Commercial Real Estate Inspections

360 Inspections offers commercial real estate inspections following the InterNachi International Standards of Performing Commercial Property Inspections.

Difference between Commercial and Residential Inspections

When you’re buying a home for your family, it is natural to make your decision based on emotion.

Factors such as aesthetic appeal, the feel of the neighborhood, how close good schools are and how comfortable you feel in the house are all important considerations.

When buying commercial real estate, your objective is for the business to be successful and make money.

This means that every expense you incur after buying is money out of the business’ bottom line.

You probably want to avoid any large expenses in the first 5 years of operation while you focus on growing and streamlining operations (see the Rule of 5 and 5 at the end of this article).

Your decision on whether to buy a property or not should be based on how much money the building can earn you, minus how much it is going to cost you (rent, utilities, remodeling/repurposing, repairs and maintenance)

Types of Commercial Property Inspections:

Retail: Malls, strip malls, stand alone stores and other types of retail establishments such as self-storage complexes, small aircraft hangers, etc.

Office Space: CBD and Suburban properties used primarily for office activities.

Apartments: Either single story, garden style, or low/mid rise apartments.

Hospitality: Bed and Breakfast, Motel, Hotel

Industrial: Property designed for industrial uses such as manufacturing, distribution or warehousing.

After the property condition assessment (the walk through and recording of conditions and recommendations) is completed, you will receive a Property Condition Report (PCR)

The Property Condition Report covers:

Site Characteristics (paving, landscaping and utilities)
Structural Frame and Building Envelope
Roof Surface Areas
Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Plumbing Systems
Heating Systems
Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
Vertical Transportation
Life Safety/Fire Protection
Interior Elements
Document Review
Opinions of Probable Costs
Recommendations

The Rule of 5 and 5

Of major importance are the 5 main systems that frequently require replacement and/or maintenance. These are the HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Roof and Structure. Typically a business would expect these systems to last at least 5 years without major repair or replacement.