Are you getting ready to buy or sell a commercial building? Do you want to ensure it’s in good shape and doesn’t have any serious problems before you move forward with the sale or purchase?
If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you need to have a commercial building inspection done.
The idea of an inspection might seem intimidating at first. However, if you know what to expect and what the country’s 40,000-plus building inspectors are looking for, you’ll feel more at ease.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about what’s included in commercial building inspection and how you can prepare.
Why a Commercial Building Inspection Matters
If you’ve never had a commercial building inspection done before, you might be wondering why it matters. There are lots of benefits that come with having a building inspected, though, including the following:
1. Save Money
If you’re a buyer, having a building inspected before you purchase it can help you save a lot of money on repairs and maintenance. You can get those issues taken care of before you agree to buy the building, or you can use them as a negotiating chip to bring down the price.
2. Ensure Quality
Building inspections also ensure that the building is up to par before you make a purchase. They also give sellers a chance to take care of any issues they might not have been aware of before they put their property on the market.
3. Peace of Mind
An inspection also gives both the buyer and the seller peace of mind. They can both rest easy knowing that the building is in good shape and doesn’t have any major flaws.
What Happens During an Inspection
A commercial building inspection is a pretty thorough process. You can expect an inspector to look closely at the following eight aspects of a building:
1. Structure and Grounds
During their inspection, inspectors will take a look at the exterior and grounds of the building. They’ll look for damage to the building or the surrounding area and make sure everything complies with local ordinances and regulations.
2. Interior Walls and Insulation
Inspectors will pay careful attention to the interior walls and insulation as well. They’ll check for cracks, signs of water damage, and signs of mold growth.
3. Windows and Doors
The windows are doors are very important during any building inspection. The inspector will check to make sure that all windows and doors open and close properly. They’ll check for cracks and other signs of damage, too.
4. Electrical Systems
To ensure that there aren’t any fire hazards in the building, the inspector will look at the switches, outlets, and circuit breakers. They’ll also check to make sure the inside and outside lights are working, as well as any security systems inside or outside of the building.
5. Plumbing
During the inspection, the inspector will also take note of any potential plumbing issues. They’ll make sure there aren’t any leaky pipes, and they’ll also ensure that the water pressure is appropriate in the building’s sinks and showers.
6. Fire Protection
Building inspectors take fire safety very seriously. They’ll want to test all of the fire alarms in the building to ensure they work properly. They’ll also want to test the sprinkler systems and any other pieces of fire safety equipment you may have in place.
7. Roof
It’s common for inspectors to climb ont he roof or stand back from the building to take a look at it. During this part of the inspection, they’ll look for signs of water or wind damage, as well as cracks or missing shingles that need to be replaced.
8. HVAC Systems
The inspector will also want to ensure the HVAC system works correctly. They’ll take a look at the ducts, vents, and air filters to make sure they’re clean and free from debris. They’ll also check the function of all of the building’s thermostats.
How to Get Ready for an Inspection
As you can see, a lot goes into the commercial building inspection process. From structural inspections to a close look at the HVAC systems, there are a lot of opportunities for inspectors to find issues with a building.
If you’re a seller and want to make sure your property passes inspection, here are some steps you can take to get ready:
1. Do Your Own Check
You can use the list above as a checklist to help you conduct your own inspection before the official inspector arrives. Go through and look at each aspect of your building and check for any issues that might give an inspector pause.
2. Handle Repairs Right Away
If you do notice any problems, try to get them taken care of right away. Have someone come in and repair them, or handle the repairs yourself if you think you’re capable.
3. Talk to the Inspector
If there are any lingering problems that can’t get taken care of before the inspection, talk to the building inspector before the inspection begins.
Let them know that you’re aware of the issue and that you’re working to get it fixed. They’ll still take a look at the area, but this will help speed up the inspection since they’ll know what to look for.
Prepare for Your Commercial Building Inspection Today
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a commercial building or selling one. Either way, it helps to know what kind of issues an inspector looks for during a commercial building inspection.
Armed with this information, it’ll be easier for you to make sure your property is up to snuff. You can also use these details to help you negotiate a better price on a building before you buy it.
Do you want to learn more about buying or selling commercial property? If so, we’ve got lots of helpful articles available on our site. Check them out today.
