Purchasing and maintaining a commercial building costs more than other types of real estate properties. It is crucial to ensure that all systems are running efficiently. Otherwise, the owners could face significant risks whenever the building is closed for extended periods because of lengthy repairs and maintenance, costing them not only their time and money but also their longest-staying tenants.
Besides ensuring that their commercial building complies with state regulations, guaranteeing the property’s structural soundness is of utmost importance for business owners in New Jersey.
Key stakeholders of a commercial building should hire a building inspection engineer in NJ to conduct a thorough inspection of the property’s condition. A commercial building engineer knows what potential dangers to look for in commercial real estate property.
During a commercial building inspection, also referred to as a property condition assessment in NJ, a professional engineer inspects the property’s structural frame and building envelope for defects. They check for water infiltration, cracked masonry wall/warped siding, thermal bridges, or cracked foundations and floors that may affect the structure’s integrity or stability.
A building inspection engineer will also examine if the building has the required fire safety routes and inspect the property’s fire suppression systems to detect physical damage, signs of corrosion, and other defects. Additionally, they will assess fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems to check whether they are in good operational order.
Assessment of the heating and ventilation systems and electrical and mechanical systems is also part of the inspection process. The HVAC’s evaluation will ensure that the equipment and the distribution system that delivers the air throughout the building are free of damage or debris that can potentially restrict airflow and prevent it from functioning efficiently and safely.
Moreover, commercial building engineers will check the components that make up the electrical and mechanical systems for suitability, current, and temperature ratings. They will also inspect the components’ working clearances and proper signage for safe identification.
Conducting building inspection is a critical step in ensuring that the building is structurally sound. It guarantees that the space is secure and the people using it will not face issues that can delay their operations. Furthermore, having a commercial building inspection engineer evaluate their building allows stakeholders to know if their property complies with relevant building regulations and standards. For more information, see this infographic from Lockatong Engineering.
