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Commercial & Investment Property Inspections
How a Property Condition Inspection can Reduce Owner Liability

Sophisticated investors are becoming aware of the importance of performing a detailed, specialized inspection of commercial & industrial properties, often referred to as a Property Condition Assessment (PCA). With the ever-increasing cost and liability of owning commercial real estate, investors need to obtain specific information about the physical and mechanical condition of the building they are about to purchase or lease. Each full building inspection includes a detailed mold investigation and limited Americans with Disability Act (ADA) review. Additionally, we provide an immediate repair cost and anticipated short-term cost analysis.

Commercial property buyers have a unique use for their building. We ask detailed questions prior to the on-site visit in order to determine what type of information is desired from the inspection report. Our reports are based on client needs. Don't settle for a report that simply describes building components.
 


The Structure & Site Property Condition Report provides detailed information on the following
Building structure and foundation
Exterior envelope
Property and grounds
Asphalt and concrete
Interior finishes, attics and insulation
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Electrical system
Plumbing system
Fire protection equipment
Mold investigation
Limited ADA review.
We perform inspections for buyers and sellers of:
Industrial Buildings
Office Complexes
Restaurants
Multi-Family Units
Apartment Buildings
Hotel/Motels


The Basic Property Condition
Report


Structural Analysis – The foundation, build methodology and framing material will be evaluated.  The buildings core strengths will be reviewed for areas of stress, weakness and failure.
Roof Analysis – The surface material, flashings, chimneys and drainage components will be reviewed.  A determination of age, overall condition and anticipated lifespan will be reported.  Immediate repairs will be identified and replacement costs calculated.
Building Envelope Analysis – Framing properties, exterior materials, window frames, lentils and doors and doorframes will be examined.
Property & Grounds Analysis – Condition of asphalt and concrete driveways, walkways, landscaping, truck wells, storm water drains, grading, building signage and site lighting are evaluated.
Electrical Analysis – Size of incoming service is determined.  Quantity and size rating of distribution panels listed.  Grounding, outlets, switch panels, transformers and lighting condition reported.
HVAC Analysis – Age of units, overall condition, functional testing, number of units and maintenance history reported.  Costs for replacement units.
Plumbing Analysis – A flood test will be conducted to test - Water pressure, distribution piping, waste piping, bathroom fixtures and hot water tanks. 
Interior Analysis – All interior elements including walls, ceilings, flooring, bathrooms, warehouses, offices and storage areas will be examined and detailed
Repair/Replacement Cost Analysis – An accurate assessment of anticipated costs for repair and short term replacement items.  Any deficient item will have a cost and time frame replacement allocation.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Review – Does the site provide adequate parking, curb cuts, wheelchair ramps, entrance configuration, restrooms, elevator controls, signage, fire protection etc?
Fire Protection – Assessment of central sprinkler systems, fire pumps, emergency lighting, illuminated EXIT signs, smoke and temperature monitors, fire extinguishers and other associated equipment.  Review of equipment and certification tags.


The Enhanced Property Condition Report


Contains all of the elements within the Basic Property Report plus the following items which are designed to reduce owner liability.

Mold inspection
.  A complete and certified analysis of the interior areas of the building where physical mold can grow and produce spore activity.  Moisture meters will be used to identify potential areas of sustained water leaks which foster mold growth.  If physical mold growth is identified, samples will be taken and submitted to an independent laboratory for analysis.  The lab reports will be inclusive to the final property condition report.

Indoor air quality testing.  A minimum of four samples of certified air testing will be conducted within the interior spaces to provide a mold spore profile of the property.  Indoor air quality testing can detect mold growth in hidden areas that are not visible.  Undetected mold growth in commercial buildings results in thousands of cases of sick building syndrome and health related law suits per year.

Radon gas analysis.  All buildings have some level of radon gas.  Many buildings built on slabs have tested positive for elevated radon levels.  Radon is a by-product of decaying uranium, is a radioactive gas and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.   The EPA is focusing heavily on radon gas to help explain the rapidly rising numbers of lung cancer in the U.S.


The Ultimate Property Condition Report


Contains all of the elements within the Basic & Enhanced Property Report plus the following items which provide a complete analysis of your building.
Structural Analysis
Roof Analysis
Building Envelope Analysis
Property & Grounds Analysis
Electrical Analysis
HVAC Analysis
Plumbing Analysis
Interior Analysis
Fire Protection Analysis
Repair/Replacement Cost Analysis
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Review
Mold Inspection
Indoor Air Quality Study
Radon Gas Analysis
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment – A certified analysis of the historical usage and recognized environmental conditions of the site.  Most financial institutions will require this if the property is to be mortgaged.   More Info HERE  
Photo Log of entire exterior and interior items
Building walk-through day of closing
Report Distribution – Two hard copies of each report.  Email copy of each report.  Electronic copies of each report on USB thumb drive.
   
  Helpful Links

www.business.com
General Info Site

www.realprospex.com
Buyer/Seller Site

www.loopnet.com
Large Listings Portal

www.epa.gov
Enviro Info

www.reis.com
Economic Data Site

www.1031exchange.com
Free 1031 Tool Kit

www.sior.com
Industrial & Office Realtors

Flat Roof Info
General Info on Flat Roofs

www.greenroofs.com
Eco Friendly Roofing

www.energysavers.gov
Site Name Says it All
 
 
  Phone 248.645.5522
24 Hour Cell 248.854.7327
email - 411site@gmail.com
  Copyright © 2006 Structure & Site Inspection Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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