Is it Worth It?

I've been kicking around the idea doing commercial inspections. I'm just curious is it worth trying to do commercial inspections in addition. If anyone is doing this, what "school" did you use for your training. Any advice for someone thinking about doing commercial inspections?

Totally different service, and your skills and experiences may, or may not, translate to commercial work. Start with small office parks, physicians offices, etc.

I stay away from restaurants (vent hoods and specialized equipment) and if you do large industrial buildings, you'll need a good electrician to evaluate the service.

Don't use standard residential inspection protocols. Set the inspection expectation with some sort of standard or PCA (several to choose, ASTM E2018 ) You may want to sub out the work to specialists and act as a GC; bid accordingly.

Liability is huge if you screw up; take your time and learn from a local inspector first if possible. It's worth the money to pay for some commercial ride-alongs.

Dom.

Chad D wrote:I've been kicking around the idea doing commercial inspections. I'm just curious is it worth trying to do commercial inspections in addition. If anyone is doing this, what "school" did you use for your training. Any advice for someone thinking about doing commercial inspections?

We perform commercial inspections. School of life, I was the superintendent on many commercial projects including; 7 Credit Unions, Les Schwab Tire Center, Davita Dialysis, Steel fab office and shop, Chapman University, Housing tract Sales Center, Tractor Supply, a 2 story Bank, an Adoption Center and a few more.
A truck accident and a broken back turned my path towards home inspecting. I feel comfortable doing them.
If you have not been exposed to it, it might be harder to learn.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 02/15/2015 10:17 AM EST

Its a different ballgame depending on what type of commercial it is. Some, like office space, aren't much different than residential, others, alot different.

gfricke wrote:Its a different ballgame depending on what type of commercial it is. Some, like office space, aren't much different than residential, others, alot different.

I agree, a TI would be easier to inspect than some other types of commercial projects. We did a Midas a couple of weeks ago and I have 2 lined up for this week. Not much competition if you can do it.

Thanks for the responses. Advice is always appreciated and noted. Here in a couple weeks I will try chatting up a few commercial REA to see if there is a need in the area. Like many other things, a little experience and education will go a long ways. I'll continue researching before making the final decision.

Most commercial jobs you'll want to preview BEFORE you commit anyways as its always a good idea to manage expectations, so like I said, if its an office building, or something similar and you feel its within your knowledge base, estimate, bid, and inspect. If not, pass.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 02/16/2015 11:31 PM EST

Chad, I am not sure what assoc. you belong to but I started with the NACHI commercial them took Construction classes at the local collage which did a lot with the ICC codes and I did a inspection With Dale Duffy in Az. One place you could look is NACBI. Commercial is a lot different, the clients have no emotional tie. and depending on the scope of work agreed upon. sub would be needed. example you can do all the electrical and distribution panels but if they want the high voltage cabinets and transformers gone through you would need a sub

I am part of NACHI. I figured I would start with their stuff. After that I haven't figured anything else out. I thought ASHI had a commercial course, so I'd have to look into that. I saw a couple other commercial training, but I don't know what's good and what should be avoided.

Study up on ASTM E2018 - buy a copy. Develop a relationship with the commercial trades in case you need them. Only do Level I surveys until you have developed a comfort factor then you can start to consider Level II work. Develop your inspection proforma/template before you go out - you'll be glad you did. You will also need to develop a Level I proposal/quote form to CYA.

Commercial realtors almost never refer an inspector. Commercial buyers are "supposed" to have enough savvy to know if they need an inspector. Commercial realtors know almost any problem found by an inspector is expensive, ergo, they always discourage the buyer from inspections - they even discourage buyers from Phase I ESA's. Commercial realtors are flat out whores in a cut throat environment. I don't blame them - their competition is fierce. It takes a lot of time to get a commercial realtor to refer you and generally it is based on what they have learned about you from past dealings. If you gloss over issues, the realtors will love you (they still won't refer you) but your exposure for missed defects is VERY LARGE. Better make sure your insurance covers commercial - many policies do not.

Don't ever try to use the stupid Internachi Comsop or you'll be laughed out of town before you even get started.

Good luck!

William Chandler wrote:Study up on ASTM E2018 - buy a copy. Develop a relationship with the commercial trades in case you need them. Only do Level I surveys until you have developed a comfort factor then you can start to consider Level II work. Develop your inspection proforma/template before you go out - you'll be glad you did. You will also need to develop a Level I proposal/quote form to CYA.

Commercial realtors almost never refer an inspector. Commercial buyers are "supposed" to have enough savvy to know if they need an inspector. Commercial realtors know almost any problem found by an inspector is expensive, ergo, they always discourage the buyer from inspections - they even discourage buyers from Phase I ESA's. Commercial realtors are flat out whores in a cut throat environment. I don't blame them - their competition is fierce. It takes a lot of time to get a commercial realtor to refer you and generally it is based on what they have learned about you from past dealings. If you gloss over issues, the realtors will love you (they still won't refer you) but your exposure for missed defects is VERY LARGE. Better make sure your insurance covers commercial - many policies do not.

Don't ever try to use the stupid Internachi Comsop or you'll be laughed out of town before you even get started.

Good luck!

Best advice so far! Thank you William

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 03/03/2015 07:38 PM EST

Chad D wrote:

William Chandler wrote:Study up on ASTM E2018 - buy a copy. Develop a relationship with the commercial trades in case you need them. Only do Level I surveys until you have developed a comfort factor then you can start to consider Level II work. Develop your inspection proforma/template before you go out - you'll be glad you did. You will also need to develop a Level I proposal/quote form to CYA.

Commercial realtors almost never refer an inspector. Commercial buyers are "supposed" to have enough savvy to know if they need an inspector. Commercial realtors know almost any problem found by an inspector is expensive, ergo, they always discourage the buyer from inspections - they even discourage buyers from Phase I ESA's. Commercial realtors are flat out whores in a cut throat environment. I don't blame them - their competition is fierce. It takes a lot of time to get a commercial realtor to refer you and generally it is based on what they have learned about you from past dealings. If you gloss over issues, the realtors will love you (they still won't refer you) but your exposure for missed defects is VERY LARGE. Better make sure your insurance covers commercial - many policies do not.

Don't ever try to use the stupid Internachi Comsop or you'll be laughed out of town before you even get started.

Good luck!

Best advice so far! Thank you William

Late to this thread, but William's advice is spot on. Also poke around here: http://nacbi.org/ I'm a member, believe the benefits are strong, and the membership willing to assist with questions you may have.

About 50% of my commercial inspections (and this includes straight thermography) are from referrals, 40% from Google search, and 10% from commercial realtors. The inspections take a little longer than a home inspection (multiple days in some cases), but the financial upside can be extremely lucrative.

Regarding insurance, I have Allen Insurance and commercial coverage is part of my overall policy. Good luck!