Terms You Should Know Alternating current (AC): A current that periodically reverses direction and magnitude continuously. Direct current (DC): A current that does not reverse direction but maintains the same single steady flow. Single-phase: A circuit energized by a single alternating current. Three-phase/3-phase: A wiring system consisting of four wires and used in industrial and…
Transformers are used to change AC voltage levels. These can be termed as step-up or step-down, depending upon the need to increase or decrease in the voltage level. This is necessary in commercial buildings because the main service voltage is static, and certain distribution systems may require something different. A good example might be the…
Section 6.5.2 of the ComSOP titled Exterior states that the inspector should inspect the landscaping during a commercial property inspection. Contrarily, InterNACHI’s Home Inspection Standards of Practice exclude landscaping from a standard home inspection. Landscaping Landscaping refers to the process of making a piece of land more attractive by altering the existing design, such as…
Section 6.5.2 of the ComSOP titled Exteriors states that the inspector should inspect the stormwater drainage system, general topography, and parking area. To complete this part of the inspection, the inspector must first understand the role of catch basins and manholes. Technically, the ComSOP excludes the inspection of manhole covers, but an assessment of the…
There are two types of air-handling systems: constant volume (CV), and variable air volume (VAV). In a CV system, a constant amount of air flows through the system whenever it is on. A VAV system changes the amount of airflow in response to heating and cooling load changes. The latter allows commercial buildings to better…
Concrete masonry blocks with an architectural or rough stone surface are called split-face blocks. The face of these blocks has an irregular, rough texture, as if the surface of the block had been hand-chiseled away. In fact, the block is typically formed using a slurry of loose aggregate that is poured into a block form…
Exterior lighting has various purposes. It can be an accent feature in landscaping and pathways, a safety feature around exit doors, and a security feature at the building’s exterior and parking areas. The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) is not meant to be used for verifying code compliance, and identifying proper…
Concrete tilt-up panels have become a common method of construction across North America. Tilt-up concrete buildings are commonly used as warehouses, strip malls, and light industrial facilities. The engineered concrete panels serve as the wall structure and the anchoring point for the roof structure. There are two types of concrete tilt-up concrete panels: site precast,…
Commercial properties can have unique storm and wastewater drainage design features and plumbing devices. Most of these features and devices are installed in buildings to protect the watershed or municipal systems from contamination by certain substances and to prevent sewer blockages and damage to plumbing systems. Businesses requiring these features and devices include restaurants, car…
Commercial property inspections entail an assessment of the water service. This portion of the inspection should begin with locating the main water service/supply leading into the building. The main water service/supply could be located anywhere at the property, and some buildings may have several locations, such as at multiple tenant properties. The main water shut-off…
The calculation for pricing the inspection of multi-family dwelling properties is based on the price per unit, or, in other words, a cost per front door. It can be a more challenging process to bid due to the variables to consider for each subject property, such as the size of the units, the number of…
CCPIA’s article “How to Price a Commercial Building Inspection” discusses the four primary approaches to determine an inspection fee, including: a percentage of the sale price; your hourly rate; the cost per some ratio of square footage; and a flat fee based on the type of building. Let’s take a closer look at a combination…
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