An outbuilding is a detached, accessory structure located on the same parcel as a main building. It provides supplemental space for storage, services, or operations and is not intended for…
During commercial property inspections, retaining walls are often found at parking lots, along property boundaries, and where changes in site elevation create access to lower levels. Some walls serve only…
Commercial property inspectors who follow the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties, known as the ComSOP, know that it emphasizes several critical elements that must be identified during…
Looking for a Balcony Inspector in Florida? Find a CCPIA® Certified Inspector Near You. Ensuring the safety and longevity of balconies is a critical concern for property owners in Florida.…
A balcony can play a key role in many commercial properties. As a terrace, a balcony can be an extension of the living space that goes beyond the building into…
The inspection of exterior doors falls under two different sections of the ComSOP: 6.5.2 Exterior and 6.5.11 Doors, Windows, and Interiors. When inspecting exterior doors, an inspector should look at:…
Fenestration refers to the arrangement of windows and doors on the exterior of a building, including any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall, or skylight unit. Fenestration can include any…
There are various types of parking areas at commercial properties, ranging from multi-story parking structures to gravel parking pads. Multi-story parking garages can be complex and contain systems beyond most…
Section 6.5.2 of the ComSOP titled Exteriors states that the inspector should inspect the stormwater drainage system, general topography, and parking area. To complete this part of the inspection, the…
Concrete masonry blocks with an architectural or rough stone surface are called split-face blocks. The face of these blocks has an irregular, rough texture, as if the surface of the…
Exterior lighting has various purposes. It can be an accent feature in landscaping and pathways, a safety feature around exit doors, and a security feature at the building’s exterior and…
Concrete tilt-up panels have become a common method of construction across North America. Tilt-up concrete buildings are commonly used as warehouses, strip malls, and light industrial facilities. The engineered concrete…