Commercial Property Inspection FAQ

Yes, CCPIA grants non-exclusive, royalty-free license to all members of CCPIA and their clients, and all public authorities, government agencies, and government employees throughout the world to use this code as desired, including making copies, posting, transmitting and incorporating it into reporting software, free of charge, without the need for pre-approval, provided that each use is clearly attributed to CCPIA

No, the objective of the walk-through survey is to allow the inspector to visually observe the subject property, gather information, and note items of interest.

It’s up to you. Some inspectors add their commercial services to an existing company, while others prefer to keep it separate. Each approach has pros and cons, which are reviewed in the following article.

Getting Started as a Commercial Inspector: Determining Your Business Structure

NOTE: The main drawback to starting a separate business is its effect on the workload (i.e., financials and website maintenance), start-up costs (branding, marketing material, website, etc.), and internet marketing. The last-mentioned concern is for Google My Business which only allows one business listing under a single address unless the businesses are under unrelated business categories (i.e., inspections and clothing alterations).

It is typically in the inspector’s best interest to carry general liability and E&O insurance. Additionally, many clients will not entertain a proposal without some form of insurance protection.

Some will ask to be listed as an additionally insured on your policy, including your client, seller, property manager, or broker. The What to Do When the Owner of a Commercial Property Asks the Inspector for a Copy of the Inspector’s Certificate of Insurance or Asks to Be Named as an Additional Insured article provides additional information about this situation.

The ComSOP does not require inspection of non-accessible locations or items, including the interior of fireplaces and chimneys.

Inspectors are not required to provide their clients with a copy of the ComSOP. However, it is typically in their best interest if it is mentioned at a minimum in the proposal and inspection agreement. When beginning your business, it is best to consult with local council for further advice and guidance.

No, a specific report writing software is not required to prepare a professional inspection report. Some inspectors choose to create templates in a Word Document or similar format.

No, inspectors are not required to remove any dead front covers. CCPIA recommends that 200 amp service panel dead front covers not be removed unless by a specialty consultant. Note that specific tools or processes may be necessary to remove 200 amp service panel dead front covers.

Yes, visit:

Indoor Air Quality Course for Commercial Property Inspectors

Yes, visit:

Fixed Ladder Safety Course for Commercial Property Inspectors

Yes, visit:

Inspecting Low-Slope Roofs Course for Commercial Property Inspectors

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Commercial Building Structural Evaluation Course

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Commercial Property Inspection Checklists and Field Guides

Yes, visit:

Commercial Property Inspection Checklists and Field Guides

Yes, visit:

Commercial Property Inspection Checklists and Field Guides

Yes, visit:

Commercial Property Inspection Checklists and Field Guides

Yes, visit:

Commercial Property Inspection Checklists and Field Guides

Yes, visit:

Commercial Property Inspection Checklists and Field Guides

The status of the water service does not prevent the inspector from assessing the plumbing system. The inspection can be performed as long as you can follow the system’s distribution. However, the inspector should comment in the inspection report on any limitations, such as a turned-off water system and what could and could not be assessed.

The easiest way to determine if the building is constructed of a wood frame or masonry is to look at the profile of the building at the exterior wall’s window or door frame. A wide profile increases the chances of it being masonry. Additionally, inspectors may choose to look at unfinished areas. Note that older solid masonry buildings can have four to six horizontal bricks and then a rotating soldier row connecting the rows.

View the Resources for Pricing Commercial Property Inspections page for online calculators, articles, videos, and worksheets to help you price a job and set procedures for your business.

You will be automatically listed once the membership requirements are met. Learn more here:

Become a Certified Commercial Property Inspector

Visit Become a Certified Commercial Property Inspector to get started. The introductory coursework will teach you everything you need to know to get started.

The first step is informing others that you offer commercial property inspection services. Residential inspectors or those in related fields should tell their existing client base of their new commercial inspection offerings. Next, create an online presence and make sure you have a listing in CCPIA’s directory. CCPIA recommends FastSite4U for affordable website services.

In many cases, each building will be materially different. Inspectors will likely need to provide a separate report for each building to convey findings to the client best. The following article provides additional information:

https://ccpia.org/how-to-organize-a-multi-family-inspection-report/

It depends on your client’s needs. Read the following article to learn about the two main approaches:

How to Organize a Multi-Family Inspection Report

Fire extinguishers should have an expiration date and service tag affixed to them. This tag usually indicates the inspection schedule. For more information about inspecting fire extinguishers, visit Fire Instinguisher Maintenance and Inspection

Members are permitted up to three locations. Visit the Directory Listing Info tab on your Account Dashboard to update your listing’s information and location.

No, not all buildings will have an attic. While under roof spaces should have access there are certain building that have a space that is so limited it is not accessible. These are very common under flat or low sloped roofs.

Yes, it is available to members for free. Visit Commercial Property Inspection Proposal Template.