Commercial buildings are not required to be inspected when they are sold. It doesn’t matter if the property is brand new or hundreds of years old, there is no requirement for the seller to disclose most issues. Of course, major issues should be disclosed. But, if they are not it can be very hard to prove the seller knew of the issue before the sale.
In short, the buyer needs to look after their own interests. That’s why you need to get a reputable building consultant Sydney to undertake a property inspection before you sign any contract. Don’t forget that once you have signed the contract is binding.
There are an array of items that should be checked when a commercial building is inspected:
Electrical Systems
The electrics in the building should be checked to verify they are safe and that everything is working as it should be. That means the wiring should be checked for damage and short circuits and all switches and sockets need to be confirmed as working.
Pests
An important part of any building inspection is looking for evidence of pests. Termites can cause a serious amount of damage in a short space of time, as can rodents. Alongside this, you’ll find flies and many other pests can carry diseases. You need to be confident that your new commercial property is pest-free and doesn’t have damage from old pest problems.
Structural Integrity
If you are purchasing a commercial property you are probably intending on running a business and won’t want to be distracted by structural issues. These can ruin your investment. The inspection checklist will look at all the walls to verify if there are cracks and, if so, whether they are structural or not. It will also check the foundations to ensure the building is not suffering from subsidence or any other issues.
In short, this part of the inspection will verify that the building is likely to still be there in 20 years time.
The Roof
Your roof is an essential part of your building. It keeps the weather out, protecting the inside beams and fixtures. Even a small leak in the roof can cause a considerable amount of damage. It’s essential that it is checked when purchasing and frequently after that. This helps to ensure the rest of the structure remains strong.
The Landscape
Most commercial properties don’t have a lot of outside space. But, whatever space you have should be inspected to ensure it is in good condition. You may be surprised at how expensive it can be to re-lay the path or parking area.
Plumbing
Finally, it is essential that the plumbing is inspected. This will help you to identify any leaks or other potential problems and deal with them.
Final Thought
The purpose of a commercial building inspection is not to put you off the property. Instead, it is to ensure you know everything you need to about the building and are prepared for any work that needs to be done. This will help you negotiate the price and ensure you have the funds to make your business a success.
