Professional Standards
Standards of Practice
Our inspections are conducted in accordance with CCPIA© COMSOP (Commercial Standards of Practice) and ASTM© E2018-24. These standards define what we inspect, how we inspect it, and how we report our findings.
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of a commercial property inspection is to provide the client with a professional assessment of the property's physical condition at the time of the inspection. The inspection is a visual, non-invasive survey of the property's major systems and components. It is intended to identify material deficiencies and provide opinions of probable cost for remediation.
The inspection is not a guarantee or warranty of the property's condition. It is not a substitute for engineering analysis, environmental assessment, code compliance audit, or any other specialized evaluation. The inspector's role is to observe, document, and report.
Systems and Components Inspected
In accordance with CCPIA© COMSOP and ASTM© E2018-24, the following systems and components are within the baseline scope of a commercial property inspection:
Site Improvements
- Parking lots, drives, and sidewalks
- Grading, drainage, and stormwater management
- Landscaping and irrigation
- Exterior lighting, signage, and fencing
- Retaining walls and site structures
- ADA-accessible routes and parking
Structural Frame and Building Envelope
- Foundation systems
- Structural frame, columns, beams, and load-bearing walls
- Floor and roof framing systems
- Exterior walls and cladding
- Windows, doors, and glazing systems
- Sealants, flashing, and waterproofing
Roofing
- Roofing membrane and covering materials
- Flashings, copings, and edge details
- Roof drainage and gutter systems
- Roof penetrations and equipment supports
- Skylights and roof hatches
Mechanical Systems
- Heating systems and equipment
- Cooling systems and equipment
- Ventilation and air distribution
- Controls and building automation
- Special HVAC systems (exhaust, make-up air, etc.)
Electrical Systems
- Electrical service and metering
- Distribution panels and switchgear
- Branch wiring (representative sampling)
- Emergency and standby power systems
- Interior and exterior lighting
Plumbing Systems
- Domestic water supply and distribution
- Domestic hot water systems
- Sanitary waste and vent systems
- Gas distribution (where applicable)
- Fixtures (representative sampling)
Fire Protection and Life Safety
- Fire alarm and detection systems
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Standpipe systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency lighting and exit signage
- Means of egress
Interior Elements
- Common areas, lobbies, and corridors
- Tenant spaces (where accessible)
- Restrooms and break rooms
- Stairwells and elevator cabs
- Flooring, ceilings, and wall finishes
Vertical Transportation
- Elevators (cab condition, operation, certificates)
- Escalators (where present)
Items Excluded from Scope
The following are specifically excluded from the baseline scope unless separately agreed upon in writing:
- Environmental assessments (asbestos, lead, mold, radon, soil contamination)
- Detailed engineering analysis or structural calculations
- Code compliance audits or building code review
- Zoning compliance review
- Seismic evaluation
- Testing of fire alarm, sprinkler, or life safety systems
- Underground utilities, septic systems, or wells
- Areas that are inaccessible, locked, or obstructed
- Cosmetic conditions that do not affect function or safety
- Furnishings, personal property, or tenant-owned equipment
- Pest or termite inspection
- Determination of property boundaries or survey
Inspection Methodology
The inspection consists of the following activities:
- Document review: We review available property documentation provided by the client or property manager prior to the on-site visit.
- Walk-through survey: We conduct a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the site, exterior, roof, interior common areas, accessible tenant spaces, and mechanical/electrical rooms.
- Interviews: We interview the property manager, building engineer, or on-site contact to gather operational information about the property's history, maintenance, known issues, and pending projects.
- Photographic documentation: We photograph all major systems, representative conditions, and identified deficiencies.
Reporting
The inspection report includes:
- Executive summary of findings
- Property description and scope of assessment
- System-by-system observations with photographs
- Opinions of probable cost categorized by urgency
- Equipment schedules (when included in scope)
- Capital reserves projections (when included in scope)
- Document review log and interview summary
Reports are delivered in PDF format. Opinions of probable cost are based on the inspector's professional judgment and current local market data. They are not construction bids, guaranteed prices, or engineering calculations.
Limitations
A commercial property inspection is a visual assessment conducted at a specific point in time. It is subject to the following limitations:
- The inspection is limited to visible and accessible areas at the time of the visit.
- Concealed, latent, or inaccessible conditions cannot be identified through visual inspection.
- The inspection does not predict future conditions, performance, or remaining useful life with certainty.
- Weather, occupancy, and operational conditions at the time of the inspection may affect observations.
- The inspector does not move furniture, stored items, equipment, or building components to access concealed areas.
- The inspector does not operate shut-down equipment or systems.
These Standards of Practice are based on CCPIA© COMSOP (Commercial Standards of Practice) and align with the ASTM© E2018-24 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments. For the full CCPIA© COMSOP document, visit ccpia.org.