The basics are there, but you wouldn’t build a skyscraper on a house foundation.

Sure, a few very small commercial jobs are basically home inspections. The condo office complex would be an example. As size and complexity change, home inspection training isn’t sufficient to do the job.

The roof is usually the single most expensive component. It may be a built-up roof (BUR) aka the hot tar and gravel system, a metal panel roof system, a two-ply modified bitumen torch down rubber roof system, a single ply membrane (TPO, EPDM, or PVC system), or a spray polyurethane foam-based system. Inspectors do not learn how to properly inspect these systems by inspecting residential roofs. The only professional training and certification for commercial roofing that I am aware of is the HAAG Engineering certification. A to Z Inspections has this certification.

Chillers, fire suppression systems, structural steel/I-beams, huge electrical panels, cranes, walk-in freezers, well and septic, large swimming pools, elevators—these areas are not part of the standard experience or training for home inspectors. There is a vast difference in knowledge, experience, and education needed to properly perform a commercial property inspection. All inspectors hired by A to Z have the four-hour on-line “Commercial Inspector Certification” from InterNACHI, but that is wholly insufficient for serious commercial inspections.

A to Z Inspections as a serious, competent commercial property inspection company brings to the job:
Property Condition Assessment (ASTM-E2018) certification
HAAG Engineering certification for commercial roofing
Construction Degree from OSU
EPA Certification in Waste Water Treatment Systems
Thermography Certification
Experience

A to Z has inspected office buildings, shopping centers, apartment
complexes, refrigerated warehouses, mini-storage facilities, build-outs, car dealerships, metal bus barns, manufacturing plants, distributions centers, and multi-story hotels.

Look for these three things when securing a commercial inspection:
Credentials – Certifications, training, degrees
Experience with commercial inspections
Ability and willingness to bring in experts – elevator company, commercial electrician, large generator technician, commercial roofer, fire suppression systems company, plumber

Yes, there is a reason A to Z has been picked up in a client’s private airplane and flown to New Mexico to perform an inspection. It is the same reason that we have been hired multiple times by law firms as expert witnesses, that the Oklahoma Department of Commerce hired us to inspect properties all over the state, and the National Association of Home Builders designated me as one of twelve Master Instructors in the nation: A continual commitment to providing the most thorough property (commercial or residential) inspection available by being a learning and teaching company.

WE HAVE SOME BAD REVIEWS—but not one from a customer. We probably have a hundred RAVE reviews, but there are five or six out there from disgruntled real estate agents or home sellers that say we are too picky, are deal busters, and take too long. There are two reviews from dishonest home owners who were intentionally trying to hide things.

Let me answer the question, “Where’s the beef?” Three answers:

Please, go on line to the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network (www.oscn.net) and look up A to Z Inspections or Jack Werner under civil lawsuits AND LOOK UP ANY OTHER COMPANY YOU ARE CONSIDERING. We are slower, we are more expensive—there is a reason we have never been sued. WE ARE THOROUGH. If we ever miss something or break something, we stand up. My biggest competitor is at least 25% cheaper. If you look up that company you will see six lawsuits have been filed over their inspections. THERE IS A REASON.
Always call your state home builders association (OSHBA) and ask, “What inspection company is the most professional, the most thorough?”
As Barry Stone, www.housedetective.com, syndicated columnist, has said dozens of times: You want the inspector with a reputation of being “too picky,” “deal buster,” “takes too long.” You want “the most thorough.”

THERE IS A REASON.