Saturday 27 October 2012

Inspecting Commercial Buildings

By Roger Frost


The PCA ASTM E2018 is the professional commercial property inspectors guide used as a baseline for all commercial and industrial inspections. This guide also recognizes that there are varying levels of property condition assessment and due diligence that can be exercised that are both more and less comprehensive than this guide, and that may be appropriate to meet the objectives of the user.

Every inspection is different and there are different goals that potential buyers may be concerned about. Determining the scope of the commercial or industrial inspection is the first step in setting out the requirements and goals of the inspection.

Inspecting the exterior and roofs of large commercial buildings using infrared technology can save potential buyers huge financial costs if hidden deficiencies are found. Thermal scans can find hidden roof leaks and air pocket which could indicated roof failure and require roof core samples to be taken to fully understand condition of roofing material.

I:16:T If an existing building is going to be used for another use then there is usually some associated costs incurred in the Change of Use. Knowing the Ontario Building Code can help prepare your client for the future cost and work required. Although the city or municipality will require plans and drawings prior to issuing an occupancy permit, it is wise to educate the buyer to the potential changes that may be required.

As part of most Commercial and Industrial inspections, Life Safety equipment is tested and inspected. Deficiencies are duly noted with absence of equipment being included in report. The requirements of this equipment are fully detailed in the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code.

Large buildings have many systems that are designed to protect occupants and structure of building. Fire Doors, fire separations, fire walls, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, smoke and heat activated detectors are all requirements of large buildings. Repairs to these systems can be very expensive and testing and assessing them is an integral part of the Commercial and Industrial inspection.




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