Commercial Inspections

Recon Inspections delivers licensed commercial property inspection and home inspection services throughout South Bend, IN, and surrounding areas.

Commercial Inspection Process

Recon Inspections team of Certified Master Inspectors provide professional commercial property inspections performed in accordance with the Commercial Standards of Practice (ComSOP®) developed by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA). Our process is structured, methodical, and designed to provide clients with clear insight into a property’s observable condition at the time of inspection.

Commercial inspections are visual, non-invasive, and limited to readily accessible systems and components, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Have questions about a property, inspection scope, or applicable standards? Contact us to speak directly with an inspector to determine the appropriate inspection approach.

Phase 1

Pre-Inspection Planning & Scope Definition

Before the inspection takes place, we work with the client to define:
● Property type and use
● Approximate size and age
● Access limitations
● Utilities status
● Requested scope additions or exclusions

This phase ensures expectations are clear and the inspection is properly aligned with the building and client objectives.

Phase 2

On-Site Inspection (ComSOP Aligned)

The on-site inspection focuses on observable conditions of major systems and components, including:
● Roof systems
● Exterior components
● Visible structural elements
● Electrical systems
● Plumbing systems
● HVAC systems
● Interior components
● Limited life-safety observations

Inspections are performed without dismantling, damaging, or altering systems or finishes.

Phase 3

Documentation & Reporting

Following the inspection, findings are compiled into a clear, professional report, which typically includes:
● System-by-system observations
● Photo documentation
● Identified visible deficiencies
● Narrative explanations
● Summary of key concerns

Reports are intended to support due diligence and decision-making, not to serve as a code compliance or engineering evaluation.

What the Inspection IS:

● Visual
● Non-invasive
● Standards-based
● Objective and unbiased

What the Inspection IS NOT:

● A code compliance inspection
● A guarantee or warranty
● An engineering analysis
● A prediction of future performance

Types of Commercial Buildings Inspected

Commercial buildings vary widely in design, construction, and use. The inspection scope is tailored to the building type, accessibility, and agreed inspection parameters. Commercial inspections are visual, non-invasive, and limited to readily accessible systems and components present at the time of inspection. Contact us to speak directly with an inspector to determine the appropriate inspection approach.

Office Buildings

Includes single-tenant and multi-tenant office properties.

Common characteristics:
● Administrative and professional occupancy
● Shared building systems
● Interior tenant improvements

Retail & Strip Centers

Includes standalone retail buildings and multi-unit shopping centers.

Common characteristics:
● Storefront glazing systems
● Roof-mounted HVAC units
● Shared parking and exterior areas

Mixed-Use Buildings

Properties containing a combination of commercial and residential or office uses.

Common characteristics:
● Multiple system types
● Shared utilities
● Differing occupancy loads

Industrial & Light Manufacturing

Includes warehouses, distribution centers, and light manufacturing facilities.

Common characteristics:
● Large roof spans
● High-capacity electrical systems
● Specialized HVAC or ventilation

Multi-Family (Common Areas Only)

Includes apartment and condominium properties, limited to common areas unless otherwise agreed.

Common characteristics:
● Shared mechanical systems
● Life-safety components
● Exterior and structural elements

Small to Mid-Size Commercial Buildings

*Owner-occupied or investor-owned properties not falling into specialized categories.

Covered in Every Commercial Inspection:

Recon Inspections team of Certified Master Inspectors provide professional commercial property inspections performed in accordance with the Commercial Standards of Practice (ComSOP®) developed by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA). You can trust that we approach every property with honesty, professionalism, and attention to detail, while providing peace of mind and confidence.

Roof Systems

● Roof coverings
● Flashings
● Drainage components
● Roof penetrations
● Evidence of leakage or damage

Exterior Systems

● Wall cladding and finishes
● Doors and windows
● Walkways, stairs, and railings
● Site drainage (visual)
● Parking surfaces and curbing

Structural Components (Visible)

● Foundation walls (accessible areas)
● Floor structure
● Wall framing (where visible)
● Roof structure (where accessible)

Electrical Systems

● Service entrance and disconnects
● Main distribution panels
● Subpanels
● Visible branch wiring
● Representative outlets and lighting

Plumbing Systems

● Water supply piping (visible)
● Drain, waste, and vent piping (visible)
● Water heating equipment
● Fixtures in representative areas

HVAC Systems

● Heating equipment
● Cooling equipment
● Distribution systems
● Controls and thermostats
● Representative operation (weather permitting)

Interior Components

● Walls, ceilings, and floors
● Doors and windows
● Stairs and railings
● Evidence of moisture intrusion or damage

Life Safety Observations (Limited)

● Fire separation components (visual)
● Egress doors and pathways
● Stairways and handrails
● Visible fire-rated assemblies (non-invasive)

Additional Commercial Inspection Services:

radon-inspections

Radon Inspections

Radon is a cancer causing, radioactive gas that poses a serious risk in commercial properties. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without specialized testing equipment. Radon can enter commercial buildings through foundation cracks, slab joints, utility penetrations, and crawl spaces, where it can accumulate in lower levels and occupied work areas. According to the EPA, radon exposure is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Because radon is inhaled unknowingly over time, prolonged exposure in commercial environments can significantly increase health risks for employees, tenants, and visitors, making professional radon testing a critical part of responsible property ownership and management.

mold-inspections

Mold Inspections

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments and is commonly found in commercial properties where excess humidity, leaks, or poor ventilation are present. Mold spreads by releasing microscopic spores, often as small as a single cell, which can travel through HVAC systems and occupied spaces. While mold plays an important role outdoors by breaking down organic matter, indoor mold growth in commercial buildings should be avoided. Mold can develop inside wall cavities, above ceiling tiles, within ductwork, or in other hidden areas, creating potential health concerns and operational issues for employees, tenants, and visitors. Professional mold testing helps identify hidden growth before it becomes a costly or disruptive problem.

Recon Inspections provides professional inspection services within a 50-mile radius of South Bend, IN. Below is a list of the primary locations we most often service throughout Indiana:

South Bend, Michiana, Elkhart, Warsaw, Fort Wayne, Niles, and Edwardsburg

Have questions about a property, inspection scope, or inspection standards? Contact us to speak directly with an inspector to determine the appropriate inspection approach for your needs.

Commercial property inspections are performed in accordance with the CCPIA ComSOP® unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Residential inspections are performed in accordance with the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice. All inspections are visual and non-invasive.