Being a commercial real estate owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. You have to ensure your building stays up to code as laws change to avoid fines and safety issues.
Commercial rental property inspections are the only way to find problems that could otherwise become huge issues if they went unnoticed.
How do inspections work? Who does the inspection? What building areas are looked at during the inspection process?
Keep reading to learn three things to know about commercial property inspections.
1. Commercial Building Systems
A commercial property has five main systems that utilities comprise. Those systems are:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Heating
- AC and ventilation
Sprinklers, fire safety systems, and alarms are also grouped within these systems. You might not think about these systems every day, but they are a huge part of commercial property inspections and can be expensive to replace.
During inspections, an inspector will make sure these systems are in order. They will take note of any repairs that are needed and come up with a cost estimate for your accounting records.
2. Property Interior and Exterior
Property inspections in Westminster, CO, will always include a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of the building.
The interior will be assessed for potential safety hazards and local code violations. Commercial property investors must follow local safety codes to ensure the business can run smoothly.
Inspectors will assess the following interior areas:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Residential spaces
- Office spaces
For the exterior portion of a commercial property inspection, an inspector will look at outdoor walls, foundations, and roofs. If you have a parking lot or parking garage, they will check these areas out as well.
An inspector or commercial property owner can seek the help of specialized contractors to identify problems.
For example, if a roofing issue arises, a professional roofing contractor can take a look and come up with a quote for repairs.
3. Documentation and Reporting
When looking at commercial properties in Westminster, CO, don't forget about documentation and reporting. This portion of rental property inspections is just as important as physically looking for problems.
Documentation and reporting involve verifying the building's documents to ensure everything is in order. This may include:
- Building plans
- Certifications
- Construction permits
- Citations
- Appraisals
- Emergency evacuation plans
Once these are thoroughly checked, the inspector will put their findings into a property condition report (PCR). The report will share any relevant findings, photographs, and proof of inspection.
How Can Property Managers Help With Property Inspections?
Commercial property managers are essential to property inspections. A great property manager will help with the process by finding problems before they become major errors and connecting owners with reputable inspectors.
At PMI Mile High, we have years of commercial property management experience in Colorado.
We provide real-time updates to commercial property owners regarding the performance of their investments, including the results of property inspections.
If you want to stay compliant and keep your building in great condition for renters, let us help! Contact us today to get started.
