Commercial Property Inspections in Greater Vancouver

Commercial Building Inspection Trained - CDW Engineering

Buying, selling, leasing and managing a commercial property is a complex endeavor. The Property Condition Assessment (PCA) is probably the least understood, yet one of the most important components of the pre-purchase or pre-lease, due diligence process. The property inspector is generally the least expensive member of the team; yet they typically provide the greatest return on your investment.

The Standard for Property Condition Assessments

Paul Friesen is a licensed and experienced commercial building inspector and also offers PCA property condition assessments. Paul specializes in four-story or lower commercial buildings and warehouses. Whether it is an older wood frame construction, concrete tilt-up, cement block, or a custom structure Paul has the experience.

In August of 1999, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published a Standard E2018-99, which defined “good commercial and customary practice for conducting a baseline Property Condition Assessment (PCA).” This standard was specifically written for commercial real estate and largely intended for commercial real estate transactions. The Standard was updated in July of 2008 and renamed E2018-08.

What do you really know about the condition of the building? How many code compliance inspections are needed? Are your cost reserves for maintenance adequate? Are the balconies or fire doors in compliance? Are you properly assessing risks? When will the roof need replacement? Are there indoor air quality complaints? What maintenance expenses are you incurring?

The field of property condition assessment and facilities management is evolving. Simply knowing best construction practices is not enough.