Commercial vs. Residential Property Inspections
Property inspections are typically categorized as commercial or residential inspections. While both of these share similarities where their purpose is concerned, they’re quite different in other respects. Both of them provide documentation as to the condition of the property and identify any issues or problems that need to be corrected. Both types of inspections or also concerned about accurate property valuations and determining if the insurance policy amounts are too low, too high, or accurate.
There are a number of different ways that commercial and residential inspections differ. While residential properties have unique features and characteristics, commercial properties come in dozens of varieties, each of which often requires a unique skill set for the inspector. Furthermore, whereas a residential inspection is typically performed by a single inspector, commercial properties may require input from multiple or a team of inspectors. That is why it is important to ask in advance about the type of services that the company renders.
As a result, the extensive variety of commercial properties often requires the skills of a sub-specialty inspector. For example, these different commercial structures might include but aren’t limited to:
- apartment complexes
- auto dealerships
- factories and manufacturing facilities
- grocery or retail outlets
- hospitals
- hotels and motels
- office buildings
- restaurants
- shopping malls
- sports facilities
- warehouses
Since many of these commercial structures may require more specialized knowledge and skills, it would be difficult for a single inspector to properly inspect every type of commercial property out there. This is where a sub-specialist inspector often plays a significant role.
For the residential inspector, it’s not uncommon for them to handle the entire inspection by themselves in most cases. In some situations where a drone is used for inspecting larger properties, a drone operator may be required to assist. However, in some cases, inspectors are learning how to fly drones in order to streamline the process. While a regular kitchen is fairly straightforward for the residential inspector, inspecting a larger commercial kitchen will require hiring a sub-specialist inspector.
Another significant difference between commercial and residential inspections is how much liability risk each kind of inspector often faces on the job. Commercial buildings are considerably larger and more difficult to inspect. Therefore, they require additional time and a more comprehensive skill set. Purchasing or selling a commercial property may represent real estate transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Thus, it’s no surprise that an inspector is confronted with demanding clients and tighter deadlines. Additionally, always ensure that the company that you hire is insured, bonded and insured. That will ensure you are dealing with professionals. To learn more about the difference between commercial and residential inspections, call Florida Inspections Unlimited today at 954-861-0666.