Commercial real estate inspectors are responsible for assessing the condition of properties. Their assessments utilize visual observation and research methods as well as reviewing relevant documentation.
Building inspectors Melbourne review appraisals, building plans, citations, certifications, construction permits, evacuation plans and other pertinent documents compiled into a final report.
Inspections
Commercial real estate inspectors offer inspection services for investors, insurance lenders, portfolio lenders and CMBS (commercial mortgage-backed securities) lenders. Their inspection services help these clients make informed purchasing decisions without incurring unexpected surprises or potential liabilities.
Residential building inspections typically require less documentation; commercial inspections require additional paperwork such as prior reports and permits, renovation plans or alterations, structural reviews as well as signs of vandalism and damage on the exterior. A commercial inspector should review these documents thoroughly as well as check for cracks in walls or ceilings as well as examine roof condition to assess age/condition and look out for signs of vandalism/damage to the property itself.
At its core, commercial inspectors must understand the property’s intended use in order to tailor their assessment according to client needs and produce an extensive report. A great commercial inspector will invite clients along on initial walks throughs; this allows for trust building between inspector and client while creating dialogue about inspection process.
Reports
Commercial real estate inspectors create reports as part of the inspection and research they perform, detailing observations made during a walk-through survey, documents collected and interviews performed; as well as information obtained through third-party reports ordered as part of their inspections.
At a walk-through survey, an inspector physically inspects a commercial property to gather information and note items of interest. This may involve inspecting its roof, structure and interior; also performing plumbing checks as well as electrical, fire safety checks on it.
During an inspection process, an inspector may request that owners, managers, and tenants complete pre-inspection questionnaires or conduct interviews in person or via telephone. Their responses must then be included in the inspection report along with their opinion based on this interview session.
Clients
Commercial real estate inspectors provide services for an array of clients, such as investors, realtors, lenders, property managers and businesses. From industrial buildings and strip malls to office complexes – each is an enormous structure which should be examined closely for structural integrity and safety purposes.
Commercial building inspectors offer clients a detailed report that provides details on the condition and function of structures and their utilities systems, giving them invaluable insight before purchasing property. With such data in hand, negotiations between potential purchasers can become much smoother.
Many commercial real estate inspection companies employ a team of specialists, including structural engineers and electrical and plumbing technicians. This allows for thorough visual assessments and can provide specialized knowledge that allows for finding issues not detectable by general home inspectors; in addition to this they help ensure compliance with major compliance enforcement agencies like NFPA and ADA.
Certifications
Commercial real estate inspections demand many skills, with people-skills being of paramount importance. Communicating effectively with clients, other inspectors, and specialty consultants is essential to your business’s success.
An inspection involves reviewing documents such as appraisals, building plans, zoning permits, citations, fire safety inspection reports, floor plans and environmental studies. You may also conduct a walk-through survey and present your observations directly to your client.
Professional inspection requires certification; certification requirements will differ based on state. InterNACHI offers an online Commercial Standards of Practice course to become a CCPIA-Certified Commercial Property Inspector; this designation allows you to display its logo and certificate on websites, proposals and inspection reports to demonstrate your qualifications.