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…
There is practically an unlimited amount of money available to those who wish to borrow it. There is so much money, in fact, that you can literally buy commercial property worth millions of dollars without having to use any of your own money. It doesn’t matter if you don’t come from wealth, and many multi-millionaire…
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…