How to Prepare Your Building for an Inspection
Building inspections play a significant role in keeping your property in safety code compliance, detecting potential hazards, and staying safe and sound. Any routine inspection, selling, or construction project requires proper preparation to avoid mistakes. Proper preparation helps you avoid falling into a costly delay, thus preventing you from probable safety violations. This guide gives you the necessary tips on how to prepare for commercial property inspection.
Key Steps for a Smooth Inspection Process
If you prepare ahead and pay attention to every detail in your inspection, it can be streamlined. Checking all parts of your building will not only keep you within the codes but also ensure more long-term safety and functionality.
Understand the Inspection Requirements
There are different types of inspections, and learning what each entails will help you know more of what to expect, even before you start making any preparations. In fact, inspections can be put into various types because they focus on different aspects of the building. The electrical system inspections look at the wiring, breakers, and overall electrical safety. What is involved in a plumbing inspection involves checking on pipes, water heaters, and drainage systems.
On the other hand, an inspection related to sales can expect to be so much more detailed in regard to such items as HVAC systems, insulation, windows, and roofing. Be ready and review any local regulation that may apply to your building, which complies with every applicable code. This will give you the opportunity to act proactively on potential issues. You will be getting a clearer picture of the inspection process besides having an idea of what to expect the inspector to look for, and thus, you won’t have any surprises on inspection day.
Schedule a Pre-Inspection Check
This one has proven to be one of the best ways to pass building inspections. It will enable the identification and correction of those various matters that will make your building fail the inspection. You may hire a professional for this inspection who is trained to pinpoint problems from faulty wiring to structural issues. Or you can actually do an extremely close inspection of your home yourself by focusing on the areas known to be prime sources of problems: electrical systems, fire safety equipment, and plumbing.
All major systems should be pre-inspected and confirmed to work properly. Electricals should be checked for loose or exposed wiring in the building; check fire alarms and extinguishers to ensure all are working. Plumbing should be inspected for leaks or clogs. This is very helpful in the sense that you can correct any faults before inspection, so you do not have to bother with going in for a second inspection.
Review Maintenance Records
Proper and updated maintenance records really give an advantage during a building inspection. The records show that all the systems in the building have been maintained properly over time, which will certainly save time in the inspection process. Having all these would show your property is well taken care of and in line with the requirements for ongoing maintenance to the inspector.
You need to assemble all your maintenance records, including HVAC, electrical repairs, plumbing work, and fire safety equipment. In larger buildings, having these readily available reduces the inspection time and prevents delays. Checking it out indicates that you have an interest in the building and that it is under consideration for good condition and safety. Make sure that every record is up to date and reflects any recent upgrades or repairs.
Address Safety Hazards
Before the arrival of the inspector, safety hazards head the list of failures when it comes to inspection; thus, they should be taken care of beforehand. Some of the hazards include blocked emergency exits, faulty fire alarms, and malfunctioning wiring. Walk through the building to note any possible hazards. Some of the things to pay special attention to include emergency exits, which should be clearly marked, functional, and unobstructed. Fire alarms and fire extinguishers must be tested and their inspection dates verified to remain in compliance.
Inspect the building’s electrical system. Check for frayed wiring and overloaded circuits and determine whether extension cords are used properly. Common areas should have no loose flooring, cables, or debris that may become tripping hazards. By doing this, you will not only survive this inspection but also keep the building’s occupants safe.
Clean and Organize the Building
A clean, organized building presents a great first impression and makes the task of the inspector much easier. Clutter and mess are not only ways to make access to important areas difficult but also may leave the impression that the building is not maintained properly in general. Clean up all the surrounding areas of buildings- there should be no clutter around common areas, hallways, or utility rooms- when the inspection process starts. Clear all obstructions of clutter that may be hindering access to equipment or systems in need of inspection.
Just as much importance is given to the interior, a building’s façade is also critical. The parking lots, entries, and outdoor spaces should be kept clean of unnecessary items. Landscaping should be kept in good condition, and any signage should be clean and readable. A well-organized building shows attention to detail was given while maintaining the property in good order.
Final Walkthrough
The day before their visit, inspectors usually need a final walk-through for review on whatever condition is missing. Ensure that all systems are in proper operation, all access points are clear, and all documentation is available. Give special attention to high-risk areas such as electrical rooms, the fire exit, and any equipment for emergencies. It is during this final review that you are likely to identify problems that may have escaped your notice, which will guarantee that your building will be ready for inspection.
