There are very few constants in construction or inspections, but one basic construction principle is that buildings should be plumb, level, square and straight (PLSS). In inspecting a structure, anything that deviates from this would be considered an issue or defect. Many inspectors are not structural engineers or architects, and a commercial property inspector is…
BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 19, 2022) — CCPIA is now officially a proud Platinum Sponsor of the Exterior Design Institute (EDI). EDI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization for professionals working in building construction and repair, particularly as the work relates to a building’s exterior envelope. The organization offers in-person seminars, webinars, and online courses to…
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Commercial property inspectors can use the following email templates to market their services to commercial real estate agents, brokers, and investors. For help in identifying the big players in your area, please read CCPIA’s article Getting Started as a Commercial Property Inspector: Defining Your Service Area. The following email templates provide a good starting point…
This video series introduces inspecting commercial electrical systems. You can skip to any of the following videos. Video List About This Series Video Electrical Portion of the ComSOP Video Definition and Identification of a Commercial Building Video Basics of Three-Phase and Single-Phase Power Sources Video Electrical Distribution Equipment Video Branch Circuits Video Classified Hazardous Locations…
CCPIA will have a booth and host workshops at InterNACHI’s Professional Inspectors Convention in Southern California over October 20-22, 2022! CCPIA Booth Stop by our booth to meet Director of Education Rob Claus, CMI®, and talk-shop about all thing’s commercial. You will also have a chance to: receive discounted rates on in-person classes; win a…
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 inspectors’ comfort level. In this case, the inspector can exclude the parking structure altogether through the pre-inspection agreement or by bringing a specialty consultant to…
Assessing electrical panels, or panelboards, is only one part of the electrical portion of a commercial property inspection. Inspectors must fully understand the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) to properly and safely inspect electrical panels. As a ground rule, the inspector should verify that a panel, specifically the panel cover and…
Terms You Should Know: Working space: The front clearance, side clearance, and height clearance requirements for electrical equipment that provide a safe area for maintenance, inspections, and other work. Dedicated space: The space equal to the width and depth of electrical equipment in addition to the space extending from the floor to 6 feet above…
Electrical service refers to the conductors, materials, and equipment that transfer power from the utility system to the wiring system that supplies the subject property with electrical power. Commercial buildings should only be supplied by one electrical service. This generally prohibits the installation of more than one set of service conductors in a building. An…
Terms You Should Know Alternating current (AC): A current that periodically reverses direction and magnitude continuously. Direct current (DC): A current that does not reverse direction but maintains the same single steady flow. Single-phase: A circuit energized by a single alternating current. Three-phase/3-phase: A wiring system consisting of four wires and used in industrial and…
Transformers are used to change AC voltage levels. These can be termed as step-up or step-down, depending upon the need to increase or decrease in the voltage level. This is necessary in commercial buildings because the main service voltage is static, and certain distribution systems may require something different. A good example might be the…