Become WorkSafe Registered
Why WorkSafe Support?
Commercial Building Inspections are more important than you may think, they are not only for new construction projects. A commercial building inspection is a key part of making sure your business continues to operate safely and efficiently each day.
Building Inspections can establish the baseline functionality of the building’s structure, check for any health and safety violations or uncover potential hazards that could put tenants and building occupants at risk. Perhaps most importantly, an inspection can validate stakeholder decisions concerning upgrading or repairing specific aspects of the property, while helping you coordinate with contractors to resolve matters efficiently.
How it works?
Step 1
(Check your email for an automated email stating your WorkSafe Number and login portal details).
Step 2
(All contractors should provide their WorkSafe Number to the client prior works commences.).
Step 3
(By login into your portal, you can request a WorkSafe Building Inspector to liaise with Building Control and the main contractor. WorkSafe Support also performs systematic safety checks on all registered properties).
What is a commercial building inspection?
A commercial building inspection, put simply, is an evaluation of a building or property used for commercial purposes. It is intended to drive profit from operations or rental income. This includes:
- Cafes
- Retail shops
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Office buildings
- Residential units (multi-family or single-family dwellings)
- Restaurants and more.
The aim of a commercial building inspection is to identify or uncover any issues with the property, be it structural or otherwise.
What does a commercial building inspection involve?
On the day of the inspection, one of the first things a commercial building inspector will do is walk through the property and take photographs. This will help the inspector document any existing problems, as well as any future changes that may need to be made.
During a commercial building inspection, a visual inspection of the exterior of the building, and a walk-through inspection of the interior will be completed, and a review of the documentation associated with the property carried out.
Exterior visual inspections look for cracks and deficiencies in the exterior of the building or any other issues that could possibly be a problem. Walking through the interior of the building may require surveying the condition of the internal structures and fittings, windows, fire doors and so on.
The commercial building inspector will ultimately aim to uncover any structural deficiencies and critical issues with any part of the building and safety hazards. The more that is revealed by the commercial building inspector during an inspection, the better as they can identify any existing problems or those that may occur in the future. This is of huge benefit to all involved, including the tenant, as it ensures building occupants are safe and secure in a building that is fit for purpose. Some of the other things a commercial property inspector will look for are:
- Structure
- Landscaping
- Utilities
- Building envelope (Including the exterior, basement & attic)
- HVAC equipment
- Roofs
- Stairs
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
- Fire safety
Many commercial inspections focus on asset value and return on investment, rather than highlighting issues or deficiencies. Such inspections will typically look at HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and structural integrity.
What do commercial building inspectors look at?
Building Exterior
Looking at the exterior will enable the inspector to observe any issues or deficiencies with the building’s structural integrity of the building. This may include roofing, landscaping or any other part of the building’s exterior.
Building Interior
Interior property assessment is an involved process where many elements are considered, especially in commercial inspections. The inspector may look at hazards, walls, windows, kitchen facilities, fire safety risks and other interior factors.
Building Systems
The major systems within a building are as important as the structure or the interior. HVAC, electricals and plumbing will all need to be inspected. Failure of any may cause the safety or value of a property to fall dramatically.
When to conduct a commercial building inspection?
Inspections can be carried out any time, all year round. Commercial building inspections are not just recommended as start and finish points for purchases or leases, they can be of great help to building managers in maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the building throughout its entire lifecycle.
Commercial building inspections such as cleaning or safety inspections, are vital in ensuring a building stay in its optimum state and that employees or occupants remain safe and happy and that the value of the asset remains.
In the past commercial building inspections may have seemed like an upheaval, however they are in fact simple to carry out. Current commercial building inspection software allows for inspections to be conducted in a fraction of the time, incurring minimal or no disruption to the occupants of the building.
Buying or Leasing Commercial Property
Buying or leasing a commercial property is a huge investment, these extra steps ensure the building owner’s investment is secure and that the tenant or purchaser is buying into a property that is fit for purpose.
To that end, the commercial building inspection will reveal the true property condition, including any costs needed for remedial work or ongoing maintenance. Commercial building inspections are necessary during specific stages of the transaction process and also throughout the lifecycle of the building.
Register Now and Become
WorkSafe Registered
Our membership has been designed to provide you with as much speed and support throughout the process as you need. Please answer all questions carefully as your recommended membership package will be based on your answers.