Commercial inspections are a key part of any non-residential building sale, allowing both the seller and buyer a clear picture of the property’s condition before the closing paperwork is signed. While commercial inspections have many elements in common with residential inspections, there are a few essential aspects that make them different.
Knowing what the commercial building inspector will be looking for and what information will be included in their report will help you be better prepared when the time comes to review the inspection report and address any concerns. Below is a list of a few essential items that we check for when we perform commercial inspections.
- Accessibility – Commercial buildings must comply with the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Zoning and Code Compliance – Depending on where the property is located and what the building will be used for, there are a variety of coding and zoning laws that it must comply with.
- Fire Safety – A home certainly needs smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, but a commercial building requires a much more extensive fire safety setup.
- System safety – If things like elevators, escalators, security systems, or conveyor systems are in the building, commercial inspections help ensure they are up to code and safe to operate.
- Parking and Walkways – Commercial inspections typically also include checking the parking lot and sidewalks or walkways for cracks, potholes, and other maintenance issues.
For more information on how to prepare for commercial inspections, or to schedule an appointment with an inspector, contact our office.