What should I look for in a building inspection?

Inside, a more thorough inspection checks, room by room, walls (for cracking), floors (springy boards, unevenness), ceilings (leaks) and plumbing, right down to finishes, fixtures and fittings. It should also investigate roof spaces (for insulation, framing defects) and the sub-floor (leaks, damp, rot).

What do city building inspectors look for?

Generally it includes inspecting the siding, roof, foundation and slab, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and the electrical system. Also the inspector will look for damaged components, water stains, leaks, evidence of fire or flooding and hazardous conditions.

What is due diligence period in commercial real estate?

Generally, a due diligence period is the time afforded a purchaser to enter into and upon the site to study, examine and inspect all aspects of the property. This time period is also commonly referred to as the “feasibility period”, “study period” or “investigative period.”

What type of inspectors are there?

There are many types of inspectors:

Electrical inspectors check electrical installations to be sure they operate properly and safely.
Mechanical inspectors check heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
Plumbing inspectors examine pipes, fixtures, water supply, and waste systems.

What happens if finance is not approved?

Under the finance clause, you can only pull out only if your loan is not approved by your lender. If you exchange contracts without a finance clause and your formal approval falls through, you could lose your deposit and the vendor can sue you for damages.

What should be checked during a commercial building inspection?

While the exact components that will be checked during a commercial building inspection depend on the specific type of building, there is a general checklist of things that are assessed no matter the building type.

What to look for in a commercial building?

It’s important to have a checklist before you obtain a commercial building inspection so that you can better understand what to look out for. Everything from the interior of the building to the ventilation and air conditioning system will be checked during a commercial building inspection.

What should I ask a commercial kitchen inspector?

A commercial inspector may want to include questions concerning the type of food cooked on certain appliances or inquire about any recent building remodels in the Pre-Inspection Questionnaire.

What kind of hoods do commercial building inspectors use?

Commercial building inspectors should also be aware that there are two kinds of Type I hoods: listed and unlisted.

How often do commercial buildings need to be inspected?

While a commercial building inspection can be performed every few years, these inspections will usually occur when a property owner has placed the building on the market and has found an interested buyer. The buyer will request the inspection and wait for the results to determine if they would like to go forward with the purchase.

What should be included in a commercial inspection?

Gathering this information is the process of due diligence and where commercial inspectors play a key role. The due diligence provided by commercial inspectors will vary, sometimes substantially, with the nature of the transaction. Variables may include building age, type, use and location.

Can a property inspector work in a commercial building?

Property inspectors tend to specialize in residential or commercial buildings, but some inspectors do both. You might need a little time and experience in the home inspection industry before branching out, but it’s a viable way to increase your earning potential and gain valuable skills.