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Commercial Real Estate Blog

Expert Advice on Commercial Inspections

Capital Planning Across a CRE Portfolio: The Role of Cost-to-Cure Reports

Unlike traditional inspections that identify deficiencies without projecting future implications, a Cost-to-Cure analysis provides a 10-year financial forecast of anticipated repair and replacement costs. When paired with a Property Condition Assessment (PCA) and guided by ASTM E2018-24 standards, portfolio owners gain a data-backed roadmap for budgeting, risk mitigation, and strategic reinvestment.

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The Broker’s Guide to Cost-to-Cure Reports

Commercial real estate brokers juggle complex responsibilities: negotiating deals, aligning buyer and seller expectations, and ensuring due diligence is properly addressed. One tool that can significantly reduce friction and increase confidence in transactions is the Cost-to-Cure Report. These reports provide a clear, quantified roadmap of anticipated building expenses over the next decade. For brokers, this isn’t just a technical document; it’s a negotiation tool, a risk management strategy, and a way to add real value for clients.

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The Role of PCAs in Commercial Loan Underwriting

Commercial loan underwriting is one of the most complex steps in any real estate transaction. Lenders must weigh the financial health of the borrower against the physical condition of the collateral—the building itself. While financial statements, rent rolls, and market analyses are common parts of underwriting, the physical risk of the property is just as important. That’s where Property Condition Assessments (PCAs), guided by ASTM E2018 standards and performed by qualified commercial building inspectors, play a vital role.

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Why Home Inspectors Are Not Suited to Perform Commercial Building Inspections

Discover 15 reasons why home inspectors are not qualified to perform commercial building inspections. Learn the key differences between residential and commercial inspections, the importance of ASTM E2018-compliant Property Condition Assessments, and how professional commercial inspectors protect your investment through Cost-to-Cure reporting, ADA compliance evaluations, and risk management.

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Opinion of Cost Versus Contractor’s Quote - What’s Better?

Most of our commercial clients—88% to be exact—request an opinion of immediate repair costs alongside their inspection report. But 12% choose not to, often because they’re trying to save time, reduce the upfront fee, or believe they’ll “figure it out later.” While that might seem reasonable in the short term, it can be a costly oversight in the long run.

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What You Need to Know About Commercial Kitchens

While not every commercial building has a kitchen, for those that do—like restaurants, cafes, catering businesses, or commissaries—the condition of commercial kitchen appliances is critical. In fact, 10% of our clients specifically cite concern about commercial kitchen appliances when scheduling inspections. Why? Because even a minor malfunction in one appliance can create health hazards, disrupt operations, and cost thousands in lost revenue.

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What You Need to Know About Commercial Indoor Air Quality Issues

When 20% of our clients list indoor air quality (IAQ) as a top concern during commercial inspections, they’re tapping into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) components of a building’s livability and performance. Whether you're managing a healthcare facility, school, office complex, or retail center, the air your occupants breathe matters more than ever.

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What You Need to Know About Commercial Termite and Pest Issues

According to our internal scheduling form data, 27% of our commercial clients express concern about termites and pests—and for good reason. While they may not carry the upfront cost of an HVAC or roof failure, pest infestations can cause major structural damage, health hazards, and reputation issues that directly affect your investment.

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What You Need to Know About Commercial ADA Issues

Only 32% (not nearly enough) of our clients tell us they’re concerned about ADA compliance during a commercial property inspection, they’re thinking ahead—and protecting themselves. ADA violations don’t just create barriers for visitors or tenants—they can result in lawsuits, fines, failed leases, and major renovation expenses.

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What You Need to Know About Commercial Building Fire Suppression Issues

According to our scheduling form data, 41% of our clients express concern about fire suppression systems when booking commercial property inspections. These systems may not be front-of-mind for everyone, but they’re absolutely essential—both for life safety and for meeting legal and insurance requirements.

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