Scoping a Commercial Building Inspection Part 3

What information do you need from a commercial building inspection? That's an important question to answer when devleoping the scope for your commercial inspection. Are you purchasing an apartment complex where lots of roof leaks have been recently reported? Are you purchasing a business and the lease for a building and want to check the overall condition of the property? Are you looking at purchasing a building with several retail tenants as a long-term investment and was an estimate of maintenance costs and a timeline for repairs?

These are important questions to consider when talking with a commercial property inspector. The inspector should work with you to develop a scope that meets your needs and timeline. Some options include the cost of repair estimates, interviews with the building owner, or a public records search in addition to the regular inspection. If water leaks are a consideration, you may want to consider hiring an inspector who can handle an infrared camera. Infrared cameras create pictures of the thermal energy of objects and call help detect leaks or missing insulation. Training classes and certifications in thermography, the use of these cameras, are offered. It is important to hire a properly-trained inspector in order to receive an accurate report.

The report is the method the information gathered by the inspector is delivered to you. Requesting a sample report during the bidding or discussion will help you understand the product you will receive. Make sure the report is readable, includes several digital pictures and puts the important information where it is easily accessible.