Performing Routine Inspections
Real estate professionals are often involved in inspecting residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s for rental or sale, buyers and landlords alike rely on detailed inspections to determine the condition of a property and negotiate favorable terms of purchase or lease. Such routine inspections help to identify any existing defects or deficiencies, ensuring that the right decisions are made and the transaction is satisfactory for all parties.
However, inspection is more than a one-time event – it must be done routinely to ensure that the property is maintained in excellent condition over time. Performing routine inspections is extremely important in the real estate industry, and this article will discuss the reasons why as well as provide more detail on the process.
Why It’s Important
Though some buyers may opt to hire an inspector to provide a neutral assessment of the property, the responsibility of performing routine inspections lies primarily on the real estate professional. Such inspections should be conducted regularly to catch any unforeseen issues that may have resulted from normal wear and tear or environmental changes.
In addition to providing the buyer or tenant with peace of mind, routine inspections also benefit the seller or landlord. By ensuring that any potential or actual issues are addressed quickly, sellers or landlords can reduce the chance of being held liable for any damages that may have resulted. Furthermore, performing routine inspections can help to keep maintenance costs low, protect against potential lawsuits, and maintain the value of the property.
What’s Inspected?
The types of components that are inspected vary based on the type of property. For residential properties, inspectors typically look at the condition of all exterior and interior components, the state of all exterior and interior systems, and the level of energy efficiency of each item, among other factors.
For commercial and industrial properties, the inspecting party must pay close attention to all of the components that affect the building’s operation, such as its fire safety and security systems. In addition, they need to give careful consideration to the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as the structural elements of the building, in order to identify any potential problems.
Overall, real estate professionals must ensure that all safety, operational and decorative components are functioning properly and are in good condition for any given time. Doing this will reduce the chance of liability and maximize the value of the property.
When Are Inspections Performed?
Real estate professionals typically perform routine inspections every six months or between tenant changes. Doing this helps to ensure that the premises are always being monitored for any potential or existing issues.
Inspectors should also regularly check for any signs of illegal activities or unauthorized renovations, such as unauthorized changes to the electrical wiring or plumbing. They should also take note of any mold, rodents, or other forms of damage that may have become present over time.
Furthermore, they should inspect all of the equipment and appliances in the premises, such as HVAC units, lights, and appliances, to make sure they are in proper working order. This helps to protect the safety and security of the occupants, and ensures that all equipment is up to date in order to maintain the value of the property.
Finally, an inspector should also assess the grounds surrounding the premises and make sure it is free from debris and weeds. This will not only help the property look aesthetically pleasing, but it will also make it safer for occupants.
Tools and Techniques for Inspections
Real estate professionals use a variety of tools and techniques when performing routine inspections. Some of the most common tools used include:
- Infrared thermometers for detecting temperature changes or for pinpointing areas of damage,
- Moisture meters for testing moisture levels in different locations,
- Gas analyzers for testing ventilation and other gases in different locations,
- Atomizers which assist in identifying and treating areas of mold,
- Air vents to monitor the air quality of a given space,
- and conductive surface scanners to detect electrical issues.
Furthermore, it is essential to take photographs of the premises both before and after inspections. Doing this will provide evidence of any existing or emerging issues, as well as track the progression of any remedies that are employed in order to rectify them.
Performing routine inspections is a core responsibility of real estate professionals. Doing this helps to identify any potential issues that may have arisen over time, ensure that the premises is safe and secure for occupants, and maintain the value and function of the property.
Routine inspections are typically performed at least every six months and involve a variety of tools and techniques. This ensures that any existing issues are addressed quickly, and that all components of the building – both structural and operational – are functioning properly.
Real estate professionals who are diligent with routine inspections are more likely to foster trust with buyers and tenants, reduce the chance of liability, and maintain excellent overall condition of the property.
