The process required to complete a Houston commercial property inspection is quite different from a standard home inspection. Rather than looking at the various features and amenities available in the home and assessing their current condition, commercial inspectors look for items that are likely to require repair or replacement within the next five years. This focused approach allows a commercial property inspection to make a financial assessment of the property and its likely utility for businesses in the real estate marketplace.
Services Included in a Commercial Inspection
A commercial inspection generally covers five basic systems:
- HVAC equipment
- Electrical wiring and power supplies
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Structural components, including the foundation and load-bearing elements of commercial buildings
Unlike the Houston residential property inspection process, the commercial inspection does not include assessments of cosmetic items or performance issues. Instead, it focuses primarily on the useful life remaining for the primary systems and the cost of any needed repairs.
Estimating the Life Expectancy of Key Systems
Commercial inspectors use industry-accepted standards to assess the remaining useful life of HVAC systems, roofs, structural elements of the building, plumbing and electrical wiring. While a great deal depends on the quality of the system, there are a few rules of thumb that can provide some guidance:
- The structure of the building is expected to last for at least 70 years.
- Plumbing systems have a useful life of 40 to 60 years.
- Electrical systems and wiring should be upgraded after a maximum of 50 years in service.
- Commercial HVAC systems are designed to last at least 15 years.
- Roofs generally last between 10 and 15 years.
Commercial inspection services typically examine the current condition of these systems as well as their age to determine their remaining usefulness. This can provide added help for businesses in selecting the right properties for their needs or as an investment.
Value-Added Services
Some commercial inspection firms also provide Houston mold inspection services to ensure a healthy environment for employees and tenants. Infrared inspection services are also useful to identify the source of water leaks and to pinpoint electrical shorts in commercial buildings. These advanced inspection techniques can also provide added information about under-insulated areas of these buildings. Energy audits are also useful for office buildings and other commercial properties.
Able Inspections and Infrared Services offers comprehensive Houston commercial property inspection services tailored to suit the requirements of modern businesses. We work with you to determine the intended use of these properties and to help you decide whether a particular building is right for your needs. Contact us today at 713-465-0000 to schedule an inspection or to discuss your situation with one of our expert inspectors. At Able Inspections and Infrared Services, we are here to serve all your commercial and residential inspection needs.
