Commercial buildings are commercial spaces, such as office buildings and retail stores. They typically have several floors with commercial spaces on each floor. Commercial building inspections can be done to ensure that the commercial space is safe for occupancy and meets all of the requirements set forth by state law. Inspections should be completed at least annually, but more often if there has been a change in occupants or significant renovations to the commercial space. The following seven items will help you complete an inspection on your commercial building:

Roofing System:

Inspect the roofing system for damage, leaks, and proper insulation. Checking the roof is vital because commercial buildings can have commercial spaces on several floors, and leaks in the roofing system could damage all of these. Also, mentioned Harvey from Premier Commercial Roofing contractors to make sure there is proper insulation will lower utility costs for commercial space occupants.

Windows:

Commercial building inspections should also include checking each window to see if it opens properly and seals when closed. Windows are important because commercial spaces can get hot and commercial building inspectors should make sure that the commercial space has proper ventilation.

Building Exterior

You will want to check the buildings exterior for loose mortar and bricks, as well as cracked or missing stones. You will also want to check for loose gutters and downspouts, damaged window frames, deteriorated caulking around windows and doors, peeling paint on exterior surfaces such as brick walls, siding panels that are buckling or lifting from the frame of commercial building, and rusting or deteriorating metal hardware. All of these exterior items can be often found if you take part in a roofing maintenance program.

Building Interior

You will want to check the commercial building interior for stains on ceilings, walls, floors and other surfaces that could indicate water damage; peeling paint in commercial spaces; dust around windowsills due to lack of cleaning; worn spots on carpets where furniture has been moved over them many times; and evidence of pests such as cockroaches, mice or rats.

Mechanical HVAC Systems

You will want to check the mechanical systems for proper performance, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration units, exhaust fans, emergency lighting and fire suppression systems. You should also test the water pressure in the building and make sure that the water heater is adequate for the size of the commercial building.

Electrical Systems

You will want to check all electrical systems in commercial buildings, including outlets, switches and light fixtures. You should also test the wiring for overloads and look for any exposed wires.

Plumbing Systems

You will want to check the plumbing systems for any leaks or signs of corrosion. You should also test the water pressure in commercial buildings and make sure that the hot water temperature is appropriate.

Window Safety

You will want to check all windows in commercial buildings for safety features such as window guards, window stops and window sills at a safe height. You should also be sure that windows in commercial spaces can be opened and closed easily.

Fire Prevention

You will want to check commercial building for any gaps or cracks around doors, at door thresholds, between walls and floors, through stair risers and under stairs where a fire could spread undetected. You should also inspect commercial buildings for combustible materials such as drywall, wood and plastics that could easily ignite in the event of a fire.

Conclusion

A commercial building inspection is an important way to ensure that your commercial space is safe for occupancy. The seven items above are some of the most important things to inspect during a commercial building inspection. For more information on commercial building inspections, please contact your local commercial property inspector.

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