Looking to buy or sell a building, or maybe sign a long-term lease agreement? Before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll want to make sure it’s a sound investment first. That means getting a thorough commercial building inspection.
Oftentimes, a building inspection is the only way to get an accurate measure of the state of a building and property. While it may seem like a nuisance or added cost, getting a building inspection will no doubt save you money down the road.
A fresh coat of paint and some well-placed pictures can cover up serious underlying issues. And old and aging electrical systems could cost you a fortune down the road, even if they are currently working just fine.
Here at Building Inspection Services (BIS), we work to give you an accurate snapshot of the building you are looking to purchase or lease, so that you have all the knowledge you need to make an informed financial decision. When you hire BIS, we’ll work through our commercial building inspection checklist to make sure that every part of the building has been observed, and any issues brought to your attention.
What is included in a commercial building inspection? Let’s take a look!
Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
You’ve probably heard the term HVAC before but might not know what it stands for. Quite simply, HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
It’s easy to see why the HVAC system is going to be a major part of any building inspection and at the top of most inspection checklists. With proper maintenance, AC systems can be around for years and, in some cases, decades. But an aging or broken system can quickly become a nuisance and be expensive to replace.
Electrical Systems
An inspection of the overall electrical system needs to be high on anyone’s building inspection checklist.
An electrical systems inspection will provide a thorough examination, ensuring all wires, systems, and components are working properly and meet legal safety standards.
A poorly installed or poorly maintained electrical system is not just expensive to fix, but it is also highly dangerous and could cost you a lot more than money.
When checking your electrical system, an inspector will check your circuit breaker, service panels, and more.
Plumbing and Drainage Systems
With most plumbing systems hidden away, most problems aren’t discovered until they become major and expensive issues.
But trustworthy building inspectors will look to see if everything is working as intended, and try to identify any leaks, blockages, or damage to the pipes in the building.
Checking for Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are constant, especially in humid climates like Florida.
Spores and mold cells are common and completely normal to be found in the air, but when they grow and multiply indoors, it can lead to major health problems.
During a building inspection, your inspectors should take a look to make sure there is no excessive mold or mildew growth, and identify issues that may lead to a future problem.
Building Code Compliance
Making sure your building is up to code is crucial before you make any purchase or lease legally binding. That’s why it’s a major part of any building inspection.
Every jurisdiction is going to have its own set of building codes—a group of minimum standards meant to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the people. Part of the inspection checklist will be making sure that the building is up to code and identifying any areas that need to be addressed.
And it’s not just property owners that must worry about keeping a building up to code. Many leases require the tenants to keep the property up to code as well. Knowing all of this ahead of time can potentially save you a ton of money.
Doors & Windows
Doors and windows are very important but often overlooked during a less-than-thorough building inspection.
Windows and doors may look perfectly fine from the outside, but poor construction could be hidden on the inside, posing a big risk.
At BIS, we make sure to inspect all of the doors and windows throughout the property, not only to make sure they function and are properly sealed but to make sure that they were properly installed as well.
Landscape/Sprinkler Systems and Site Drainage
You can’t make a first impression twice, and the outside of the building, specifically the landscape, is the first thing people see.
It’s important to make sure that the sprinkler system on your new property is working properly, and to look for leaks and any other potential issues. The same goes for the site drainage, making sure that a heavy rainstorm won’t lead to a flooded building.
Driveway and Parking Lots
Obviously cracks and potholes will raise red flags during your building inspection, but it’s important to look deeper than that as well.
Your inspection should also look for areas that may indicate issues below the surface, such as areas with inadequate drainage.
Fire Sprinkler Systems & Smoke Detectors
Depending on the location of the building and the local regulations, fire sprinkler systems will have to be inspected on a regular basis. Making sure it is done at the same time as your building inspection can save you time and money.
Proper inspection to make sure the smoke detectors are all in working order is also critical because early detection can be a lifesaver.
Insulation
Want to keep the hot summer air outside where it belongs? Need to make sure that noise doesn’t travel easily from one room to another?
Insulation will play a big role in how comfortable you are in your building, so it’s crucial that it’s part of your building inspection checklist.
Other Building Inspection Checklist Components
Some other items covered during a commercial building inspection might include:
- Balconies
- Controlled water tests
- Water heaters
- Electric meters
- Elevators
- Exterior lighting systems
- Moisture intrusion
- Pool decks or patios
- Restaurant equipment
- Roofing systems
- Seawalls
- Solar heater systems
- Structural components
- Swimming pools
- Tennis courts
- Termite infestation
- Washers & dryers
- Water softener
- Well pumps
What Happens After Your Building Inspection Is Complete?
Once your building inspection has been finished, you’ll get your report along with maintenance recommendations and budget estimates.
Some of these might be suggestions or notes about repairs that will be required later on, while some will need your immediate attention. Be sure to choose a thorough and experienced building inspector who can explain your inspection report to you so you know exactly the state your building is in.
The right building inspector will also provide you with cost estimates for all these repairs, so that you know exactly what you’re looking at.
Contact BIS for a Commercial Building Inspection You Can Trust
A commercial building inspection is not a nuisance or a delay in your investment. It’s meant to protect you from buying a building you know nothing about, so it’s crucial that you hire building inspectors you can trust.
At BIS, we’re proud to provide you with an in-depth inspection that will deliver all the information you need to know about your property and building. We handle commercial and residential inspections and have close to 50 years of experience inspecting buildings of all sizes.
If you are looking to buy or sell a commercial building, make sure you call a professional like Building Inspection Services to come out and give you the information you need to make an informed decision and maximize your opportunity.
