What is the difference between an Industrial, Commercial and Multi-Family real estate inspection? The simplest way to approach this is to focus on what the inspector looks for when examining each type of inspection. This article focuses on the Industrial inspection.

Industrial real estate is generally defined as properties wherein companies engage largely or exclusively in either the distribution or the manufacture of products or both.

Currently in the greater Los Angeles area most Industrial Real Estate deals with very light manufacturing, if any. Based on my observation, compared to 20 – 30 years ago there is a lot less industrial manufacturing in and around Los Angeles. Most of the sites we inspect are being used primarily for warehousing and/or distribution.

Amongst most of the realtors we deal with there is a very distinct difference between Industrial real estate and Commercial real estate. The industrial agent is savvy as to the local regulations for what can and can’t be done on that particular site. Or, they are aware of things like whether or not a phase I environmental inspection and report will be required. That is why a good agent can save you a lot of time and money by steering you around the pot holes, so to speak.

Specifically, an Industrial Real Estate Inspection is an inspection that primarily deals with the major systems, namely: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and structure. We will go through the site thoroughly taking pictures and making notes. Ideally, we will have some time to review what we have found with our client before they leave the site. We strongly encourage our clients to be present at the time of the inspection so we can go through what we have found and answer any specific questions or concerns they may have.

Many of the sites we deal with are vacant at the time of the inspection. There is an advantage to this in that we can see pretty much everything and don’t have furniture, racks, equipment, stored items and the like in the way that obstruct our views. We are also better able to check the roll-up doors and see all the flooring, ceilings and walls. For this reason inspections done in unoccupied and vacant locations are usually less expensive, too.

Industrial sites are for the most part larger than commercial sites. The cost per square foot for the inspection is lower, too.

We have also been doing inspections of sites that are not changing hands but the current owner wants to know what areas of the site or building(s) need repair so that the systems and site last longer and cost them the least to maintain in the long run.

Call us TODAY and book your next inspection! We’ll help give you and your agent the information you need in order to evaluate the property and make an informed decision.

I hope this helps.

Bob Pace

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Bob Pace, Certified CREIA Inspector, General Contractor #461030
Commercial Real Estate Inspectors 800-931-2734
Go to our website at: www.commercialrealestateinspectors.com
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