EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane with elastic properties commonly used to cover low-slope roofs on both residential homes and commercial structures. Its manufacture includes the use of cross-linked polymers to improve elasticity, strength, and durability.Polymers are custom-designed molecules. Cross-linked molecules are those that bond at the atomic level, which greatly increases…
Dust is a general name for solid, airborne particles. While most types of dust are relatively harmless, they can sometimes cause sickness or even fuel a fire. Large dust particles are typically swallowed or coughed up before they reach the lungs, but they can irritate the nose and the tubes that lead to the lungs, potentially causing…
Dry cleaning is a method by which clothes and fabrics are cleaned with liquid solvent rather than water. Although this method offers certain advantages over standard “wet” cleaning, commercial dry cleaning shops require chemicals and equipment that present unique safety challenges to commercial property inspectors, as well as the employees, customers and nearby residents of…
A deep fryer, also known as a deep-fat fryer (or frier), is a kitchen appliance used for deep frying. While commonly used in commercial kitchens, smaller household models are now available. Deep frying is the practice of cooking food in vegetable oil or fat that has a high thermal conductivity and allows the food to be cooked rapidly. Some types…
No one person has all the technical knowledge to perform every commercial inspection single-handedly. Many commercial inspection projects simply demand that a number of experts and specialists be contracted to help complete the inspection project. The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties defines “consultant” as: “a person with particular expertise in a subject…
Commercial property inspectors, as well as investors who have recently acquired or are building a commercial property, should know about the advantages of having a cost segregation study (or CSS) performed for their own businesses and for others. This IRS-sanctioned program, based on the Investment Tax Credit, could mean a savings of more than 20% on…
Water towers are large, elevated water storage containers designed to hold a water supply at a height sufficient to pressurize a water distribution system. How They Work The height of the tower provides the hydrostatic pressure for the water supply system. The volume of the reservoir and the diameter of the piping regulate water pressure…
If your inspection business has outgrown your home office, consider leasing or purchasing commercial property. In addition to determining your new office’s size and location, and the budget you’ll need for monthly costs, you should familiarize yourself with some basic terms of the transaction. Always consult with a trusted commercial property broker and an attorney…
So, you’ve moved your business from your home into a retail or commercial space, but now you’re stuck paying rent. Frustrating as it may seem, it may be in your best interests to continue paying for the right to use someone else’s space and let them deal with the headaches involved in ownership. Or, maybe the…
Once you’ve made the decision to move your home office into a commercial space (and have already secured a location – see our other article on Renting Versus Buying), you’ll need to make a to-do and to-buy list in order to make your new office functional, with little lost time for productivity. It will take two…
Commercial and residential inspectors know that facing potential dangers in the course of their inspections is an inherent risk of the job. In addition to wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and arming themselves with the proper tools and safety devices, inspectors must also maintain awareness of their exposure to various materials within the…
What is a building permit? A building permit is a permit required for new construction or renovations to existing structures. Local municipalities issue building permits for work that could affect the public’s health or safety, if improperly performed. How is a building permit obtained? In order to obtain a building permit, certain information must be…