So you’re looking to purchase or lease commercial property in Riverside County? Having a thorough Commercial Property Inspection in Riverside County performed should be one of the most important steps you take before signing on the dotted line.
I’ve worked with commercial real estate in Riverside County for over 15 years, so I’ve seen my fair share of inspection reports. In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through a basic overview of what to expect from the commercial property inspection process. We’ll cover key things the inspector will be looking for, why they matter, and how issues uncovered during the inspection might impact your buying or leasing decision or negotiations with the seller/landlord.
What is a Commercial Property Inspection?
First, let’s quickly define what a commercial property inspection in Riverside County actually entails.
An inspection is a detailed visual examination of the physical condition of the building and property. This includes things like:
- Structural integrity
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
- Potential safety hazards or code violations
- Overall wear and tear and maintenance issues
A thorough inspection will include the roof, foundation, parking lots, landscaping, and more. The goal is to uncover any issues or needs for immediate repairs, or problems that may arise in the future.
Knowing the true physical condition of the building based on an impartial inspection is crucial for making an informed leasing or purchasing decision. It can also help you negotiate price or contract terms if issues are found.
Inspector qualifications also matter when it comes to commercial property. You want someone experienced with commercial real estate specifically, not just residential homes.
Why are Commercial Property Inspections Important in Riverside County?
Commercial building purchases and long-term leases represent major, complex financial transactions with direct impacts on your business or investment operations for years to come. As such, having an inspection performed on the Riverside County property under consideration is absolutely essential, for several reasons:
1. Older Building Stock – Unlike some metro areas, much of the available commercial space in Riverside County cities consists of older, existing buildings rather than new construction. While charming, older structures have had longer exposure to wear and tear from the hot, dry Inland Empire climate. Thorough inspections help ascertain actual building conditions and uncover any latent deficiencies.
2. Upgrading for Modern Commercial Use – Repurposing existing buildings also often requires upgrades to accommodate contemporary business activities, such as installing adequate electric vehicle charging capabilities in parking areas. Identifying necessary improvements is vital for budgeting time and resources appropriately around move-in dates.
3. Meeting Local Regulations – Business use buildings must meet commercial property standards and ordinances for individual Riverside County cities which govern essentials like fire safety, materials handling processes, ADA accessibility, and emissions control. Local zoning rules also dictate permitted property uses.
Not confirming regulatory alignment early on could derail closing timelines and require reworking major aspects of buildings you thought were turnkey ready.
What Commercial Building Elements Do Property Inspectors Examine?
Commercial property inspectors cast a wide net in their examinations. Let’s review some examples of key structural components and building systems they will assess.
Structural Integrity
- Foundation – Inspectors check for cracks or evidence of sinking that might indicate footing issues. This is especially important in earthquake prone Southern California.
- Walls/Framing – They probe for areas of compromised structural integrity, rotting wood, water intrusion, etc. Special attention goes to load-bearing walls critical to supporting roofing structures.
- Roofing – This includes a visual inspection of membranes, coverings, flashings, drainage components, and penetration seals. Infrared cameras can detect subsurface moisture. Roof access via lift is sometimes required.
- Building Envelope – Windows, doors, seals and exterior finish materials are all checked for weatherproofing, with an eye out for decay or leakage risk factors.
Core Mechanical Systems
- Electrical – From service panels and meter equipment to interior lighting, wiring, plug circuits and backup power, inspectors verify the electrical system can safely handle usage needs. They determine overall system age and if upgrades like rewiring might be recommended.
- HVAC – The capacity, age and energetic efficiency of existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment is assessed. This includes air handling ductwork, thermostats, vents, refrigerant lines and roof condensers.
- Plumbing – Commercial water supply lines, drainage and sewer connections, toilets, fixtures, water heaters, backflow valves and sprinklers will be checked for leaks, corrosion, clogs and adequate water pressure.
Fire & Life Safety Gear
- Alarms – Locations of smoke, fire and security alarms along with control panels are noted. Testing procedures determine operational status and functioning backup batteries.
- Emergency Lighting – Exit signs and emergency lights are confirmed present in all necessary commercial corridors and gathering areas per safety codes. Operability is tested.
- Fire Suppression – Sprinkler equipment, fire extinguishers, and emergency shut off valves for fuel sources have current inspection tags and are tested for functioning capacity if due.
Let’s now walk through what happens after the inspector completes their site examination.
Final Considerations Around Inspections
As we wrap up this overview guide on commercial property inspections, I want to share a few closing tips to help plan your process.
- Involve inspectors as early as possible once a shortlist of property contenders emerges. This builds ample time for thorough site examinations and dealing with findings.
- Confirm inspectors carry errors and omissions insurance covering professional liability if something is missed. Also verify any certifications held if relevant for assessing aspects like energy efficiency.
- Accompany inspectors during site visits to see issues firsthand, ask questions, and hear details that might not make written reports.
- Compare findings against any seller disclosures on building condition. This can identify potential areas of discrepancy for further clarification.
- Weigh risks smartly if deficiencies appear fixable or existing incentives offset costs, but walk away if red flags seem insurmountable or undermine intended property usages.
- Keep the end business goal in perspective throughout the process which these real estate deals aim to facilitate.
I sincerely hope this overview gives you added confidence to navigate the commercial property inspection process in Riverside County. Please reach out if my years of experience might lend any further assistance with your acquisition!
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