The Essential Commercial Property Inspection Checklist

When you’re performing a commercial inspection there are a lot of things to consider.

And because these site visits are imperative to ensuring your loan was a good investment, it’s important to be thorough.

Moreover, was this customer a good investment—and could you see your bank working with them again in the future?

Commercial inspections are essential to the bank's investment in the property. It is important that nothing is overlooked. Checking the same things each time gives you a true read on the overall picture of an investment’s health. Regardless of the frequency of your site visits.

Additionally, reviewing the same list every visit may help you identify a potentially issue that would put the loan—and your bank—in jeopardy. Whether you’re new to the business, or you’ve been in it a while and find your commercial site visits running on autopilot, we have something that can help keep anything from getting overlooked: A checklist.

Take your time in documenting the following during your next site visit. Always be sure to include digital pictures with timestamps, too, incase there are changes by the next visit.

Structure

Your inspection report should start with the basics. Is the building up to code? Does it present a liability?

Your inspection process should check the roof and foundation to make sure they are structurally sound. Note any cracks in the walls as well as wear and tear of the roof.

Signage & Compliance

Commercial Real Estate properties and office buildings typically have building safety codes they must remain compliant with. Are evacuation plans and emergency equipment easy to access, in good repair, and well marked?

Exterior Elements

Check and document the property's landscaping, elevation, curb appeal, parking and signage.

Does water drain away from the structure to avoid damage to the foundation? Does the landscaping look like it has been neglected? Are all posted signs readable? Is there enough parking for the number of customers and/or employees?

Windows

Windows can be a source for water damage, cold or warm air
escapes, and even break-ins. Check to make sure all windows are properly sealed.

If the windows can open, do they have working locks? Are they easy or difficult to open and close? Is the glass cracked?

Plumbing

Inspect all plumbing elements for leaks and damage. Pay special care to areas where pipes enter and exit the wall. All pipes should also be properly insulated and insulation should be dry.

Electrical & HVAC Systems

Electrical systems, if not installed properly, can be a source for fires. Ensure circuit boxes are up to code and that any new electrical work was completed by a licensed electrician. Check amps to make sure that all are working properly.

Collateral

Check to see that whatever collateral the business owner
used for the loan is still in their possession. Depending on the property, the
business owner may have used anything from their home to business inventory for collateral.

Retail Traffic

If the property is a retail establishment, make your site visit while the business is open for the day. Document whether the business is busy and if sales are being made. If the property is not up and running yet, take note of traffic to nearby establishments.

Neighborhood

Document any changes to the neighborhood. Have businesses
moved out? Are homes being built nearby? Is the neighborhood falling into disrepair or are nearby structures being maintained?

Competitors

Are there any nearby competitors to the business you loaned to? If so, are they too close? Document how many miles they are from the property. On additional inspections, check to see if any new competitors have opened up nearby. 

Why use a software tool to capture your property condition reports in real time on a mobile app?

The list is long, but a commercial property inspection is important to the overall health of your bank’s loan department. That being said, keeping track of it all doesn't have to be hard. An app like Layer can help you to simplify the property management process.

Ditch the clipboard and instantly capture field data, write notes, attach time-stamped photos, and upload files like lease agreements and floor plans for reference onsite.