COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS

With just over 2 million people, Cincinnati is the largest city in Ohio and one of America’s 50 most populous cities. The city has been home to many Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, Macy’s, GE Aviation Systems, and Kroger. To maintain safety for both businesses and residents alike, it is essential that any commercial building be inspected every few years by a licensed inspector. If you are looking for someone qualified to inspect your commercial property or have questions about residential inspections, Cincinnati Home Inspections is your best option.

What is a commercial building inspection?

A commercial building inspector inspects buildings used for commercial purposes such as small businesses, auto garages, and warehouses. Unlike a residential inspection that typically looks at a home’s structural components, we will look at all parts of the building’s exterior and interior. We will also review any systems in the property that may affect its use or occupants.

You must know what your inspector will be looking for and why they are essential. For example:

  • The type of roofing material on the building; knowing what kind it helps determine when it should be replaced
  • Evidence of past leaks; if there has been water damage, then there may still be moisture behind particular walls, which could lead to mold growth (which is very bad for occupants)
  • Why the windows and doors may not be sealed perfectly if they aren’t energy efficient
  • How old the building’s heating and cooling system might be

 

All of these factors should play into your decision to buy or lease a commercial property. Not only that, but you have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for your employees and customers. If there are any problems with a building, its use should be limited until fixed.

What questions should I ask before getting a commercial assessment?

  • Ask for insurance recommendations from them which companies they work with to ensure you are getting affordable but high quality.
  • Do they have any specific education or certification in commercial building inspections? You don’t want to hire someone who has never done one before.
  • How long have they been conducting inspections, and do they have referrals from other companies? This shows that their business has been stable for many years and fulfills their customers’ needs.
  • Where will the commercial inspection be taking place? It should always be done on the property itself so you can get a good idea of what it looks like in person. If they tell you to have it conducted elsewhere, then don’t hire them.
  • Ask them about their pricing. Some commercial inspectors overcharge for commercial inspections adding expensive travel fees or other extra costs which aren’t necessary. There are plenty of businesses out there that offer affordable rates, so find one with fair prices but high-quality work.
  • Ask if they have a warranty on their commercial building inspections. If they don’t, shop around for someone who does because this shows that they stand behind their work even after it has been completed.

How can you be sure that your commercial property will pass inspection?

The best way to know is to hire property inspectors that you can trust. Cincinnati Home Inspections offers commercial property inspections and pre-list property inspections, and ASHI Certified Code Reviews for existing commercial buildings.

If you want to buy or lease a commercial property, it might make sense to schedule the inspection before signing any contracts. This way, if there are problems with the building, you can cancel your contract before spending money on closing costs or renovations.

On the other hand, if you have just bought a commercial building, it will be important that an inspector comes out immediately after closing so that both parties can address any issues before being used for business purposes again.

Lastly, there are many different types of structures that are classified as commercial. For example, if yours is a metal or concrete building, you must have it inspected differently with wooden beams. Cincinnati Home Inspections does both types of commercial inspections.

What are the benefits of getting a commercial Property Inspection?

Protect your Investment.

As previously mentioned, your commercial property is an investment. Therefore, you want to make sure that you are paying for a high-quality product and one that will be safe for use over the years.

Save money in the long run.

If your commercial building does not pass inspection, it may need costly repairs before you can begin using it again. That is money that could have been saved if an inspector came out when you first bought or were leasing the property.

A good inspector will help ensure the safety of all occupants in case there are any problems with the structure itself, including fire hazards, lead paint, asbestos material, and more.

Provide peace of mind.

Safety should always be your number one priority, so why not provide the best safety possible for your employees and customers? With an inspector coming out, you can feel confident that everyone will be protected no matter what. To see how a commercial building should really look, take a look at Cincinnati Home Inspections’ Commercial Inspection Checklist by clicking here.

Make informed decisions.

There are so many different factors to consider when buying a commercial building. Does the roof need to be repaired? What about the plumbing? How old are the heating and cooling system? Do any of the outlets work? These are all questions that you might have which can be answered by an inspector. With this information, you will know exactly what needs to be fixed to make your valuable commercial property again instead of wasting money on a bad investment.

Keep Abreast with Building Codes.

There can be some severe consequences if you are found in violation of building codes without knowing it. Not only might the cost of repair or renovation be high, but there is also no guarantee that these changes will even make your commercial property safe for use again. For example, an inspector might find problems with the floor material, smoke detectors, wall stability, etc. With this information in mind, you will know exactly what to fix to bring your building up to code before things get worse. The last thing anyone wants is to become injured at their place of business due to unsafe conditions within the structure itself. In fact, a company could lose everything they have worked so hard for by being sued by an unhappy client or employee who was seriously hurt on their premises.

What are the duties of a Commercial Building Inspector?

The primary duty of any inspector is to look for issues with the structure itself, which includes everything from faucets and electrical outlets all the way up to foundation beams and roofing material. They will also let you know if any renovations will be necessary before using your building again.

Besides visual inspection, an inspector can also offer advice on maintaining your commercial property over time, including regular pest control treatments, checking on fire extinguishers, etc. Any problems that might occur in the future can be solved more effectively if they are addressed as soon as possible instead of waiting until it is too late.

Schedule Your Commercial Building Inspection Today!

If you are interested in having your commercial property inspected, call Cincinnati Home Inspections at 123-456-7890 to schedule an appointment today. We are available for appointments during the week, and on weekends, so you can ensure that your appointment will fit into your busy schedule. Once we have visited the property, we will provide an accurate quote over the phone or through email within 24 hours at most. Our commercial inspectors are friendly and informative with years of local experience in inspecting commercial real estate just like yours. We understand how important it is to remain professional and offer dependable customer service without sacrificing quality results which is why our customers choose us time and time again. You can feel confident knowing that your commercial real estate is safe for use when you let Cincinnati Home Inspections inspect it for you today!