Rob Claus, Director of Education at CCPIA®, recently joined host Jessica Rapach, co-founder of Twin Legacy Solutions, on an episode of Future Proof Leader, a podcast focused on leadership, business growth, and forward-thinking strategy across industries.
Rob shares his perspective on what it really takes to purchase a commercial property intelligently, from building the right team before you buy to understanding how inspections should evolve to meet today’s commercial buyers’ needs.
Review the key highlights and related resources for inspectors below.
Why Commercial Property Inspections Needed to Evolve
Rob explains how commercial property inspections have historically been shaped by banks and private equity, producing a product that’s more focused on capital expenditures and dollars than on actual building condition, especially for everyday buyers investing in mixed-use, historic, or light commercial properties.
In any case, commercial real estate is a business asset. It may be owner-occupied, or the property itself may serve as an investment asset. However, large portfolios and REITs are not the only participants in the commercial real estate market. This gap helped inspire the founding of CCPIA®.
Building the Right Team
Rob emphasizes that smart commercial real estate purchases start with assembling the right team, including a commercial property inspector, well before an offer is made. Jessica shares her own experience discovering costly surprises after purchasing a historic mixed-use building, underscoring the value of early inspector involvement. As Rob explains:
“ As a commercial property inspector, we have a unique ability to see a building as systems: as a complete package.”
Scope of Work Is a Conversation
Rob describes the commercial property inspection process as fully customizable to the client’s goals, whether that means a report summarizing and highlighting property conditions, cost to remedy and reserve table services, a post-build-out inspection, or other specialized services. He stresses that early, transparent communication with local code officials is critical to avoiding delays and unexpected costs later in a renovation project.
Although a commercial property inspection performed in accordance with the ComSOP includes certain code-related assessment points, it is a different type of inspection. Its purpose is to provide property intelligence that supports decision-making, not code enforcement. The scope conversation establishes the parameters for the property intelligence the client aims to obtain for their decision-making process, whether buying, leasing, or managing a property throughout its life cycle.
Where AI Fits Into Commercial Inspections
Rob discusses how AI tools are helping inspectors save valuable time without replacing their expertise. He explains that AI can reduce a report-writing process that once took days down to just a few hours. But he’s clear on one point: nothing replaces an inspector’s trained eye and professional judgment. AI is a powerful tool that streamlines documentation, but the experience, critical thinking, and decision-making of a skilled commercial property inspector remain irreplaceable.
About the Guest: Rob Claus is the Director of Education and Lead Instructor at the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®). With over 30 years of experience in the inspection industry, he leads both intensive in-person field training and live online courses, hosts interactive monthly virtual roundtables, and the Building Your Business podcast.
About the Host: Jessica Rapach is a Marine Corps veteran and Co-Founder and President of Operations at Twin Legacy Solutions, where she helps organizations grow through AI solutions and strategic business consulting. She hosts Future Proof Leader, a podcast on leadership, business growth, and innovation.