COMMERCIAL INSPECTION

COMMERCIAL INSPECTION

Just as with a residential home inspection, a commercial property inspection is intended to provide written documentation that outlines the current state of a given property and identifies issues observed during the inspection. While many of the inspected elements are the same as what would be inspected at a residential property, there are two unique elements in a commercial property inspection; Cooking Areas and Life Safety.

Just as with a residential home inspection, a commercial property inspection is intended to provide written documentation that outlines the current state of a given property and identifies issues observed during the inspection.

While many of the inspected elements are the same as what would be inspected at a residential property, there are two unique elements in a commercial property inspection; Cooking Areas and Life Safety.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTION

Unlike a standard residential kitchen, commercial cooking areas have multiple unique components that need to be inspected. These include grease traps, deep-fryers, broilers hoods, exhaust ducts, and various safety requirements. Commercial properties also have specific Life Safety requirements that should be met, including sprinkler/fire safety systems, clearly marked exit signs, and emergency lighting to name a few. For full details regarding InterNACHI’s Commercial Standards and Policies, go here.

COMMERCIAL INSPECTION TYPES
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Commercial Inspection Checklist

In line with InterNACHI’s Commercial Standards and Policies, your inspector will perform a visual inspection of the following elements of a commercial property:

Commercial Inspection Checklist

In line with InterNACHI’s Commercial Standards and Policies, your inspector will perform a visual inspection of the following elements of a commercial property:

  • Roof

  • Exterior

  • Wood Decks & Balconies (if applicable)

  • Basement, Foundation, and Crawlspaces

  • HVAC System(s)

  • Plumbing

  • Electrical System and Components

  • Fireplaces

  • Attic Ventilation and Insulation

  • Interior (including doors and windows)

  • Cooking Areas

  • Life Safety

Client Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the client to attain copies of all prior property documents and supply them to the inspector. The inspector will review all documents provided by the client and owner, including but not limited to:

  • Accessibility surveys

  • Appraisals

  • Building plans

  • Certificates of Occupancy

  • Citations

  • Deck age records

  • Plans and construction permits

  • Full repair, maintenance, and modification history/records

  • Safety-Inspection Records

  • Environmental studies

  • Evacuation drill records

  • Fire-safety maintenance, repair, and testing records

  • Fire history records

  • Floor plans

  • All records pertaining to commercial kitchen (if applicable)

It is also the responsibility of the client (unless otherwise agreed upon) to arrange for the inspector and the building owner or manager to conduct an interview on the day of the walk-through survey.

Inspection Limitations

It is important to note that, there are limitations, exceptions, and exclusions to a commercial property inspection. While we guarantee the utmost quality and thoroughness of our inspections, no inspection report will be completely accurate. The report is simply the written communication of the observations, research, and subjective opinions of the inspector highlighting points of interest for our clients. It is also important to understand that the inspection report is a subjective professional opinion of the inspector on the condition of the property and is not a warranty.

In accordance with InterNACHI Standards and Policies, the inspector is not required to:

  • Determine the property boundary lines

  • Determine the condition of any inaccessible component or system

  • Determine the service-life expectancy of any component or system

  • Enter unsafe areas

  • Operate any deactivated systems

  • Move any personal items or other obstructions to mention a few

  • Look for any intentionally hidden deficiencies in the property

DURING YOUR INSPECTION

If issues or concerns are found, the inspector will offer further appropriate evaluation and/or recommendations.  A home inspection is an extremely helpful resource in the decision-making process when purchasing a home.

ATTIC

While inspecting the attic, the inspector will examine the insulation, ventilation, and mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas.
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ELECTRICAL

While inspecting the electrical system, the inspector will take note of the condition of a representative number of switches, outlets, light fixtures, and circuit breakers throughout the home.
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EXTERIOR

The exterior surfaces of a home are designed to ward off water and excess moisture. Water is the major destroyer of houses and the main concern when checking the exterior.
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INTERIOR

The interior of a home or commercial property is the part that sees the most wear and tear from its residents or tenants.
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ROOF

A roof not only provides protection from the weather, but can also greatly impact the energy efficiency and overall property value of a home.
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FOUNDATION

The foundation is one of the most crucial components to the structural integrity of a home or commercial property.
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HVAC

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (or HVAC) are some of the most important elements of a home or commercial property.

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PLUMBING

It’s hard to imagine homes today without plumbing. A fully functioning plumbing system is essential, and should be readily inspected.

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FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY

Fireplaces and chimneys can serve as interesting architectural features and cost effective ways to heat a home or commercial property.
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COMMERCIAL INSPECTION F.A.Q.

A residential home inspection is primarily for those people looking to buy or sell residential property fewer than four units. Anything over 4 dwellings is considered a commercial inspection. While there are various types of commercial inspections, there is one standard for residential home inspections. These standards of practice are set by the State of Washington and are the minimum requirement for all home inspectors. Commercial inspectors do not have the same licensing requirements, but they can be certified and trained by experts in the industry. Our commercial inspectors have been to school and certified to perform these types of inspections. Commercial inspections are a great tool for investors who want to project future costs of maintenance and capital expenses. They can also provide a negotiation tool for investors during the purchasing process.

Access is required for all areas that are being inspected. Coordination with managers, owners, and/or tenants is required prior to inspection time. Communicating with all these parties in advance to provide access will be required and very helpful.

This varies a great deal on the type of project; from dental offices to large apartment communities.  We can always provide an estimate based on the commercial space you wish to have inspected. Some inspections take as little as 4 hours whereas others can take as long as several days. We do have a team of inspectors which allows us to move quickly and complete projects faster.

The buyer does not always need to be present for the duration of the inspection as long as someone can be there to allow access. A review of the property can be scheduled for a different time following the inspection. These do require some time so you can thoroughly understand the report and ask questions.

READY TO SCHEDULE?

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The Sterling Difference

With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling and competitive rates. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

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The Sterling Difference

With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling, competitive rates, and over $100,000 worth of warranty coverage FREE with every inspection. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

READY TO SCHEDULE?

We’ll give you a call and schedule the best time for you!