What is the Difference between a Commercial Building Inspection and a Residential Building Inspection?

Whether you hire an inspector for a commercial building inspection or a residential building inspection (home inspection), you want to make sure the inspector is up to the task. Both types of inspections require a level of knowledge that differs from the other: Commercial building inspectors typically understand a bit more about larger, more complex buildings than a standard home inspector. Understanding what goes on during both the commercial building inspection process and the residential building inspection process can help you choose the right inspectors for the job.

Residential Building Inspection/Home Inspection Process

During a home inspection, a certified home inspector will take a look at a variety of things in and around your home. This is to ensure that things are up to code and people are safe to live in the home as it is. It includes checking not only the structure of the home – including the foundation and the basement – but also

• the heating and cooling systems
• the water and fuel supply systems
• the plumbing systems and drainage
• and insulation and ventilation throughout the home. 

The home inspection will usually take about three hours, depending on the size of the home. It will conclude with a report given to you that details any and all inadequacies the inspector found in the home. The reports can be as short as a few pages or 100, with pictures included that document the deficiencies. These reports are often used by prospective homeowners to ask the old homeowner to make repairs before they purchase the home. They are private documents provided to the person who purchases the service, and no one will have access to the report save for those who allow it to be viewed. 

Commercial Building Inspection Process

One big difference between commercial building inspections and home inspections is the size and scope of the inspection. A commercial building is typically much larger than a typical home and will take longer than a home inspection to get through. The inspector needs to cover more space, which will take up more their time. This means more of a cost to the person who purchases the inspection. 

Commercial inspections also come with more variety. These types of inspections can include anything from

• apartment buildings
• grocery stores
• restaurants
• and warehouses, among others.

That means different shapes, sizes, and types of exhaust and ventilation systems will exist, as well as just the general designs of each building. Many inspection companies might employ whole teams to inspect the entire area of a building. Some may even subcontract out subject matter experts such as plumbers and HVAC specialists to ensure that all aspects of each system are inspected properly.

Regardless of whether you need a home inspection or a commercial building inspection, hiring the right people to do the job is important. Make sure that the company or contractor you hire has experience in performing the tasks at hand and can show you previous examples of their work, and know all the regulations and standards set by your state’s Building Code.

Contact us to schedule your own commercial or home inspection in Tampa, Florida!

Sources and further reading:

https://home.akitabox.com/blog/commercial-building-inspection-101/

https://www.nachi.org/performing-commercial-inspections.htm