Is it Wise to Use a Home Inspector for a Commercial Inspection?
Is there a difference between commercial and home inspectors?
When it comes to choosing someone to conduct your commercial inspection, it’s incredibly important to find someone who has extensive technical knowledge of the unique structures and systems of various types of commercial buildings, is properly certified by an accredited organization, and is up-to-date on all codes and ADA compliance. It’s also critical to find an inspecting team that has a proven track record of being trustworthy, reliable, transparent, and fair.
Home vs. Commercial Inspectors
Every inspector is different, and some home inspectors have experience in commercial inspections, and vice versa. There can be significant overlap. For example, both home inspectors and commercial inspectors view the property holistically and are generalists, meaning they see the entire building as a complete unit, rather than as a disjointed grouping of parts. It is recommended you have a general inspector instead of a team of specialists (such as HVAC, plumbing, roof, electrical, etc.) because while specialists have a vested business interest in finding problems (as then they can be hired to fix said problems,) a general inspector is unbiased and has no economic interests in finding problems or recommending repairs. So in this regard, home inspectors have the mindset of a good commercial inspector.
In addition, some of the questions you’d ask about a commercial inspector are the same as a home inspector. Are they easy to reach out to for questions? Are their reports easy to decipher and use? Is their pricing fair and transparent? What do their customer reviews say? Are they a well respected, established presence in the real estate community?
A Commercial Inspection needs a commercial inspector
But while there is some overlap, it is crucial that you find an inspector who has the specific training, certification, and knowledge needed for commercial inspections, which is something not all home inspectors have. As we’ve talked about before, home inspectors are required to take a state exam that tests their knowledge of residential homes, but most of these exams do not cover specific information about commercial properties. Furthermore, most states do not have any requirements that an inspector gain specific commercial inspection knowledge and training before marketing themselves as a commercial inspector.
Private homes have a range of styles, but not nearly the same range as commercial buildings, which can be anything from a hotel to a church, office building to a restaurant. The building structures and systems are more complex than residential real estate. As a consumer, you’re relying on an inspector to help you make informed decisions about the condition of the property. For you to be as informed as possible, your inspector needs to be as knowledgable, experienced, and qualified as possible.
In other words, unless the home inspector you’re considering is certified to also do commercial inspections and has a reputable history, it is not wise to hire an inspector who only does home inspections.
Why Focus Building Inspections?
Focus Buildings Inspections is owned by Brit and Lance Coffman, who originally founded Forever Home Inspection, a home inspection business. As Forever Home grew, they saw the opportunity to go into commercial inspection. However, this growth was not taken lightly. The Coffman’s and the whole Focus Building Inspection team know the specific challenges and needs of commercial inspection and have the experience and client reviews to show it. Focus Building Inspections is currently the only certified commercial inspection company in Tulsa, and holds certification from the Certified Commercial, Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA), a highly respected, accredited organization. Focus Building has handled projects of all sizes and our talented inspection team is ready to work with you!