Commercial Property Inspection Checklist

Template Library > Property Inspections > Commercial Building Inspection Checklist

Identify issues and ensure maintenance and optimal property condition using our free commercial building inspection checklists. Pick a commercial building inspection template from our library and customize it to your requirements. Available for free in PDF or in-app.

Perform Faster Audits With Commercial Building Inspection Checklist Templates

A commercial building inspection checklist lets you thoroughly evaluate, record, and report the condition of a commercial facility. It is divided into various sections such as exterior, interior, utilities, safety and security, etc., to ensure you don’t miss out on any important information.

Using a commercial building inspection form offers the following benefits:

Enhanced safety and security for the occupants/workers
Efficient corrective and preventive maintenance
Ensured compliance with building codes and regulations

With the GoAudits Property Inspection App, you can:

General

Fire Protection Systems

Emergency Management

Interior Environment

Exterior Environment

Plant & Equipment

Other Hazards

Safety

Effective

Caring

Responsive

Smart inspection app for your digital checklists

What is a Commercial Building Inspection Checklist?

A checklist for commercial building inspection is an itemized list that an inspector uses to assess the condition of a commercial property. It covers various aspects – safety, structural elements, facilities, etc. – to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and compliance issues.

Importance of a Commercial Real Estate Inspection Checklist

Commercial real estate checklists provide a structured framework to evaluate a property’s condition thoroughly. With each item enlisted, they reduce the risk of missing out on any important detail. Furthermore, checklists help inspectors save time by avoiding the pitfalls of unstructured inspections.

Using a checklist for commercial building inspection assists in identifying repairs and maintenance tasks. This ensures critical problems are addressed promptly, withholding the upkeep of the facility and solidifying the safety of the workers.

Furthermore, inspectors can use it to verify if buildings comply with safety regulations and industry standards, mitigating potential risks and liabilities for their clients.

👉 Learn More: How Woodside Homes leverages digital checklists to streamline building inspections.

Use Cases of the Commercial Property Inspection Checklist Template

The commercial inspection checklist template can be used to conduct different types of inspections:

Routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and address them promptly.
Lease evaluations to document the property’s condition and identify the tenant’s responsibilities.
Regulatory inspections to ensure the commercial property adheres to the building code regulations.

What to Include in a Commercial Property Inspection Checklist

The exact items included in a commercial property inspection checklist form depend on the type of building and inspection. However, here’s what a general commercial property inspection template includes:

Building and Inspection Details

The first section of the commercial building inspection checklist template has questions about building details. It comprises the address of the building, the date and time of inspection, and the name of the inspector and the agency they work for.

Exterior

This section of the commercial building assessment checklist consists of external elements of a commercial complex.

Roof: Identify leaks, damages, or drainage issues. This includes checking for punctures, loose shingles or tiles, and ensuring proper functioning of gutters and downspouts.
Doors and Windows: Inspect doors and windows for sealing to prevent drafts, moisture infiltration, and energy loss. Security measures such as locks and hinges should also be evaluated.
Facade and Cladding: The exterior walls and cladding should be inspected for signs of wear, deterioration, or cracks. Check for loose or damaged materials, paint peeling, and structural instability.
Parking Area: Assess pavement conditions, including cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces. Drainage systems should be inspected to ensure proper water flow and prevent flooding.
Landscaping: This includes inspecting lawns, gardens, and outdoor seating areas, and ensuring proper maintenance of plants and trees.
Exterior Lighting: Functional and adequate exterior lighting is crucial for safety and security, especially at night. Thus, check the condition of fixtures, and bulbs, ensuring proper illumination of walkways, parking areas, and entrances.

Interior

The interior inspection of a commercial complex involves thoroughly evaluating various elements to ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Inspect the flooring for wear, damage, uneven surfaces, or signs of water damage. This includes checking for loose tiles, peeling laminate, or damaged hardwood. Examine walls and ceilings for cracks, stains, peeling paint, or structural issues. Pay attention to areas that may indicate water leaks or mold growth.

Assess the lighting system for functionality, adequacy, and energy efficiency. Check for faulty fixtures, flickering lights, or inadequate illumination in specific areas. Look for evidence of water leaks, such as damp spots, mold, or musty odors. Inspect plumbing fixtures, pipes, and drainage systems for any signs of leaks or corrosion.

Facilities

A commercial building has various facilities for the workers and ensuring their functionality is important.

Elevators and Escalators: Check their operation, safety features, and maintenance records. Ensure they are functioning properly and comply with safety regulations.
Restrooms: Inspect them for cleanliness, functionality, and accessibility. Verify the proper operation of plumbing fixtures, lighting, and ventilation systems.
Common Kitchen/Pantry/Canteen: Assess cleanliness, equipment, and functionality of shared kitchen or dining areas. Check for compliance with food safety regulations and proper maintenance of appliances.

👉 Use the GoAudits app to create and manage your own digital checklists

GoAudits makes it easy to improve your operational standards with customized checklists:

Create an account for free, choose from 100s of templates to customize.
Alternatively, build your own checklist with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
Or upload your current checklist in any format, and the GoAudits team will convert it for you at no cost within 24h.

Utilities and Systems

Sustaining a well-maintained commercial building includes a thorough evaluation of its utilities:

HVAC: Evaluate their performance, efficiency, and maintenance. Ensure they are providing adequate temperature control and air quality.
Plumbing: Inspect the plumbing system for leaks, clogs, and corrosion. Check pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems for proper functionality.
Electrical: Assess for safety and compliance with electrical codes. Check for signs of overloading, damage, or faulty wiring.
Emergency Power Systems: Verify the functionality and maintenance of emergency power systems, such as generators, to ensure they can provide backup power in case of outages.
Fire Safety Alarms: Check the operation and maintenance of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other fire detection systems.
Sprinkler Systems: Ensure they are in proper working condition and free of obstructions.
Extinguishers: Verify the availability and condition of fire extinguishers, ensuring they are properly installed, inspected, and maintained.

Safety and Security

Here’s what a commercial property manager checklist includes to assess the safety and security features:

Cameras: Check the operation, coverage, and maintenance of surveillance cameras. Ensure they provide adequate security and monitoring.
Alarms: Verify the functionality of alarm systems, including intrusion detection, fire alarms, and emergency systems.
Access Control Systems: Assess the effectiveness of access control systems, such as locks, keycards, or biometric scanners for authorized access only.
Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, and common areas to prevent accidents and deter crime.
Trip Hazards: Identify and address potential trip hazards, such as loose carpeting, uneven flooring, or obstacles.

Documentation and Compliance

This section of the commercial building compliance checklist has questions related to the documents to ensure adherence to the building codes and local regulations.

Building Permits: Verify the availability and compliance of building permits and approvals.
Lease Contracts: Review them for any specific maintenance or inspection requirements.
Maintenance Records: Check for up-to-date maintenance records for all equipment and systems.

Sign Offs

To conclude the inspection, the inspector should sign off on the completed commercial building walkthrough checklist, indicating that the inspection has been conducted thoroughly and all relevant areas have been assessed.

Additionally, any necessary repairs or maintenance recommendations should be listed in detail, along with their estimated costs and recommended timelines for completion.

👉 Explore our library of building inspection and facility management checklists.

How to Create a Commercial Property Inspection Report?

A commercial building inspection report is a detailed document outlining the condition of the building. After the inspection, document the findings with detailed notes, photos, and compliance recommendations.

For clarity purposes, divide the commercial property inspection report template as per the sections in the checklist. Format the report professionally, using clear and concise language, and review it carefully before signing.

Other Popular Property Inspection Checklists:

Digitize your Property inspections

Easily perform audits anywhere in the facility using a mobile device.
Attach photos to document issues or prove compliance
Assign tasks, set deadlines and track progress - all within a single app
Analyze data from audits to identify trends, pinpoint recurring issues, and assess compliance levels.

Commercial Property Inspection Checklist

Perform Faster Audits With Commercial Building Inspection Checklist Templates

1. Are auto doors and roller shutters in good working order?

2. Is the access control system in good working order?

3. Are all CCTV cameras in good working order?

1. Are portable fire extinguishers present?

2. Are cupboards where fire hose reels are stored clean and free from stored materials and rubbish?

3. Are fire doors present?

4. Are any devices in the fire alarm system isolated or faulty?

5. Is the fire sprinkler system operating at correct pressures?

6. Is Early Warning Intercommunication System (EWIS) in place?

7. Are emergency lighting & exit signs in good working order?

1. Is the emergency evacuation plan in place and clearly displayed in all areas?

2. Has a practice drill been carried out in the last twelve months?

3. Are all escape paths and emergency exits clearly marked?

1. Are all floors and surfaces in good condition?

2. Is the general presentation and overall hygiene satisfactory?

3. Are toilets regularly cleaned and stocked with supplies?

4. Are all vacant areas clean?

5. Are elevators clean, well-lit and are the emergency phones operational?

6. Are public facilities and common areas clean?

1. Are exterior walls and surfaces clean and in good condition?

2. Are paths and staircases clean and in good condition?

3. Are parking areas clean and tidy?

4. Are driveways free of trash and hazards?

5. Are landscaped areas well-presented and free of trash?

1. Are all restricted access areas locked?

2. Are the lifts and escalators serviced regularly?

3. Are the Building Maintenance Units (BMU's) serviced regularly?

4. Is the car park ventilation system working as expected?

5. Are the chillers in good working order?

6. Are the boilers and HWU in good working order?

7. Are all the pumps operational?

8. Are all plant rooms neat and tidy, free from debris and trip hazards?

9. Is the roof area free from debris and trip hazards?

1. Any other hazards noticed?

2. Any additional comments?

1. Systems, processes and practices keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse.

2. Safety and safeguarding systems, processes and practices are developed, implemented and communicated to staff.

3. People are protected from discrimination (any abuse or cause of psychological).

4. Safety is promoted in recruitment practice, arrangements in place to support staff, disciplinary procedures, and ongoing checks carried out.

5. Staff receive effective training in safety systems, processes and practices.

6. Staff understand their responsibilities and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures.

7. If arrangements for using bank, agency and locum are made, you ensure staff keep people safe at all times.

8. Comprehensive risk assessments are carried out for people who use services and risk management plans are developed in line with the national guidance.

9. Impact on safety is assessed and monitored when carrying out changes to the service or the staff.

10. Residents have individual care records present (including clinical data, written and managed).

11. All staff ensure the proper and safe use of medicines.

12. Medicines are appropriately prescribed, administered and supplied to residents.

13. Care home ensures that residents receive their medicines as intended and recorded appropriately.

14. Residents' medicines are regularly reviewed, including the use of ‘when required’ medicines.

15. Care home ensures that residents' behaviour is not controlled by excessive or inappropriate use of medicines.

1. Lessons are learned and improvements are made when things go wrong.

2. Technology and equipment is used to enhance the delivery of effective care and treatment and to support residents' independence.

3. Staff are aware of the MHA Code of Practice and the rights of residents are protected by the Mental Health Act 1983.

4. Information about the outcomes of residents' care and treatment are routinely collected and monitored.

5. Care home ensures that staff have the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and support.

6. Residents have their assessed needs, preferences and choices met by staff with the right skills and knowledge

7. Staff are encouraged and given opportunities to develop.

8. Poor or variable staff performance is identified and managed.

9. All staff, including those in different teams, services and organisations are involved in assessing, planning and delivering appropriate care and treatment.

10. Those residents who may need extra support are identified.

11. Residents are empowered and supported to manage their own health, care and wellbeing and to maximise their independence.

12. Consent to care and treatment is always sought in line with legislation and guidance.

13. Staff understand the relevant consent and decision making requirements of legislation and guidance (including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Children’s Acts 1989/2004).

14. The process for seeking consent is monitored and reviewed to ensure it meets legal requirements and follows relevant national guidance.

1. Care home ensures that people are treated with kindness, respect, and compassion and that they are given emotional support when needed.

2. Staff understand and respect the personal, cultural, social and religious needs of people and how these may relate to care needs.

3. Staff take the time to interact with people who use the service and those close to them in a respectful and considerate manner.

4. Staff show an encouraging, sensitive and supportive attitude to people who use services and those close to them.

5. Staff raise concerns about disrespectful, discriminatory or abusive behaviour or attitudes.

6. Residents are given appropriate and timely support and information to cope emotionally with their care, treatment or condition.

7. Residents are empowered and supported, to use and link with support networks and advocacy, so that it will have a positive impact on their health, care and wellbeing.

8. Residents' privacy, dignity and independence is respected and promoted.

9. Care home and staff make sure that people’s privacy and dignity needs are understood and always respected.

10. Saff respond in a compassionate, timely and appropriate way when people experience physical pain, discomfort or emotional distress.

11. Residents are assured that information about them is treated confidentially in a way that complies with the Data Protection Act.

1. Residents receive personalised care that is responsive to their needs.

2. Facilities and premises are appropriate for the services that are delivered.

3. Care home identifies and meets the information and communication needs of people with a disability or sensory loss.