Americans spend most of their time inside buildings. We take for granted the shelter, protection, warmth, coolness, air, and light that buildings provide, and rarely give a thought to the systems that deliver these services unless there’s a power interruption or other problem. In addition, few Americans understand the environmental consequences of maintaining indoor comfort…
Considering the economic environment and its recent effects on commercial real estate, going green is a wise way to cut costs in operating office buildings, retail stores, manufacturing facilities and malls. Tenants and owners may enjoy significant savings in utility costs if they adopt any number of green business practices, and they’ll be helping the…
Commercial property inspectors, especially those who inspect food-handling establishments, can assist their clients in understanding the operation of grease traps so that their maintenance is not neglected. An inoperable or clogged grease trap can cause serious problems not only for the inspected establishment but also for neighbors and even the entire local community. Grease traps…
As a residential property inspector, you may have run your business out of your home for years, using a space or room dedicated to your business activities. Much of your time is spent out in the field, and you may use your home office for writing and generating reports, for conducting marketing duties, and for…
A firestop is a passive fire-protection method designed to diminish the opportunity for fire to spread through unprotected openings in a rated firewall. Such openings are found around the perimeter of pipes and wiring that penetrate firewalls. Places where firestops are required: Firestops must seal all unprotected openings in firewalls. In homes, firewalls are found…
Fire extinguishers are devices commonly found indoors and are used to douse fire and prevent its spread. They are small metal canisters that contain compressed gas (usually nitrogen) that, when activated, propel a directed spray of flame-retardant chemicals. Fire extinguishers are only effective if building occupants understand where and why they are used. Fire Type…
Fire alarm systems are designed to protect people and their property from fire and smoke, but they cannot be relied upon unless they are routinely inspected by professionals. Regular inspection and maintenance also reduce expenses by preventing unbudgeted emergency repairs and costly false alarms. Fire Alarm System Damage Fire alarm systems can be damaged in the…
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…
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…