Building inspections are an integral component of making sure your project is completed on schedule and to code. An inspector will scrutinize many different aspects of your construction during their review process.
So that the inspector can conduct an effective examination, all areas of your property must be accessible. Therefore, please remove boxes, furniture and wardrobes to allow access so they can inspect it efficiently.
Organize Your Documents
City inspectors’ reputation of unscheduled inspections at co-op and condo buildings is well known; yet this should not discourage building inspections which play an integral part of property management for both new developments as well as existing properties.
An inspector conducts a building inspection by reviewing numerous documents such as appraisals, construction and renovation work histories, citations, maintenance records, evacuation plans, environmental studies, fire safety system records and floor plans. This information reveals the true costs of owning the property as well as any major flaws or areas of concern that require attention.
Based on the client’s objective and property type, an inspector may choose either cumulative or summary style when creating their multi-family report. Both approaches have their own set of advantages and disadvantages; ultimately, it’s up to the inspector and inspection firm to decide what’s best for their clients. Software tools can also assist in organizing these reports and notifying stakeholders of findings.
Clear the AreasPre Purchase Building Inspections
An inspection may seem intimidating at first, but with proper organization and planning it’s easy. Before the inspector arrives make sure all necessary paperwork and documents such as permits and construction plans as well as safety training certificates are organized for review. Physical space should also be clear of anything which may obstruct inspection processes.
Clear out and secure any areas storing flammable materials or chemicals, such as those where gasoline pumps or computer server rooms may be found in your building.
An inspector will conduct a comprehensive check that includes: sheathing and trusses, size of studs, notching of joists, riser and tread relationships between stairs, patched box holes, wire staple spacing between boxes with insulation requirements for insulation class “IC”, light fixture locations and electrical wiring. Any violations could cause major fines against your building.
Be On-Site
Final building inspections are an integral component of the construction process, whether you intend to sell your property or simply want an accurate evaluation. They help identify any issues that could surface later and make negotiations with potential buyers simpler in terms of immediate repairs, price adjustments or contract termination.
Prior to undertaking any work that may alter a structure – like painting, installing doors and trimming them, hanging cabinets or laying flooring – building inspections should be conducted as a preliminary step. Doing this saves both time and makes final inspections much more seamless.
Note that quality inspections occur throughout the construction process – daily site inspections, safety checks and visits by external regulators to name just a few – making having an organized system to track and manage them essential so they don’t slip through the cracks. Digital checklists or field inspection apps provide great ways to ensure data is fast, accurate and instantly shared among team members.
Be Prepared
An exterior building inspection involves conducting an in-depth assessment of roofs, parking lots and landscaping as part of a thorough assessment of any structure – roofs, parking lots and landscaping alike – including their roofs, parking lots and landscaping features to identify major faults or defects which could pose potential hazards for people or vehicles in and around the property. This procedure will identify any major safety concerns within or nearby the property that could compromise people or vehicles within its vicinity.
Dependent upon the nature of work being completed, various inspections may be required during construction. Some examples include a footing/foundation inspection prior to pouring concrete; rough inspection once all floor, wall, and roof framing has been completed; and finally final quality finish inspection when all is in place and 100% complete.
Preparing your construction site or commercial property for the bui
