19+ Sample Building Inspection Checklist

What Is a Building Inspection Checklist?

A Building inspection is carried out by a building inspector and is usually qualified in one or more fields, allowing them to make a professional judgment about whether a structure complies with the building code standards. A building inspector can be qualified as a residential or commercial building inspector, as well as a number of other specialty-focused inspectors that assess the state of a building at different stages of completion. Inspectors may also be able to put a stop to the building until the inspection is finished and authorized.

Inspection Issues That Are Frequently Encountered

An inspection report may highlight cosmetic problems and simple fixes, such as broken window glass. These little details, on the other hand, seldom cause a transaction to fall apart. A buyer’s decision to back out or seek a discount on the contract price is typically based on the cost of the difficulties, which are often disguised. Some of the most frequent items that fail a home Inspection are listed below.

In a bad state of repair: While visual concerns like peeling paint and broken caulk aren’t huge issues in and of themselves, a slew of minor faults might be a deal-breaker for some buyers. Having a lot of issues might indicate to an inspector and a buyer that the building hasn’t been well taken care of. A fresh coat of paint on the inside and outside of a house can make a big difference in its appearance. Also, replace or repair any damaged light fixtures or appliances.Roofing that has deteriorated: Roofs made of asphalt shingles can endure anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Don’t be shocked if yours appears in the inspection report if it’s reaching the end of its useful life. Brittle, curled, or damaged shingles, as well as any loose flashing or leaking places, will be noted by inspectors. A roof that has been neglected for a long time might be pricey to replace. Make careful to repair any shingles or flashing that have been damaged. Re-caulk any locations where the roof’s ventilation pipes protrude.Drainage problems: Surface grading around a house can wreak havoc on drainage and cause foundation problems. Improper grading can result in leaky basements, which can lead to mildew and other issues. It can also cause foundations to move due to porous soil. To avoid this, grade the land with dirt and create a 10-foot long slope around the house. The ground should slope down one inch for every foot you walk away from the house. Rainwater should be directed away from the foundation by gutters and downspouts, which should be repaired or added.Foundational defects: Foundation difficulties are one of the most expensive concerns to repair, costing thousands of dollars in certain situations. Doors and windows that stick, cracks in the walls above doorways, sloping floors, and L-shaped or horizontal fissures in the exposed sections of the external foundation are all signs of foundation problems. If you know your property has significant foundation problems, it’s probably preferable to address them before selling it, as few purchasers want to deal with the trouble of foundation repair. Fill any cracks in your foundation with epoxy or silicone caulk for simple foundation repairs. Apply a waterproof coating to the external base. Adjust the doors and windows to ensure that they all open and close smoothly.Issues with the plumbing: Damaged pipes, broken water heaters, and backed-up sewage systems are all typical reasons for a home inspection failing. Some types of plumbing pipes, such as those constructed of polybutylene, have been phased out and are prone to collapse in older residences. These mismatched plumbing items will be reported by home inspectors. Consider replacing your plumbing with contemporary pipe, as it is one of the most commonly utilized systems in the structure. Repair any obvious leaks as soon as possible. Drains must be unclogged and cleaned. It may also assist in the reseat of any toilets and the installation of new wax rings.Infestations of pests: An infestation of bugs, particularly termites, can drive some purchasers to flee. If left untreated, termites and other wood-eating insects can cause substantial structural damage. Although a home inspector is equipped to see termite symptoms, your buyer may wish to have a second termite inspection performed by a pest management firm for added peace of mind. Before a home inspection, get a professional pest control firm to check and address your house. If termites are discovered, you must notify the authorities. To protect the purchase from future infestations, remediate the termites and acquire a termite bond.Mold that isn’t visible: Mold discovered during an inspection may spell and smell disaster. Mold infestations may be expensive to clean up. However, if you don’t notice any musty scents in your house, you generally don’t need to be concerned. Excessive moisture causes mold, which is typically an indication of a leak or drainage problem. Repair any apparent leaks or gutters that aren’t working properly. Check to see if the ground surrounding the house has been appropriately graded. Maintain a comfortable amount of humidity in your home. Even if your house is vacant, you may need to operate the air conditioner in the summer.Heating systems not working properly: Buyers may be turned off by a near-death furnace owing to the high expense of replacement. Other concerns include broken controls, clogged chimneys, defective heat exchangers, and out-of-code exhaust flues. Having your furnace examined once a year might help it last longer. If that isn’t an option, try replacing your furnace to deter potential buyers from wandering away.Wiring for electricity: Electrical wiring issues, such as reverse polarity, missing junction boxes, and broken receptacles, are frequently seen by home inspectors. Aluminum wiring in homes built between the early 1960’s and early 1970’s is an issue that home inspectors may notice. Any defective outlets and junction boxes should be inspected and upgraded by a professional electrician. Make sure your breaker box is also properly labeled.Damage to the structure: Sagging floor joists, rafters, and door headers are common structural problems in older homes. Many home inspectors will advise purchasers to get the house evaluated by an engineer if there is any doubt about whether a structural issue is serious or small. Structural repairs are among the most expensive and might deter potential purchasers. If your house displays symptoms of structural difficulties, engage a structural engineer to determine the scope of the issues and the cost of repairs.

How to Write a Building Inspection Checklist

Smaller companies can operate out of single rooms or start-up cafés, while bigger enterprises usually take up whole buildings, if not multiple buildings. Even small businesses function from locations that must be monitored by someone else. It’s important for these businesses that the building they are in is in good working order. Knowing how to create a building inspection Checklist is an essential part of any facility or property manager’s documents. We’ve already gone over some general guidelines for creating successful checklists, but this blog post dives even deeper into building-specific recommendations.

Step 1: Common Corridors

All types of corridors, including aisles, halls, corridors, and stairwells, should be clear of anything that might block individuals from departing a place. If a violation occurs, the next step is to relocate the furniture to a more appropriate location. If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for it. For sprinkler heads to work correctly, no storage or other things should be put within 24 inches of the ceiling and 18 inches of the sprinkler head.

Step 2: Check the Exits

This should be obvious to everyone: exit areas should always be cleared out so that people may escape the scene in the event of an incident or accident. As a result, ensure sure nothing is blocking the exit paths. This includes the exit lights; make sure they are visible and functional. Keep an eye out for any fire doors that should be closed. Typically, fire doors lead to a stairwell. They should not be propped open since this might result in serious repercussions if the structure catches fire.

Step 3: Office rooms

All sections of the facility, including office spaces, should be maintained clean and organized. It’s also critical to keep power and data cords clutter-free. At any given moment, there should not be too many seats or individuals in a single working area. Conduct Workplace Inspection checklists to make sure of the spacing of offices. The maximum number of persons in a place is determined by the number of exit doors available. If there are too many chairs in a room, it may be difficult to get out in an emergency. It is extremely important to assess the capacity of each building and office space.

Step 4: Open Flames

Have clear instructions on whether candles and other open flame products or devices are permitted in the building, as well as the conditions that must be met if they are used. Extinguishers must be readily available, and the position of the extinguishers must be clearly marked. They must be examined on a regular and annual basis.

Step 5: Electrical or Mechanical Rooms

Electrical and mechanical rooms, as their names suggest, are designed to serve a specific purpose. They are not additional storage space, therefore no chairs, tables, or other furniture should be stored there. Make sure the cords aren’t tripping hazards and aren’t readily destroyed. This includes not connecting wires together or allowing any electrical work done with the cords that isn’t professional. All sockets should work properly and have a cover plate. A space of 36 inches is recommended around all electrical panel boxes.
Things a Building Inspector Will Check

Purchasing Commercial Lease agreements property is not just costly; it also needs a great lot of thought and study before making a choice. Property condition assessments are commonly ordered by investors, insurance lenders, portfolio lenders, and commercial mortgage-backed security lenders to learn more about a property or before entering into a purchase deal. During a commercial inspection, a commercial inspector will look for four items.

Major Systems of the Building: Electrical, mechanical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning/ventilation are the five primary systems found in commercial buildings. Inspectors will inspect these systems to ensure that they are in excellent functioning order. If a system isn’t working properly, the inspector will include a cost estimate in his or her report. During the inspection, the Fire Investigation safety systems, building alarms, and sprinkler systems will be examined.The Building’s Exterior: The exterior of a building contains more than simply its walls; it also includes parking lots or structures, landscaping, and roofing. The inspector will assess if the structure of the building is sound and will highlight any required repairs. To completely evaluate the external health of a structure, inspectors may rely on the expertise of roofing specialists, construction contractors, or building code inspectors. An inspector will assess if a structure is structurally sound.The Building’s Interior: This section of the inspection has two goals: to ensure that interior areas comply with local building regulations and to look for safety risks and hazards. The inspector will look at the walls, flooring, restrooms, offices, Kitchens, and other sections of the building. This section of the examination will reveal whether or not internal modifications are required especially if anything within the building is not up to code. Documentation for the Structure: During the inspection process, commercial building inspectors examine a variety of papers. Appraisals, building plans, citations, certificates of occupancy, construction permits, evacuation plans, environmental studies, fire safety system records, floor plans, maintenance records, and surveys are some of the documents they may go through. These documents will disclose the real cost of ownership and assist the investor in determining the property’s worth.

FAQs

Who performs a commercial building inspection?

When it comes to engaging a commercial building inspector, asset managers have numerous alternatives. Hiring an engineer or architect is the first choice. These workers come from a variety of professions, including construction sites, facilities management, maintenance, and other related fields. Engineers and architects, on the other hand, may demand more rates for their skills and specific knowledge. A commercial building inspector is a second alternative. Many businesses provide both home and commercial inspections but proceed with caution. A commercial inspection is not the same as a home inspection. It’s a good idea to select a firm that specializes in commercial property inspection and knows that commercial properties are a corporate asset, a business cost, and a source of income.

Why use a building inspection checklist digital template?

A mobile data collection and workflow automation technology simplifies the building inspection form by utilizing tools that all inspectors already have in their pockets, allowing them to work more effectively and reducing the risk of data loss. Everything can be done on the inspector’s ordinary smartphone, from adding checklist items to adding comments and photographs. On the job site, paper inspection sheets might be inconvenient. Furthermore, all of the data gathered may be readily converted into formal reports that can be shared with building owners, clients, or other interested parties.

What is the purpose of inspection in buildings?

The objective of a building inspection is to ensure that the building complies with the established codes’ minimal safety criteria. The Building Inspector will evaluate all work completed, compare it to authorized plans or building codes if applicable, and provide an inspection report if everything is in order.

An inspector’s findings will be included in the final property condition report. The report will contain written documentation of observations as well as photos for clarity. The inspector’s recommendations for corrective action or expert follow-up testing will be included in the report. A cost estimate for repairs and future replacements will be supplied in most cases. Make sure to remain updated on the state of your apartment building and conduct self-inspections with a checklist to ensure no other detail is overlooked or forgotten.