Matt Fletcher is an experienced commercial building inspector in Macomb County. Contact Matt at 313-510-0284.

Purchasing or investing in commercial property is a major financial decision. Whether you are considering an office building, warehouse, apartment building, retail property, or mixed-use building, a professional commercial property inspection can help you understand the condition of the building before you complete the transaction.

As an experienced commercial building inspector serving Macomb County, Michigan, I evaluate the visible and accessible major systems and components of commercial properties. The purpose of the inspection is to identify significant deficiencies, safety concerns, deferred maintenance, aging systems, and conditions that could result in substantial expenses after the property changes hands.

Commercial buildings can represent investments worth hundreds of thousands—or millions—of dollars. Spending a relatively small amount on a professional inspection can provide valuable information for making a better-informed real estate decision.

Commercial Property Inspections in Macomb County

Macomb County has an enormous variety of commercial construction. Properties range from older buildings in communities such as Mount Clemens, Roseville, Eastpointe and Warren to large industrial and commercial developments in Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Chesterfield Township and Macomb Township.

The age and construction of these properties can vary considerably. An older commercial building may have aging electrical equipment, plumbing, roofing, HVAC systems and structural components. Newer buildings can also have defects, deferred maintenance or improperly installed components.

A professional Macomb County commercial property inspection can help identify these concerns before they become your responsibility.

Office Building Inspections

Office buildings contain numerous systems that should be evaluated before purchasing the property. Depending on the building, an inspection may include the roof, exterior walls, windows and doors, parking areas, electrical equipment, plumbing, HVAC systems, interior finishes and structural components.

Heating and cooling systems are particularly important in office buildings. A property containing several rooftop HVAC units can face substantial replacement costs as those units reach the end of their useful lives.

The inspection can help you identify these aging components so you can better anticipate future capital expenses.

Warehouse and Industrial Building Inspections

Warehouses and light-industrial properties have their own inspection concerns.

A warehouse inspection in Macomb County may include evaluation of the roof system, structural components, exterior walls, loading areas, overhead doors, electrical service, heating equipment, plumbing, parking lots and other visible and accessible components.

Large flat and low-slope roofs deserve particular attention. Roof replacement on a large commercial building can represent a significant capital expense. Signs of deterioration, previous repairs, ponding water, damaged flashing and active or previous leakage should be identified whenever visible.

Warehouse floors, structural framing, electrical distribution equipment and evidence of water intrusion are also important parts of the inspection.

Apartment Building Inspections

Purchasing an apartment building is different from purchasing a single-family home. An apartment building is both real estate and an income-producing business, and unexpected repairs can have a significant effect on cash flow.

An apartment building inspection in Macomb County can include representative or accessible dwelling units, common areas, roofing, exterior components, electrical systems, plumbing, heating equipment, foundations, basements, crawlspaces, stairs, balconies and other accessible building components.

Deferred maintenance is particularly important when evaluating multifamily properties. A building may appear profitable until the buyer discovers that the roof, boilers, parking lot, balconies or other major components require substantial repairs.

Identifying these conditions before purchasing the property can help an investor better understand the true cost of the investment.

Commercial Roof Inspections

Commercial roofs are one of the most expensive components of many buildings.

Macomb County commercial properties commonly have flat or low-slope roofing systems. During an inspection, accessible roof surfaces can be evaluated for visible deterioration, drainage problems, damaged flashing, previous repairs and evidence of leakage.

The age and apparent condition of the roof should be considered when planning future maintenance and capital improvements.

Commercial HVAC Systems

Commercial heating and cooling equipment can be considerably more expensive than residential HVAC equipment.

Office buildings and retail properties may have multiple rooftop units, while warehouses may use suspended unit heaters or other commercial heating systems. Larger apartment buildings may have boilers or multiple individual heating systems.

Identifying older or deteriorated HVAC equipment can be extremely important because replacing several commercial units at the same time can represent a substantial expense.

Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Commercial electrical systems can include large electrical services, multiple distribution panels, three-phase equipment and other components not normally encountered in residential properties.

Visible and accessible electrical equipment is evaluated for conditions that may require repair, maintenance or further evaluation by a qualified electrical contractor.

Plumbing systems are also inspected for visible leakage, deterioration and other deficiencies. Depending on the property, this can include water heaters, boilers, supply piping, drain piping, plumbing fixtures and other accessible components.

Parking Lots and Exterior Property Conditions

The inspection shouldn’t stop at the building walls.

Commercial properties often include substantial asphalt or concrete parking areas, sidewalks, curbs, exterior lighting, drainage systems and other site improvements.

A deteriorated parking lot can become a significant expense. Cracking, potholes, failed pavement, drainage problems and damaged curbs can all add to the cost of owning the property.

Exterior stairs, ramps, railings and accessible parking areas may also warrant additional evaluation.

Property Condition Assessments

For certain commercial transactions, a buyer, lender or investor may want a more formal Property Condition Assessment (PCA).

A PCA can provide a broader picture of the physical condition of a commercial property and help identify significant deferred maintenance and potential capital expenditures.

Depending on the client’s needs and agreed scope of work, estimated repair or replacement costs may also be developed for significant deficiencies. This information can be particularly useful when evaluating the financial viability of a commercial real estate investment.

Commercial Building Repair Cost Estimates

Finding a problem is important, but investors frequently need to know something else:

How much could it cost to repair?

When included within the agreed scope of the commercial inspection or property condition assessment, probable repair or replacement costs for significant deficiencies can help buyers understand the financial implications of the inspection findings.

A building requiring a new roof, several HVAC units, parking-lot rehabilitation and electrical repairs may still be a good investment—but the buyer should understand those potential expenses before closing.

Experienced Macomb County Commercial Building Inspector

Experience matters when inspecting commercial property.

With decades of experience inspecting buildings, a background in construction education, builder experience and extensive real estate investing experience, I approach commercial inspections from both a building-condition and property-investment perspective.

The objective isn’t simply to produce a long list of cosmetic defects. The priority is identifying conditions that could affect the building’s safety, functionality, maintenance requirements and potential repair costs.

Commercial Inspections Throughout Macomb County

Commercial building inspection services are available throughout Macomb County, including:

Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, Mount Clemens, Roseville, Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, Fraser, Center Line, Utica, Harrison Township, Chesterfield Township and surrounding communities.

Whether you are purchasing a small office building, a large warehouse, an apartment complex or another commercial investment property, a thorough inspection can help you make a more informed decision.

Schedule a Macomb County Commercial Building Inspection

Before purchasing commercial real estate, find out as much as possible about the physical condition of the property.

A professional Macomb County commercial building inspection can help identify aging roofs, HVAC equipment, electrical and plumbing concerns, structural problems, water intrusion, deteriorated parking areas, deferred maintenance and other potentially expensive conditions.

Schedule your commercial property inspection or Property Condition Assessment today. Contact Matt at 313-510-0284.

Office Buildings • Warehouses • Apartment Buildings • Retail Properties • Mixed-Use Buildings • Commercial Investment Properties