How To Pass A Building Inspection For Your Business

Few brands would want to be left out of the quest for perfection. And the nature of your business building speaks volumes about your brand integrity. Failing to pass your building inspection could hamper project timelines and increase operational costs. It’s also worth noting that building inspectors often look out for the smallest flaws hidden beneath the radar. However, following the best building practices from the outset will easily impress your inspector and avoid unnecessary delays. Below are five salient tips for passing the building inspection for your business.

1. Understand your building’s crucial systems

 Every commercial property has five main systems that usually determine the outcome of inspection tests: electrical components, plumbing supply, air condition and ventilation systems, mechanical gear, and heating equipment. The design of these critical components must align with the current industry standards. Apart from ensuring the highest quality rating for these systems, you will also want to install the best fire safety equipment, building alarms, and sprinklers. This is because inspectors also examine these in great detail.

2. Do not ignore your building’s interior and exterior look

Cutting corners to complete your building without adding value to your interior/ exterior environment could be a regrettable mistake. Inspectors normally take quite a while to look at your building’s outer appeal. Your landscaping, parking lot, roofing, and so on are vital things to consider giving a facelift. The exterior inspection is sometimes done to verify whether your commercial building can be trusted structurally. Therefore, you should take the right steps to upgrade your building’s outdoor area. For instance, you can invest in new commercial doors, get a new paint job, and the like. If some exterior renovation is necessary, your inspector will be willing to help you estimate the costs depending on the complexity of your business property. Your interior should also be in top shape to pass your building inspection. For instance, you can repaint the entire area if necessary. 

3. Meet green building codes

Sustainability has become a huge part of the commercial sector. Indeed, smart companies ensure their building supports their energy efficiency. In places like New York City, state measures are being implemented to fast-track the migration to clean energy. According to these plans, before 2030, greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced by 5%. Meeting green building codes could effectively get approval for your building worthiness test, so keep this in mind. For the most part, commercial building inspection requires an expert team of professionals with up-to-date knowledge of building codes and various accessories. A typical inspector may take about 4 to 6 hours to finish their assessment exercise.  Getting an expert who is well-informed about the requirements for setting up an eco-friendly real estate business is essential.

4. Getting a firm foundation and footing can make a vast difference

Pay attention to your foundation and footing if you’re building your office from scratch. Before casting the first concrete, ensure you pass your footing inspection. Here, your inspector will likely monitor the nature of the soil around the building site. Ensure you get reinforced rods and other materials that guarantee a firm base. Once your foundation is set up, your inspector will test it to ensure it’s well-coated to meet the building codes. Your anchor bolts for the upper plate and the framing should all be in good condition. When the property is erected, and everything is in order, your inspector will make a return trip to ascertain whether the entire project complies with local regulations.

5. Have the right documents for the building

Examination of building documentation forms a major part of commercial building inspection. Your inspector will review most of your documents during the project. They may check for things like your building plan, maintenance history, evacuation plans, appraisals, and certificate of occupancy. The profile of these documents will help estimate the actual costs of keeping the property. Investors will also have a fair idea of the value of the building.

Finally, your inspector will compile their investigation in a PCR (property report condition). This should map out the details of the observation with photos included for extra clarity. You can also request a follow-up test and recommendations from your inspector on how you can correct certain issues identified during the assessment. You will often get a cost estimate for possible repairs and replacements.

Passing your office building inspection is crucial in operating your business without legal run-ins and interference. Hopefully, you’ll consider these tips for the best results. 

How To Pass A Building Inspection For Your Business