Commercial building inspection is a very important process in determining the condition of a property while buying, leasing, or renovating. Commercial inspections identify defects leading to costly repairs or which are unsafe in nature. You are an owner of buildings, a real estate investor, or a commercial tenant, and being familiar with the most frequent faults performed by commercial property inspections will assist you in making a decision. Here are some of the most common defects in commercial buildings.

Structural Problems

Structural integrity is one of the fundamental problems to be tested for during a commercial building test. The testers look for the following indicators of the same in walls, foundations, beams, and columns:

Settling or movement indicated through cracks in the walls or the foundation.

Floors that are not level, indicating a problem with the foundation.

Rust or rot on steel or wood framing.

Water damage leading to weakened structural elements.

Roofing Issues

Commercial roof decks are typically flat or low-sloped and susceptible to water ponding and leaks. The following are the typical roofing issues:

  • Damaged or deteriorated roof materials.
  • Inadequate drainage systems resulting in water ponding.
  • Leaks that result in mold growth and interior damage.
  • Inadequate insulation and ventilation, leading to high utility bills.

HVAC System Deficiencies

Some of the problems with HVAC issues in a commercial building inspection are as follows:

  • Inefficient and outdated systems with high rates of repair.
  • Poor quality air circulation that results in indoor air quality issues.
  • Wastage of energy through leaky ducts.
  • Failure of the system due to improper maintenance.

Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues are inconvenient and expensive if not discovered in a timely manner. Among the most frequent issues typically found during commercial property inspections are

Water-damaged situations due to leaks or broken pipes or fixtures.

Low water pressure that harms business.

Worn-out or deteriorated plumbing material.

Drainage or sewer failure, or backup.

Electrical System Deficiencies

Faulty electrical systems present safety risks, including the fire risk. The most frequent issues found by inspectors are:

  • Worn-out wiring that does not comply with the modern-day electrical codes.
  • Circuit overload that results in power loss.
  • Defective outlets, switches, and lighting components.
  • Inadequate grounding and surge protection.

Fire Hazards

Safety from fire takes center stage in commercial building inspections. The most prevalent fire hazards are:

  • Non-functional fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems.
  • Blocked or obstructed fire escape routes.
  • Non-functional fire extinguishers.
  • Flammable materials improperly stored.

Environmental Hazards

Commercial structures are required to meet environmental standards in an effort to be habitable. Inspection will generally come up with:

  • Presence of asbestos in structures constructed prior to certain dates.
  • Water entry and subsequent growth of mold.
  • Hazards of lead paint.
  • Soil contamination through past industrial processes.

Code Violations and Code Deficiencies

Commercial structures are required to meet building codes and regulations of the jurisdiction. Commercial building inspection is bound to detect:

  • Violations of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) code.
  • Improper installation of staircases, railings, or elevators.
  • Improper repairs or structural modifications.
  • Zoning violation in property use.

Pest Infestation

Termites, rodents, and other rodents might be the cause of extensive damage to buildings along with health-threatening consequences. Inspectors examine for:

  • Termites’ signs in wood structures.
  • Rodent infestation within storage, basement, and ceiling.
  • Insufficient effort in controlling pests.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency Issues

Energy efficiency is gradually emerging as a priority sector for owners of commercial buildings. In commercial building inspection, one of the common observations is

  • Low insulation and excessive energy bills.
  • Dirty windows and doors make the HVAC less efficient.
  • Less efficient old lighting.
  • No energy-efficient options.

Final thoughts

Identifying these common problems that arise during commercial building inspections will allow owners, buyers, and tenants to be proactive in preventing costly repairs and compliance problems. Either purchasing a new building or maintaining an existing building, a professional commercial building inspection in Boise ensures the building’s longevity, functionality, and safety. A professional inspector performing a commercial property inspection is the best method of detecting and fixing potential problems before they become major problems.