What is a Commercial Inspection?

Are you interested in buying or leasing a new office building or space for your growing business?  Before you sign the lease or contract, you will want to make sure it’s actually a good investment. Your realtor can help you understand the details of the contract or lease but who can tell you the actual condition of the building?  Generally, the only way to get an accurate understanding of the condition of the space is to get a thorough and detailed commercial building inspection.

While it may be an additional upfront cost, a commercial building inspection will help you understand the potential costs associated with the building and could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs. Here at Solidium Commercial Inspections, we spend the time to give you an accurate snapshot of the building you are looking to purchase or lease, so that you have all the knowledge you need to make an informed financial decision. When you hire Solidium, we’ll work through our commercial building inspection checklist to make sure that every part of the building has been observed, and any issues brought to your attention. Additionally, not all inspection companies are the same.  You want an inspector that is trained and certified to perform these types of inspections. We are members of the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) and follow the CCPIA standards of practice.

So what is included in a commercial inspection?

The “Big 3” costs in commercial properties are HVAC, Flatwork and Roof. These items, if not properly maintained can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace or repair. While you may see the concrete flatwork when you tour the building, did you see the condition of the HVAC or roof system?  We will inspect the installation and condition of these items and more during a commercial inspection. Here is a list of the items inspected:

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Here in the Houston area, it’s easy to see why the HVAC system is going to be at the top of most inspection checklists. With proper maintenance, these systems can be around for decades but a poorly maintained or aging system can quickly become an issue and are expensive to replace.

Flatwork: Cracks and potholes are obvious issues, but prices have skyrocketed in the last few years. Most people do not realize the cost to replace flatwork. Asphalt can cost $2-6 a square foot while concrete can cost $3-10 a square foot.  The average parking spot is 300 – 350 square feet.  That’s $3,000 – $3,500 per space!  And that does not include any sidewalks or entrances.

Roof Coverings:  The roofing system of a commercial building is normally very different than a residential building. There are many different types of materials used out there but it can easily cost $10 per square foot. A small office building can easily be a few thousand square feet and cost tens of thousands of dollars at the low end.

And of course many other items are inspected that you may never think about: Landscaping and site drainage, electrical systems, plumbing systems, doors and windows, fire protection systems, insulation, water heaters, and much more!

Inspection Process

After discussing your individual needs, we will perform some research on the property and provide you a written proposal outlining what services will be provided and costs to perform the inspection.  Once accepted, we will schedule the day and time of the inspection.  We always recommend you be on-site at the beginning of the inspection so we can perform a walk through the property and discuss how you will use the space and what concerns you may have. Once your inspection has been finished, you’ll get an illustrative report along with maintenance recommendations and budget estimates (if desired). Some of these might be suggestions or notes about repairs that will be required in the future, while some may need immediate attention. Check out some of our sample reports.

A commercial building inspection is not wasted time or money. It’s meant to protect you from buying a building you know nothing about, so it’s crucial that you hire inspectors you can trust. At Solidium Commercial Inspections, we’re proud to provide you with an in-depth inspection that will deliver the information you should know about your property and building.

If you are looking to buy, sell or lease a commercial building, make sure you hire a professional from Solidium Commercial Inspections to give you the information you need to make an informed decision and maximize your opportunity.