtures, fittings, cabinets, sinks, tubs, baths, toilets, vanities etc.
Exterior – Driveways, slabs, patios, walkways, drainage, grading, decks, posts, retaining walls, railings, windows, caulking, siding, doors, panes, fascias, soffits, garage doors, trims etc.
Is an Electrical Inspection Included in Such an Inspection?
This is not usually included in the inspection routine, but if felt necessary by the client this can always be included in the inspection process, with an added cost.
Document Review
All documents including appraisals, certificates of occupancy, surveys, citations, building plans, maintenance records, construction permits, environmental studies, evacuation and floor plans must be present at the point of a building inspection. This document review must include the building’s fire and emergency safety system records, together with fire detection maintenance and test documents, fire door inspection, fire extinguisher service documents and any other inspection reports. Rent records as well as inspection reports from local code enforcement are necessary. Any investor must also make a thorough check on the utility bills of the property when making the purchase. Utility bills and the cost of building renovation or repair essentially determine the value of the property.
Any commercial building inspection identifies significant issues in relation to the condition of the property including cracks, structural problems, dampness, leaks and other maintenance issues required in all accessible areas of the building generating a clear picture of the property. This commercial building inspection report lets the buyer make an informed decision on what exactly he can look forward to.