What Does a Commercial Property Inspection Include?

A commercial property inspection provides valuable information about the condition of a building and its major systems. From roofing and HVAC equipment to electrical, plumbing, structural components, and site conditions, understanding what is included in the inspection can help buyers and property owners make more informed decisions.

The Scope Depends on the Property

Commercial buildings vary considerably. An inspection of a small professional office building is very different from an inspection of a warehouse, retail center, restaurant, or multi-tenant commercial property.

The scope may also depend on the client’s needs, the property configuration, accessibility, and the systems present.

At ProLithic Property Inspections, commercial inspections use a systematic approach to evaluate the property’s major visible and accessible systems and components, helping clients better understand observed conditions at the time of the inspection.

Site and Grounds

The inspection begins before entering the building. Site conditions can provide important information about drainage, deterioration, accessibility, and conditions that may affect the building.

Typical observations may include parking areas and driveways, sidewalks and walkways, grading and drainage, retaining walls, exterior stairs and ramps, guardrails and handrails, exterior lighting, and other visible site improvements.

Building Exterior

The exterior building envelope is evaluated for visible conditions that may affect its performance or require maintenance or repair.

Depending on the property, this can include exterior wall materials and finishes, doors and windows, flashing and sealants, penetrations, exterior stairs, balconies, and other accessible exterior components.

Roofing

Commercial roofing systems can represent a significant expense, making the roof an important part of the inspection.

When safely accessible, the inspection may include the visible condition of roof coverings or membranes, flashing, penetrations, drainage components, parapet walls, rooftop equipment interfaces, and evidence of ponding, deterioration, or previous repairs.

Structural Components

Visible and accessible structural components are observed for indications of deterioration, movement, damage, or other conditions that may warrant additional evaluation.

Depending on the building, these may include foundations, floor structures, columns, beams, framing, masonry walls, and roof structures.

A commercial property inspection is a visual inspection and is not a structural engineering analysis. Conditions requiring engineering expertise may be referred to an appropriate specialist.

Electrical Systems

Visible and accessible electrical components may include the service equipment, meters, main disconnects, distribution panels, breakers, wiring, receptacles, switches, lighting, and other readily accessible components.

The inspection is intended to identify visible deficiencies, safety concerns, and conditions that may warrant evaluation or repair by a qualified electrical contractor.

Plumbing Systems

The plumbing inspection may include visible water supply piping, drain and waste piping, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, shutoff valves, drainage performance, and evidence of leakage or deterioration.

Specialized commercial plumbing equipment may require separate evaluation by an appropriate contractor or specialist.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

HVAC equipment can represent a substantial portion of a commercial property's operating and replacement costs.

Depending on the building, the inspection may include rooftop package units, split systems, furnaces, air-conditioning equipment, thermostats, accessible ductwork, condensate drainage, and other visible HVAC components.

Equipment information and observed conditions can also help clients identify aging equipment and systems that may require servicing, repair, or further evaluation.

Interior Components

Interior areas may reveal evidence of conditions occurring elsewhere in the building.

The inspection may include walls and ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, guardrails and handrails, restrooms, tenant areas, common areas, and other accessible interior components.

Water staining, damaged finishes, unusual cracking, and deteriorated materials can sometimes provide clues to larger building issues.

Fire and Life-Safety Observations

Depending on the property and inspection scope, visible life-safety components may also be observed. These can include exit doors, emergency lighting, exit signage, fire extinguishers, and visible components of installed fire-protection systems.

A commercial property inspection is not a substitute for specialized fire-system testing or an inspection performed by the local authority having jurisdiction.

What Isn't Included in a Commercial Property Inspection?

A commercial property inspection is generally a visual, non-invasive assessment of readily accessible conditions. It does not involve dismantling equipment, opening walls, destructive testing, engineering calculations, or guaranteeing future performance.

Depending on the property, additional specialized evaluations may be appropriate for environmental concerns, fire-protection systems, elevators, structural engineering, roofing, sewer systems, or other components outside the agreed inspection scope.

Why a Commercial Property Inspection Matters

Commercial buildings can contain expensive systems with problems that aren't apparent during a casual walkthrough.

An aging roof, multiple older rooftop HVAC units, deteriorated electrical equipment, drainage problems, or years of deferred maintenance can significantly affect the cost of owning or occupying a property.

Identifying these conditions during the due-diligence period gives clients better information for planning and making decisions about the property.

Commercial Property Inspections in the San Francisco Bay Area

ProLithic Property Inspections provides commercial property inspections for a variety of commercial buildings throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Our goal is to provide a thorough, understandable assessment of the property's visible condition so clients have better information when making decisions about a commercial property.

Buying, leasing, or evaluating a commercial property in Santa Clara, CA or the surrounding areas? Contact ProLithic Property Inspections to discuss the property and appropriate inspection scope.