What Ancillary Services Are Provided by a Commercial Inspection Company?

Standard inspections are only a part of commercial inspection when you buy, sell, lease, or manage a property. While the core inspection covers critical components of the building, many ancillary services offered by a commercial inspection company can provide additional insights into the property’s condition and future maintenance needs. They help keep your investment safe, operational, and code-compliant. 

In this blog, we will explore what ancillary services a commercial inspection company provides, how they can benefit you, and why they’re essential for anyone looking to make informed decisions about their commercial property.

What Are Ancillary Services?

During commercial building inspections, people typically envision standard evaluations that examine the building’s exterior, interior, foundation, and safety elements. However, many inspection companies offer ancillary services that go beyond the basics. These special services help identify critical aspects that otherwise go unnoticed. They deliver an extensive view of how well a property performs.

Why Consider Ancillary Services?

Why do these ancillary services matter? The basic inspection appears sufficient by itself. A standard inspection checks the foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, but it does not inspect energy efficiency, potential hazards, or specialized equipment conditions.

Many commercial properties that undergo inspections need supplemental services for hidden problems. These problems remain unseen to the naked eye but can lead to expensive future repairs or safety risks. Additional inspection services are the solution to address these situations.

Types of Ancillary Services Provided by Commercial Inspection Companies

Let’s discuss some ancillary services that you can expect from a typical commercial inspection company. 

Environmental Hazard Inspections

Many commercial properties have environmental risks that become visible after further inspection. Older buildings may have problems like asbestos, lead paint, and mold. They cause severe health threats to occupants and expensive removal operations.

A proper environmental hazard inspection reveals:

• Asbestos in insulation, flooring, and ceiling materials in buildings constructed before 1980.
• Lead either in paint or plumbing pipes.
• Mold growth, especially in basements and crawl spaces.
• The presence of colorless and odorless radon gas can cause lung cancer.

You should identify these potential dangers at an early stage and implement preventive measures that stop problems from worsening.

Energy Audits

Energy efficiency is a high priority for all business owners. Energy-efficient buildings affect the cost of operations, promote environmental sustainability, and attract more tenants. An energy audit is one of the most valuable ancillary services available. The audit investigates building energy usage to determine which parts need improvement. This might include:

• An assessment of insulation, windows, and doors for air leakage. 

• Examination of HVAC equipment for performance and upkeep requirements.
• Inspecting building lighting systems and suggesting alternative solutions to reduce energy consumption.

The primary objective of conducting an energy audit is to minimize utility expenses while bolstering building operational effectiveness. Experts concur that energy audits provide many benefits including reduced energy costs, increased efficiency, and lower carbon footprint. 

Roof Inspections

The structural foundation of buildings depends heavily on roofs, which receive minimal attention unless something bad happens. Roof inspections are an important supplementary service that various commercial inspection companies provide to their clients. 

The inspector evaluates the state of the roof to detect signs indicating:

• Leaks
• Shingle damage or wear
• Deteriorating flashings
• Improper drainage

A thorough examination means your roof has an extended lifespan and has little or no major repair work. 

Pest Inspections

Pests can inflict major damage on commercial properties, affecting their structure and stability. These tiny critters remain hidden in basements and beneath the surface and are usually discovered when the damage is already done. Termites, cockroaches, ants, and rodents can be a big nuisance. Routine inspections help discover pests and also prevent their recurrence.

A pest inspection focuses on:

• Detecting termites or wood-boring insects.
• Identifying rodent activity and nests.

The inspection seeks to identify any mold or mildew growth because pests are naturally drawn to these conditions. Early detection of pests helps save on repair work expenses and protects property from future damage.

Septic System Inspections

Buildings situated beyond urban areas must have septic systems inspected. The proper functioning of this sewage treatment system must be verified to prevent system failures and health problems.

A septic system inspection includes:

• Checking the tank for decay and leaking damage.
• Checking the drain field for proper drainage.
• Verifying the system complies with code requirements.

The lifespan of a septic system extends and functions smoothly through regular and periodic inspections.

Radon Testing

High concentrations of naturally occurring radon gas can lead to lung cancer in people who inhale it for a long period. The gas occurs primarily in domestic residences, although it might impact both residential and commercial properties. Local governments and certain states demand radon testing mainly in regions that have shown elevated radon levels.

The results of a radon test determine the radon levels in indoor air spaces. Detecting elevated radon levels allows property owners to install safety systems that cut down the associated risks.

Building Code Compliance Inspections

Local and national authorities establish building codes to safeguard people from safety hazards, ensure proper access, and maintain the structural integrity of construction. A building code compliance check ensures that the property follows all mandated standards, including fire safety measures, accessibility for disabled individuals, and basic structural guidelines.

Code standard violations can trigger fines, legal action, or even expensive building renovations to make it code-compliant. An assessment of compliance will protect you from upcoming difficulties.

Conclusion

Safety, functionality, and operational competence stand as the top requirements for commercial property investment. While a standard inspection is essential, the ancillary services offered by a commercial inspection company provide additional value and peace of mind. The inspection services conduct assessments to identify significant issues that building wonders must address before they spiral out of control.

At Elite Commercial Inspections, we offer a full range of ancillary services to complement our standard inspection process. We have you covered whether you want energy audits, environmental risk assessments, or pest inspections. Our qualified staff will conduct comprehensive inspections to provide you with the information you want so you can make an informed decision.

Reach out to Elite Commercial Inspections now to protect your commercial property.