What is a commercial inspection?

Focus Home Inspection - Same peace of mind, one inspection at a time

A commercial property inspection, as performed by a home inspector, is a detailed assessment of a commercial building's condition. While it shares the same goal as a residential inspection—identifying potential issues—its scope is much broader and more complex. Unlike a home inspection that focuses on a single-family dwelling's livability, a commercial inspection assesses the property from a business perspective. This means it evaluates larger, more complex systems such as commercial-grade HVAC units, fire suppression systems, and elevators. It also checks for compliance with commercial building codes, zoning laws, and accessibility regulations, which are not typically part of a residential inspection.

To prepare for a commercial property inspection, a buyer should gather all available documents, including past inspection reports, maintenance records, floor plans, and permits. It is also crucial to ensure the inspector has full access to all areas of the property, including mechanical rooms and rooftops, as a lack of access could result in an incomplete report. The buyer should also discuss their specific objectives with the inspector, such as any planned renovations or business uses, to ensure the inspection is tailored to their needs.

Following the inspection, it is critical that the buyer has licensed contractors further evaluate any material defects and provide quotes for repairs before removing their contingencies. Focus Home Inspection LLC provides a general overview and identifies potential issues, but we are not specialists in every field. Licensed contractors have the specific expertise to accurately diagnose complex problems, such as structural, electrical, or plumbing issues, and provide precise cost estimates for repairs. This step is crucial because it protects the buyer from unforeseen expenses and ensures they have a clear understanding of the financial commitment required to address the property's deficiencies. Without this professional evaluation, a buyer might unknowingly inherit costly problems that could jeopardize their investment.

Because commercial inspections can greatly differ in size, scope, and specific needs, we require that you call for a quote.

Modern, Mobile Friendly Reporting

Immediate report publication gets you off to the races faster

We commit to immediate reporting. All observations are documented in real time ensuring that your report is complete and ready for review at the end of the inspection.

Web based HTML reports with the option to download to PDF

You and your client have the option to view the report online in full resolution and detail, or to download the report to PDF for an old fashioned kinetic approach to study and ease of sharing.

High resolution images and video reporting

Photos and video ensure all parties involved have a firm grasp on the reality of the situation. Be sure to tell us if your client is out of town so that your inspector can make video observation on important and often confusing items.

Informative observations illustrate and educate

Our formula for reporting is simple: the observation, the implication, and our recommendation. While other companies look for shortcuts in their reporting by employing "such as but not limited to" comments, we use specific comments for each defect observed. This means that you and your client learn about the reality of the defect observed and what your next steps are.