If you intend to buy a commercial property, Milwaukee is a great place to invest. From great strategic locations to relatively affordable property prices, it has a lot to offer. But buying and maintaining a commercial property comes with a bag of challenges. This is why it is better to schedule a commercial property inspection first before you close the deal. This is one of the ways you can know about the property you intend to buy and whether it is worth investing your time and money. The inspection can help you detect potential issues, defects, hazards, and threats early on – helping you make informed decisions in the future. And if you do buy the property, regular inspections could be the key to maintaining the property.
In this blog, we will discuss the commercial building inspections in detail, giving you an idea of what you should expect from these inspections.
What Is A Commercial Building Inspection?
If we were to define a commercial building inspection, we’d say that it is an inside-out examination of a commercial property like an office building. During the inspection, the property undergoes a number of tests. Some of the most common commercial properties that undergo these inspections are:
Residential units
Office buildings
Warehouses
Factories
However, inspections are not limited to these buildings only. If you wish to buy a property that is supposed to serve some other commercial purpose, then that also requires an inspection at first. The primary objective of a commercial inspection is to identify a property’s structural defects or issues.
Benefits of A Commercial Building Inspection
Preventative Maintenance: Regular commercial property inspections identify minor issues before they escalate and become major problems. This way, property buyers can save money in the long run by avoiding costly issues.
Improved Safety: Commercial inspections help find safety hazards like electrical problems, fire risks, etc. With an inspection, you can keep your tenants, employees, and customers protected by promptly addressing these safety hazards.
Investment Protection: Commercial building inspection provides you with a clear understanding of the building’s condition, reducing the risk of unforeseen expenses related to repairs and maintenance.
Extended Lifespan of the Property: Regular inspection and maintenance play a crucial role in preventing wear and tear and keeping your property in good condition, eventually extending its lifespan.
Who Conducts A Commercial Building Inspection?
In Milwaukee, a licensed commercial inspector conducts commercial property inspections. These professionals have specialized training and experience in evaluating complex systems and structural components that are unique to commercial properties. During the process, the inspectors check various aspects of the building, including its structural integrity, fire safety, compliance with local codes and regulations, etc. Often, property buyers think about whether they can hire a home inspector to conduct commercial inspections. But, a home inspector doesn’t have the expertise to perform commercial inspections. Yes, these inspectors evaluate the residential properties, but for commercial ones, they need a broader and more specialized skill set. This is why it is best to hire a licensed commercial building inspector to conduct a thorough and accurate commercial inspection.
What Does a Commercial Building Inspector Look For?
Building Exterior
One of the first things that a commercial inspector inspects is the building’s exterior. This helps the inspector to identify the building issues or deficiencies with the building’s structural integrity. The inspector will inspect the following when assessing the building’s exterior:
Structural components
Roofing
Windows and doors
Siding and cladding
Parking lots
Landscaping
The inspector will also look for the presence of harmful substances. They’re always equipped with the necessary testing tools, which lets them perform an accurate evaluation of the property. The inspector will also examine the plaster, masonry, and all concrete surfaces. They will ensure that everything is in its finest condition and structurally sound.
Building Interior
The inspector thoroughly examines the building’s interior. They spend the longest time assessing the interior as there are many elements that they need to consider. When performing the inspection, the inspector looks at the following:
Fire safety risks
Interior walls and windows
Kitchen facilities
Appliances
Walls and ceilings
Floors
Railings
Insulation and ventilation
Building Systems
After assessing the building from the inside and the outside, the inspector moves to evaluate the building’s systems. They inspect the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to ensure all of these are in the correct working order. They ensure that there are no loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or leaks, and the air conditioning and heating systems are all set to maintain the comfort of the building. All of these systems determine the home’s real condition and value. Eventually, letting you decide whether you should buy the property or not.
Building Zoning Laws and Regulations
Building and zoning laws and regulations vary from one city to another. In Milwaukee, these laws are designed to manage land use and ensure orderly development within the city. You or your inspector can find these regulations outlined in the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances. The commercial inspector needs to be aware of the zoning requirements that the building might not meet legally. This could be anything like the building not having disabled access or not having enough parking space. The inspector will let you know whether there have been violations of zoning laws, and you can then decide about moving forward with the deal.
Conclusion
Commercial building inspections offer invaluable benefits. With a commercial inspection in place, you get significant insights into the property’s condition. These inspections also play an important role in uncovering hidden defects or maintenance issues that might not be immediately visible. This is one of the ways you get to make informed decisions and negotiate more effectively. By knowing the problems lurking in your potential property, you can also avoid unexpected and expensive surprises in the future, ensuring that you’re investing in a property that’s worth it.
Most importantly, these inspections provide you with peace of mind. Once you know you’re buying a property that has been thoroughly assessed, you secure yourself from potential financial risks in the future. Also, you can prepare and plan for any repairs or upgrades that may be needed in the future.
Ready to make informed decisions and safeguard your investment? Schedule your commercial building inspection with Homesight, Inc. today and gain peace of mind knowing you have thoroughly assessed your property's condition. Don't leave your investment to chance - trust the experts at Homesight to deliver comprehensive inspections that empower you to make the right choices.
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