Zoning ordinances are restrictions on land use set by local governments. These may be use-based or they may regulate lot coverage, building height, or a variety of other characteristics. Inspectors can better serve their clients by learning how zoning laws affect construction in the areas in which they operate, although offering advice regarding zoning or…
Business owners can employ a number of methods to “green up” their indoor environments to make the interior more comfortable and to lower heating and cooling costs. One method is installing window film. Window film is represented in three general categories. Most familiar to consumers is the tinted cellophane-type material that can be applied temporarily…
Steel siding includes a variety of building cladding made from steel, which is an alloy of iron that contains a small amount of carbon. Long preferred as a siding material for industrial and commercial buildings because of its durability and lack of required maintenance, steel’s plain appearance has historically made it an unpopular choice for…
Scaffolds are temporary, elevated platforms with supporting structures that are used to support workers and their materials at construction sites. As defective scaffolds put workers at great risk, these structures should be inspected before each work shift, as well as after any event that may have caused damage. Facts and Figures According to a national study: 65%…
Rusting describes the process of the corrosion of iron and its alloy, steel. CCPIA inspectors and commercial property owners should understand how rust forms and how to prevent it. Rust is more than a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious structural deterioration. Rust Formation Rusting is a common form of corrosion – an electrochemical…
Rubber flooring is flooring made from either natural tree rubber or recycled rubber from vehicle tires. It is long-touted for its slip-resistant qualities and durability in gyms, hospitals, factories, and other commercial buildings and establishments. CCPIA inspectors who perform commercial inspections are likely to encounter rubber flooring at a diversity of venues, so knowing how to inspect…
A reserve study is a budget-planning tool, arranged by a homeowners association, which is designed to explore the capacity of member contributions to pay for the maintenance of elements that are shared among association members. Reserve studies consist of two distinct analyses, which proceed in the following order: Physical Analysis: During this on-site inspection, a commercial…
Birds are graceful creatures and essential to our eco-system, but when they enter human living and working spaces, they can become pests. Commercial properties, in particular,are vulnerable to the problems associated with pest birds, their nests and their droppings. Facts and Figures An apprentice elevator mechanic obtained a $2.7 million settlement from a property owner after bird droppings caused…
For any kind of a commercial investment, such as a condo filled with renters and owner-occupants, or a light-industrial complex filled with small businesses, tenants, as well as owners, have a mutual responsibility to ensure a safe environment that promotes both peace of mind and business as usual. Here are some tips that you can…
Who’s doing commercial inspections now? A huge, largely untouched commercial inspection market exists which is completely separate from the residential inspection market! Just Google “commercial building inspections,” and what you’ll find is a small number of inspection companies across North America who perform commercial inspections in addition to residential inspection. Look through their sites, and you’ll…
Don’t sign on the dotted line for your commercial rental space before reviewing your lease carefully, preferably with the assistance of an attorney and a commercial property broker. In addition to the type of lease, the rent amount and the length of occupancy, some considerations and terms you encounter in your commercial lease may include…
The slip resistance of floors and pavements is the measure of the ability of a surface to prevent accidental slipping by pedestrians in dry or wet conditions. CCPIA inspectors, especially those who perform commercial inspections on a regular basis, can benefit from learning about the details of slip resistance, especially when the lack of it presents a serious safety hazard. Slip…