A building inspection is critical in ensuring that a commercial building is safe and reliable. Hiring a reputable ensures that the stakeholders will have a thorough report on the property’s condition.
Building inspection engineers are the first line of defense against the multiple risks present in buildings due to unidentified defects in the structure. A building inspection can highlight the building’s actual condition and give a detailed estimate of both the repair and replacement costs required to resolve any issues. The report can also help stakeholders decide before investing in a building.
During an inspection, the engineer evaluates the structure’s components for any defects on the columns, beams, girders, and trusses that can affect the structure’s integrity. Engineers can also see if there are defects in the building, including water infiltration, cracked masonry wall, thermal bridges, and cracked foundations.
A licensed engineer can also inspect the commercial building to ensure it has the required fire safety routes and fire suppression systems in place. Commercial buildings must have fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems in compliance with New Jersey Administrative Code Title V, Chapter 70-76.
An inspection can also reveal any HVAC or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system issues. Inspecting the HVAC system is critical to creating a safe and healthy environment for the people using the building and ensuring that the system delivers air throughout the building. The inspection process involves a limited visual inspection of the air filters, condenser, and compressor to ensure that they are damage-free and debris-free.
New Jersey commercial buildings must follow New Jersey’s codes and regulations, including the National Electrical Code and the rules under the Energy Standard for Buildings Except for Low-Rise Residential Buildings or the ASHRAE 90.1. The 2019 edition of the ASHRAE 90.1 has several changes that set the stage for the future energy efficiency requirements in commercial buildings. It is even more important to look for a licensed , thanks to the changes.
For more information on the importance of building inspection engineers, see this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.
