You are wrong if you think commercial building inspections are just for new construction projects. There’s more to them than you think.
They are integral to ensuring safe and efficient business operations.
Commercial building inspections can form the standard functionality of the building’s structure and check for any safety and health violations. Further, they will also uncover potential hazards that can risk the building’s occupants’ lives.
But there are also two essential things a commercial inspection can do. First, they can validate stakeholder decisions about repairing or upgrading specific areas. Second, they can establish proper coordination with the contractors to effectively resolve issues.
WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTION?
A commercial building inspection is an evaluation of a property that is used for commercial purposes.
This includes cafes, retail shops, warehouses, office buildings, factories, residential units, and restaurants.
The main aim of commercial building inspection is to identify and uncover any issues that lie within the property.
Even though you may need to conduct commercial building inspections regularly, they often occur when you buy or sell the property, starting or ending the tenancy.
Leasing or buying a commercial property is a considerable investment. So, these inspections ensure the security of these investments. These inspections help reveal the true condition of the property. This includes any costs needed for remedial work or ongoing maintenance.
WHAT DO INSPECTORS LOOK FOR?
BUILDING DOCUMENTS
During the inspection, commercial building inspectors check for numerous documents.
These include:
- Planning applications
- Construction documentation
- Environmental studies
- Surveys
- Fire safety certificates
BUILDING EXTERIOR
This involves the inspector examining any issues or deficiencies with the building’s structural integrity.
This could include landscaping, curb appeal, roofing, and other parts of the building’s exterior.
BUILDING INTERIOR
There are many elements to consider while checking the property’s interior.
The inspector might look at fire safety risks, walls, hazards, windows, kitchen facilities, and other interior factors.
BUILDING SYSTEMS
Like structure or interior, building systems also play an important role in commercial inspection.
The inspector will look at electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
If one fails this inspection, there might be a dramatic fall in the safety or value of the property.
WHAT DO COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTOR DO?
A commercial building inspector carries out standard commercial building inspections for legal purposes. They fulfill different job functions depending on the type of issue or building they will inspect.
Commercial building inspectors might qualify for facilities management and building maintenance. They might also have qualifications in engineering and architecture.
You must note that the more specialized the inspector is, the more expensive they are.
WHAT DOES A COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTION INVOLVE?
The first thing commercial building inspection includes is an inspector walking through the property. They will be taking photographs all along.
This helps the inspector document any existing problems. They can also highlight the changes you might need to make.
Other steps of a commercial building inspection include a visual inspection of the building’s exterior. Secondly, it will include a walk-through inspection of the interior. Lastly, it will include a documentation review associated with the property.
VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE BUILDING’S EXTERIOR
The visual inspection of the building’s exterior will look at the deficiencies, cracks, and any issues that can impose a problem.
A WALK-THROUGH INSPECTION OF THE INTERIOR
A walk-through inspection of the interior may include surveying the condition of fittings and internal structures, fire doors, and windows.
DOCUMENTATION REVIEW ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY
Later, reviewing the property’s documentation may include reviewing mortgage documents, insurance policies, and sales contracts.
The main purpose is to verify whether the building complies with these documents.
The inspection will uncover structural deficiencies, safety hazards, and critical issues.
WHAT ELSE DOES A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTION INVOLVE?
Following are some other things a commercial property inspection will involve: fire safety, electrical systems, and stairs. They will also include plumbing, HVAC equipment, building envelopes, and roofs.
Moreover, a commercial property inspection will also include landscaping, utilities, and structure.
WHAT IS THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTION COST?
There are various methods for pricing a commercial inspection. These include a percentage of the sale price, cost per square footage ratio, and flat fee based on the building’s type.
A PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE PRICE
This is common for large projects, like large office buildings, manufacturing, and shopping centers.
These often need an inspector to bring in experts with them. They then create an inspection team to inspect the property.
Suppose the property is a 300,000-square-foot shopping center. And if its selling price is $17 million, the inspector’s fee could be 1% or 2%. This depends on the systems or scope.
COST PER SIZE OF THE BUILDING
This is the simplest method. The inspector will have their cost per square foot. There could be a few different divisions that the cost encapsulates.
There could be a cost for office space, warehouse, auditorium, and manufacturing facility.
Inspectors create the fees and the ratios. They have the prerogative to choose the cost per foot. Some companies or inspectors may put the cost higher or lower.
The method is very market-driven.
FLAT FEE MODEL
Inspectors may have a flat fee structure based on the type of building they are inspecting.
A typical example of this is the standard 20-foot-wide strip mall condo. These are typical in nature (like so many buildings).
It includes an electrical panel, an HVAC unit, a bathroom, and the interior.
Many inspectors make a career out of performing inspections on these buildings. This is why they can be considered at a flat fee based on a size strategy.
They can be categorized into small, medium, and large.
For many inspectors, the base fee is $450 for a 1200 square foot condo.
THE PROACTIVE APPROACH TO MAINTENANCE AND INVESTMENTS
A commercial building inspection is vital in ensuring safety, integrity, and functionality.
Inspectors play a crucial role in assessing various aspects, including electrical and plumbing systems. Further, it also includes an assessment of fire safety, structural integrity, and overall compliance with building codes and regulations.
Their thorough examination provides valuable insights that help investors, stakeholders, and property owners.
They can make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and investments.
Choose Confidence, Choose Ally Property Inspections! Schedule Your Inspection Today to Uncover the True Value and Peace of Mind in Your Investment.