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| What is a commercial building inspection?
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A commercial inspection, or property condition assessment (PCA), is outlined by the ASTM E2018 standards which include a visual examination of the physical structure and major systems of the building such as the roof, foundation, and mechanical systems.
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| What does a property condition assessment include?
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A PCA includes the scope of the inspection which will provide the purpose of the inspection and a description of materials that are tenant owned, as well as a list of items and equipment that are outside the scope of the inspection. A general description of the condition of the building as well as the apparent level of preventative maintenance that has been previously exercised will be provided. Any significant deferred maintenance is noted along with a schedule of material or physical deficiencies and an aggregate sum of opinion of cost to cure the problems along with the average amount of time in years any item is estimated to continue functioning, assuming routine maintenance is practiced. Also included are the components that require further study or investigation.
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| Why do I need a property condition assessment?
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Buying a building could be one of the largest investments you or your company will make. A commercial inspection may identify the need for major repairs, as well as the need for maintenance. A commercial inspection greatly reduces the risk of exposure, and it can benchmark the property's condition for triple net buyers. It can provide future maintenance expenses as well as information for future budgets. A commercial inspection can also aid companies or individuals when they are acquiring companies and property assets by offering due diligent information.
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| What will it cost?
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The inspection fee for a typical building varies geographically, as does the cost for a building. The inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as size of the building, its age, type of building (office, warehouse, school), number of mechanicals, and possible optional services such as, radon testing, environmental testing, hoist, and any other property or equipment that might be present at the time of the assessment.
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| How do I find a commercial inspector?
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You might ask business acquaintances to recommend an inspector they have used, or commercial real estate agents and brokers who are familiar with property condition assessments may be able to provide you with a list of names. Also for a list of certified inspectors you can visit CIA's website and click on "Find and Inspector" or call 866-434-9779 for a list to be faxed or emailed directly to you. Whatever your referral source, you can be assured of your commercial inspector's commitment to professional standards and business ethics by choosing one who has membership with CIA.
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| What is CIA?
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The Commercial Inspectors Association of America (CIA) was established as an association to promote and develop certified and licensed commercial inspectors in the professional commercial inspection industry. CIA Inspectors must meet strict membership requirements and are held to the highest Standards of Practice in the property condition assessment industry. CIA inspectors continue to build their knowledge each year by attending educational property condition assessment events.
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| Who belongs to CIA?
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CIA is an organization of independent professional property assessment inspectors, environmental assessors, and energy efficiency assessors who are required to make a commitment from the day they join as a CIA associate. They agree to perform inspections to ASTM standards, and to practice CIA's Code of Ethics which prohibits engaging in conflict of interest activities that might compromise their objectiveness. CIA associates can obtain a brown belt which signifies their commitment to being trained and educated in inspecting properties and reporting on their conditions. A green belt signifies their commitment to being trained and educated in environmental and carbon footprint disciplines and reporting on their conditions. A yellow belt signifies their commitment to being trained in energy efficiency assessments using the guidelines of Energy Star and reporting by recommending efficiency guidelines. A black belt signifies that an assessor is committed to being trained and educated in all three disciplines and is able to provide a complete package building assessment and provide recommendations and guidelines for that building's efficiency. Within all three disciplines, (property condition, environmental, energy assessment), the associate will work their way up to CIA certification. That certification will culminate by a written technical exam in one of the three disciplines and will also require a minimum number of professional fee paid inspections conducted in accordance with ASTM standards and CIA's Code of Ethics. It is also mandatory that all membership personnel stay current with the latest technology, materials and professional skill sets. CIA requires that each member in the discipline he or she is certified in take a minimum number of continuing education course requirements per year.
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| What if the report reveals problems?
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The maintenance and the property's age may help to identify or cause the property to have declining conditions. Because a property has declining conditions should not discourage the purchase or of that property. Consideration should be given to the purchase price in relation to those maintenance or repair items that are identified in the property condition report. When considering budgets, property purchases, or leases, this information will be important. If major problems are discovered, the sellers of the property may agree to make the repairs.
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| If the property appears to be in good condition, do I really need an inspection? | Whether buying individually or through a corporation all purchasers buy properties with "Buyer's Eyes." It is important to find a third-party to help assess the property. The property assessment will be provided in a written report that will provide you, the client, with the confidence to continue with your purchase.
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