Industrial Building Inspections
On an industrial building the important distinction is between the building and what happens inside it. The structure, envelope and base services are the asset you’re buying or lending against. The process equipment belongs to whoever operates there, is usually specialised, and sits outside a property inspection. Getting that line clear early saves a lot of argument later.
Inspections are led by Collin Nowak, CCPIA Certified Commercial Property Inspector (#3223) and TREC-licensed Professional Inspector (#20772), serving commercial clients across Texas since 2013.
Structure and long spans
Industrial buildings tend toward long clear spans and tall bays, often in tilt-wall, metal building or precast systems. We document visible structural condition: panel and joint condition in tilt-wall, corrosion and connection condition in metal framing, evidence of movement or distress, and the condition of the roof structure where it’s visible from inside.
Impact damage is worth its own mention. Forklift and vehicle strikes on columns, wall panels and door jambs are extremely common and range from cosmetic to structurally relevant. They get reported rather than dismissed as wear.
The slab is a working surface
Industrial slabs carry heavy static loads and continuous traffic. We document visible cracking, joint condition and spalling, surface deterioration, chemical staining or attack, and evidence of differential movement. Documented elevation readings across the slab can be added where movement is a concern or where an incoming tenant plans equipment with flatness requirements.
Electrical service capacity
On industrial property this is frequently the item that decides whether a deal works. The incoming service, three-phase availability, panel and distribution condition, and visible evidence of capacity being at or near its limit are all documented, along with the state of any modifications made by previous occupants — which on an industrial building can be extensive and improvised.
Thermal imaging is included, and an industrial electrical room is where it consistently earns its keep. Overheating connections at panels and disconnects show as hot spots long before anything trips or fails.
Roof, envelope and drainage
Large low-slope roofs where drainage matters more than almost anything else: internal drains and scuppers, ponding, seam and flashing condition, and penetrations serving exhaust or process equipment. Metal roofs get attention at fasteners, panel laps and ridge and eave details. Where a roof can’t be safely walked, it’s flown under an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Ventilation, exhaust and building services
Much of an industrial building may be unconditioned, with conditioned office space attached. We assess the HVAC serving whichever areas are conditioned, plus general and process-related ventilation and exhaust as observable, plumbing supply and waste, compressed air distribution where present, and lighting. Overhead doors, dock equipment and man-doors are inspected and operated where safe to do so.
Where environmental risk overlaps
This is the building type where a condition assessment most often needs an environmental assessment beside it. Chemical storage areas, floor drains and oil-water separators, staining, and evidence of past spills are observed and reported as condition items, and their presence is a strong signal that a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment belongs in your due diligence.
To be unambiguous: a Phase I ESA is a different discipline performed by environmental professionals. We do not perform one, and a property inspection is not a substitute for it. Lenders on industrial property frequently require both.
What sits outside the scope
Process and tenant-owned equipment, cranes and hoists, racking systems, fire alarm and suppression certification, elevators, environmental assessment, code compliance certification and ADA audits are all separate exercises requiring different qualifications and licensing. The inspection is visual and non-invasive throughout. Detail is on our commercial inspection FAQ.
Who orders an industrial inspection
Buyers and investors, lenders as a financing condition, tenants taking industrial space — especially on a triple-net lease where roof and slab become your problem — and owners planning capital works or preparing to sell.
Scope is agreed per property before work starts, with fee and delivery date stated in the proposal. The process is on our commercial inspections page, with scope detail on commercial inspection services.