Building inspections are a $4 billion industry in the United States.

A commercial building inspection is mandatory in all states. It involves surveying/examining the commercial building’s status before selling, buying, or leasing.

Commercial houses can be warehouses, retailer shops, malls, multifamily homes, or any other buildings meant for business. If you plan to buy or sell a retail store, you must be ready for the inspection.

But how much is the process? 

Price is a significant concern for everyone looking forward to the inspection process. While there is no authoritative figure for the building inspection, you can get some insights to prepare yourself and make a better budget.

Read this guide to learn more on the same.

The Determinants of the Commercial Inspection Cost

The cost of commercial building inspections varies from one property to another. Here are the main determinants for the expenses:

The Property Size

Property size is the number one factor to consider when planning for the inspection costs. If your commercial unit is large, such as a mall or a long-story building, you should prepare for a higher payment.

Large-scale commercial unit owners pay an average of $800 and $3,000, while the small scale unit owners pay anything between $200 and $300. Nevertheless, your inspector should tell you the possible costs to incur depending on your building’s size.

The Commercial Inspection Company

Sometimes, the price you incur may depend on the inspectors you hire. Some inspection firms have a higher price quote for their services than others.

While the price range may not be extensive, you should first ask for the price to know what you will be paying for. Also, you should compare what different inspectors are offering to choose the most affordable.

You should confirm that the inspector you hire is reputable and well-versed with the inspection laws and regulations for the best results. This way, you can be sure of getting the best inspection service, even if the cost is high.

The Condition of the Property

The current status of the property can determine the amount you will pay. If the building is old, then the costs may be high. Why? It’s because old buildings are exposed to more risks than newer buildings. Such hazards include asbestos, harmful insects, collapsed walls, and so on.

Nevertheless, you should still negotiate for better building inspection costs. You can also make a few amendments to the commercial house before you sell to lower the total inspection costs.

The Pricing Method

Inspectors use different pricing methods for the commercial building inspection service. 

The first common method is the percentage of sale method, where the inspector’s price according to the house’s selling price. By using this method, the inspection costs increase with the value of the home.

The second method is the cost per building size. Inspectors who use this method charge a high price to the larger buildings, as mentioned earlier in this article.

Another pricing method is the hourly fee, which depends on the number of hours spent on the project. You only pay for the hours that the inspectors spend on the inspection process.

All these pricing methods bring a different final cost value. If you are on a budget, you should find an inspector who uses the cheapest pricing method.

The Scope of the Assessment

The scope of the inspection can determine the final payment that you will pay. If the assessment is more detailed and comprehensive, then you should be ready to pay more. Similarly, you should spend less if you need a specific inspection.

Some of the things the inspectors look for during a commercial building inspection include the house’s exterior condition, the plumbing, and electrical systems, and the building’s interior condition.

What the Commercial Building Inspection Includes

Probably, you are wondering what the inspection costs include. Here are some of the things which the inspectors add up to their final inspection price quote:

• The expenses of interview or researches which the inspectors do to help the clients understand the deficiencies in the commercial unit
• The general walkthrough survey, done according to the ASTM standards
• The costs of chemical tests or any other test done to check the presence/absence of hazardous chemicals in the commercial unit
• The preparation of the final report which the inspectors present to the clients and the states council
• The labor costs, especially if you hire the independent commercial building inspectors

Your commercial building inspectors may include more costs to the above list or have a fewer list of the expenses. Nevertheless, the inspector should give you a breakdown of their expenses. The breakdown improves transparency to help you know the exact things you will be paying for.

Tips to Lower Your Commercial Building Inspection Costs

You can reduce the total inspection costs for a commercial unit, whether you are a seller or a buyer. Here are a few tips to help you:

Hire the most affordable inspectors: From your cost comparisons, you should know the most affordable inspectors. If they have the experience and they are reputable, then there is no need for choosing the most priced commercial construction inspectors

Do repairs and renovations:  The simple repairs can minimize the costs of the inspections. Just ensure that a professional architect does the repairs.

Lastly, stay complaint. Gather all the building documents before the inspection. These documents can include your insurances, building ownership, tax payment copies. 

When you keep everything handy, you will reduce the back and forth costs of collecting these documents during the actual inspection process. 

Consult a Professional Commercial Building Inspector

A commercial building inspection is vital for your safety. It can help you know the past, present, and possible future risks in that commercial building you are about to sell or buy.

Due to its importance, you should only hire an expert. The inspector could be an experienced architect, a surveyor, or a licensed builder. 

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