The above are specialty inspections and not part of the standards of practice that general inspectors are required to follow as part of their certification. A general inspector may not even know what a termite looks like. Also, any pest control operator must be licensed by the state for that type of inspection.
Why won’t the inspector operate valves?
This is not included in the standards of practice. Opening valves requires tools that the inspectors don’t usually carry. Also, the valves may end up leaking and the inspector could be liable for any damage.
Will the inspector inspect the trees and landscaping?
No, since these are excluded from the standards of practice. The inspector is mainly concerned with the structure and its systems. The inspector will only make notes on trees or landscaping issues that directly affect the structure, such as lack of clearance between the roof and trees, or a retaining wall in disrepair. Anything more specific, like the need to cut or remove a tree, would not be included in the report. Information on landscaping would require a specialist.
Why don’t inspectors open electrical panels?
Commercial assessors follow ASTM E2018 standards, which do not require them to open electrical panels. The reason for this is that commercial electrical systems are more complex and generally conduct much higher amounts of electricity—which could mean greater risk of damage or injury. At the very least, the business would lose productivity during an electrical outage. However, he can do a visual assessment of the other components of the system.
On the other hand, an inspector is more likely to open the electrical panel if the building is vacant.
Look for Your Burning Questions, Part 3 next month!
Robert Gaudreault, ASHI, CREIA, MCI
State Contractors License #488726
- ASHI, ASTM E2018 and ICC certified
- Level One Certified for Infrared
- CREIA’s highest certification (MCI)
- Certificate in Construction Management from UCLA
- Licensed General Contractor & C29 in Masonry
- Former president of the SGV CREIA chapter
- 45+ years experience in construction
- 20+ years assessing commercial properties
- Performed thousands of commercial assessments since 1996, arming Alliance with vast knowledge of industrial buildings, tilt-ups, multi-family, etc.
We offer:
- Easy to read, comprehensive reports with color photos and Cost to Cure on all needed repairs over $3000.
- 5-Year Cost Assessment on structures over 10,000 sq ft.
- Estimated life expectancy on systems.
- PDF Report usually delivered within 2 – 5 business days, depending on size / complexity of structure.
- Unbiased and clear reporting per ASTM E2018 Standards.
- Full briefing with consultant and walk-through of the building to review findings and answer any questions.
- The same outstanding professional service we have provided to other large corporations, such as Nissan and Disney.
Also:
- We carry Errors and Omissions Insurance plus General Liability.