A commercial inspection is a non-intrusive visual observation to survey the readily accessible, easily visible material components and equipment of the building. The inspection is designed to identify material physical deficiencies in the building’s components, systems and equipment as they exist at the time of the inspection.

The term material physical deficiencies means the presence of conspicuous patent defects or material, deferred maintenance of the building’s material system, components, or building equipment as observed during the inspection. The definition specifically excludes deficiencies that may be remedied with routine maintenance, miscellaneous minor repairs, and normal operating maintenance. It excludes incidental conditions that generally do not present material physical deficiencies of the building.

The inspection report may also contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for further evaluation by appropriate persons.

1. Foundations, Basements, and Under-floor areas
2. Exteriors
3. Roof Systems
4. Plumbing Systems
5. Electrical Systems
6. Heating and Cooling Systems
7. Fireplaces and Chimneys
8. Building Interior

Foundations, Basements, and Under-floor areas

• Foundation and other support systems
• Under-floor ventilation
• Location of under-floor access openings
• Wood separation from soil
• Presence of drainage systems or sump pumps within foundation footprints
• Presence or absence of seismic anchoring and bracing components
  

• Surface grade, hardscaping and drainage within six feet of the inspected building or associated primary parking structure(s) or surfaces.
• Wall cladding, veneers, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits and fascias
• Exterior portions of a representative sampling of doors and windows
• Attached decks, porches, balconies, stairs, columns, walkways, guard-rails and handrails.
  

• Roof coverings
• Flashing, vents, skylight and other penetrations
• Roof Drainage systems
• Framing and sheathing
• Accessibility and access opening(s)
• Insulating materials
• Ventilation
  

• Supply waste and vent piping
• Fixtures, faucets and drains
• Water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and temperature and pressure relief valves
• Functional flow of water supply and functional drainage at fixtures
• Gas piping and connections
• Cross connections
  

• Service conductors, equipment, and capacity
• Panels and over-current protective devices
• Service and grounding equipment
• Wiring types and methods
• A representative sampling of switches receptacles and light fixtures
• Ground Fault circuit interrupters
  

• Heating and cooling equipment
• Venting and combustion equipment
• Energy source and connections
• Heating and cooling distribution systems including a representative sampling of ducting, duct insulation, outlets, radiators, piping systems and valves
• Condensate drains
  

• Chimneys, flues, dampers and associated and components
• Fireboxes, hearth extensions and permanently installed accessory components
• Manufactured solid fuel or gas burning appliances
  

• Walls, ceilings and floors
• Security bars, ventilation components, and a representative sample of doors and windows
• Stairs, handrails, and guardrail
• Permanently installed cabinet surfaces and countertop surfaces
• Safety glazing in locations subject to human contact