Commercial Building Inspections: What They Are And Why To Get One
Commercial building inspections are an essential component of commercial real estate investments. More than a necessary evil, they are incredibly helpful to affirm a building purchase, identify future capital improvements, and avoid unforeseen disasters. CalPro Inspection Group performs extensive amounts of comprehensive commercial building inspections, and we’ve learned some things along the way. If you’re considering investing in commercial real estate, here’s what you should know.
Which Buildings Require Commercial Inspections?
Any commercial (owned by a business or used to make a business profit) building bought or sold should have an inspection, including:
- Strip malls
- Office buildings
- Retail stores
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses
- Apartment complexes
Commercial building inspections vary depending on the type of building, its systems, and business use. Still, inspections include a core group of items that remain the same no matter what other contingencies occur.
Elements of Commercial Building Inspections
No matter what type of commercial property you want to buy, you should expect the following areas to be reviewed:
- Structure, frame, and foundation
- HVAC systems
- Electrical systems
- Mechanical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Ventilation
- Fire system
- Security/intrusion system
- All interior elements
The building’s exterior also comprises a component of commercial building inspections. To that end, exterior elements include:
- Building structure
- Landscaping
- Roof
- Parking
- Paving
- Utilities
Additionally, the inspector reviews any documentation concerning repairs or building information that might impact the findings. In terms of documentation, the following documents are helpful and necessary for inspectors to have complete insight into the commercial building:
- Blueprints
- Floorplans
- Appraisals
- Construction permits
- Receipts for work done
- Surveys
- Inspections
- Building licenses and permits
Aside from what’s already been mentioned, the inspector may have to review other building aspects, depending on the property type, including things like sewage with our sewer camera inspections. It all depends on the elements we previously captured. They’ll also look to ensure that the property meets building codes. Finally, the inspector completes and presents a detailed report with all the findings. In it, any necessary repairs, risks, and other items will be reported.
Why Should I Get a Commercial Building Inspection?
When purchasing any real estate, you want to know that you’re not paying more than what it’s worth. Moreover, you want to know that the property is in fair condition, and matches what the seller described. Otherwise, you may have to sink thousands of dollars into repairs before you can even use the property. In a worst-case scenario, you could be left with a worthless property. While the probability of the latter situation may not be significant, it’s a risk most investors don’t want to take. Instead, understand the condition of the building, what repairs it may need, and its value.
Schedule a Commercial Property Inspection
CalPro Inspection Group performs commercial and comprehensive home inspections for Greater Sacramento and the entire Bay Area. As professional inspectors well-rounded in property services, we also provide pest control and specialty inspections. Whatever your home or business facility inspection needs, we can meet them. Contact us at (800) 474-3540 to schedule.