Scams –  A little over a year ago A to Z Inspections was suddenly inundated with calls regarding ADA compliance. As I ask questions; I learned that each business had received a letter from an attorney basically saying: “this step, door, ramp, etc. is not compliant, hampered/distressed my client… if you will send me a check for $1500 and fix this issue, we will let it go.”

As I visited with different callers and businesses, I determined that it was one disabled person driving from place to place to find a problem so his attorney could mail a “demand” letter. I would call them crooks but today’s world might be more gracious. No one involved really cared about fixing a problem, it was simply a “professionally cloaked extortion”.

The steps to take if you get the letter:

Immediately call Brenda Penner Hoefer, pronounced “Hay-fur” with the Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns at 405-522-6701. When I called Brenda, she had seen the same scam. She will be helpful her e-mail is Brenda. hoefer@odc.ok.gov.

Who You Gonna Call?

General questions and concerns about ADA:

Brenda Penner Hoefer: Office of Disability Concerns 405-522-6701

Jack Werner, A to Z inspections, ICC Certified ADA Compliance Evaluator 405-406-1790

Buying or building

Visit with your architect first. They will know ADA requirements. If you are getting an existing building; you need an ADA Compliance Evaluator. That is ICC (International Code Council) certified. A to Z inspections is ICC certified 405-406-1790. Engineers and architects can also usually provide this service.

Simplicity

Government regulations are frequently a pain, but we have to comply. Please, you already have 98% of the cost of the work done after you comply with the requirements… go just a little further, do just a little more because you want to show appreciation and caring for everyone. Hire a disabled person, I suggest one in a wheelchair, to test drive your facility. Pay someone you know a couple of $100 to check out every publicly accessible area, room, hallway, pool, etc. (Don’t know anyone? Call me. One of my ADA inspectors is in a wheelchair.) Here are a few things we found that were compliant… but couldn’t be used:

• A bathroom door hung on the wrong side so a person in the wheelchair had to do double work to open the door and get inside.
• A disabled parking space in a downtown garage, nicely marked, good location, and plenty wide, could not be used because the overhead concrete support column blocked the wheelchair lift arm from working period
• A well-appointed luxury hotel had done everything right but when the wealthy wheelchair client tried to get in bed, he couldn’t! The hotel was very proud of its high end ultra thick mattress that to a person in a wheelchair, it was like having to climb into a monster truck.

We would kick ourselves if we spent thousands to be in compliance but really weren’t accessible.

The three main categories of commercial property inspections are environmental, systems, and structural. These examinations assess the property’s construction, plumbing, and HVAC systems and search for environmental risks, among other things.
Office, retail, industrial, and other commercial establishments all have different needs and possible problems. The type of property (office, retail, warehouse, etc.) can have a big impact on the checks and amount of detail that are necessary.
Commercial inspections come in a variety of forms, such as due diligence, baseline, and property condition evaluations.
A general building inspection is a thorough evaluation of the overall state of the property, taking into account the plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural systems.
A thorough analysis of the building’s foundation, walls, roof, any structural components, and overall structural soundness is known as a structural inspection.
Systems examinations verify the efficiency and operation of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Particular systems, such as elevators, fire suppression, or specialized equipment, were the focus of specific system examinations.
Environmental inspections check for contaminants such as mold, asbestos, lead paint, and other environmental risks.
Comprehensive inspections known as property condition assessments (PCAs) evaluate the overall state of the property, taking into account its systems, environmental factors, and structural integrity.
Before a property is leased or when a tenant takes on full responsibility for all operational costs under a triple net lease agreement, pre-lease and triple net lease inspections are conducted.
Partial inspections are focused analyses of a particular section or element of the structure. They concentrate on particular sections or systems of the home, like the electrical, HVAC, or roofing.
Inspections carried out during construction to verify adherence to plans and codes are known as construction draw inspections.
Take into account the property’s age, kind, intended use, and any existing issues when determining the required commercial inspections. According to Trust ETC guidelines, a comprehensive examination should include structural integrity, utilities (heating, ventilation, and plumbing), and possibly particular systems like fire suppression or elevators. To customize the scope of work to your unique requirements and financial constraints, speak with a qualified commercial inspector.
Get a thorough commercial property examination before you buy a property. To plan for all repairs, you want to find the hidden problems. To lower the possibility of expensive shocks after acquisition, buyers should be aware of the actual state of a property. Call 405-412-7861 to reach the most knowledgeable commercial inspector, A to Z Inspections.

…when you hire a commercial inspector!

Prior to buying a property, hiring a commercial property inspection can provide peace of mind by revealing hidden problems, reducing financial risk, and ensuring a successful investment. Information is crucial because it enables you to base your decisions on careful analysis.
By identifying potential problems early on, you can negotiate better terms and avoid costly shocks later on. Inspectors can see problems that aren’t readily apparent to the naked eye, such as structural difficulties, inefficient HVAC systems, roof damage, code infractions, and electrical or plumbing problems.
You can make sure that your investment lives up to your expectations and retains its worth over time by taking proactive measures to solve these issues. This all-inclusive strategy results in a more secure and fulfilling experience by saving money and improving the general enjoyment of property ownership. If you locate significant issues, a comprehensive inspection report gives you the ability to negotiate for repairs or a lower purchasing price.
Inspectors can help you plan for future capital expenditures by showing the remaining lifespan of critical components and systems. These insights enable you to make well-informed judgments on your investment strategy and assist you in creating a budget for future upkeep. In the end, proactive property ownership can result in higher equity and more stable finances over the long run.
A building inspection sometimes involves a review of fire safety, ADA compliance, and building safety conformance to avoid costly legal or regulatory issues later. The commercial inspection can reduce the likelihood that unexpected maintenance or operational issues will make buying a property pricier.
Early detection of such problems allows you to negotiate fixes or modifications before closing the sale, protecting your investment. You may better prepare for upcoming improvements and compliance by being aware of these variables, which will ultimately protect your financial interests.
Supports Financing and Insurance: Lenders and insurers may request an inspection report as part of their underwriting processes. Reports that are easy to read speed up the approval process. Furthermore, a thorough inspection can increase the property’s value and, ultimately, yield higher returns on investment by highlighting areas that need maintenance and improvement. Ultimately, investing in a comprehensive commercial inspection can save time and money because it is a preventive step.
Before buying, get a thorough business property inspection. Discover hidden issues to plan all fixes. Buyers should know a property’s condition to avoid pricey surprises. A to Z Inspections offers the best commercial inspections at 405-412-7861.

Hiring a Commercial Inspector

Hiring a commercial inspector can be an important step in acquiring or maintaining commercial property. A commercial inspector thoroughly assesses the property to ensure it meets legal and safety standards, and their findings can influence your decision-making. There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider with this service.
Pros
A commercial inspector has extensive knowledge and experience with commercial properties and specific regulations that apply to them. This expertise ensures that the inspection is thorough and accurate, potentially identifying issues that might be overlooked by a less experienced eye.
One benefit of hiring a commercial inspector is their ability to uncover potential problems that could affect the property’s value or safety, such as structural deficiencies, electrical hazards, plumbing problems, or compliance with building codes. Identifying these problems early can save costs and prevent future issues.
A detailed inspection report from a commercial inspector can provide leverage in negotiations. If issues are found, you can request repairs or negotiate a lower purchase price, which can protect your investment.
Engaging a professional inspector offers reassurance. Knowing that an expert has examined the property can alleviate concerns and allow you to proceed with confidence.
Cons
The services of a commercial inspector can be expensive. Depending on the size and complexity of the property, inspection costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, which might be prohibitive for some businesses.
Hiring a commercial inspector can add time to the acquisition process. Scheduling the inspection, allowing time for the inspector to conduct their assessment, and waiting for the final report can delay the transaction.
While a commercial inspection is valuable, relying solely on the inspector’s report without conducting your own due diligence can be risky. It’s essential to balance the inspector’s findings with your research and understanding of the property.
Hiring a commercial inspector offers advantages such as protection of your investment, reassurance, and ensuring the property meets legal and safety standards. However, it also involves costs, potential delays, and the need for additional research. Weighing these pros and cons will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your business goals and financial constraints.
Before buying, get a thorough business property inspection. Discover hidden issues to plan all fixes. Buyers should know a property’s condition to avoid pricey surprises. A to Z Inspections offers the best commercial inspections at 405-412-7861.

Hire a commercial inspector!

Thorough commercial property inspections reveal hidden problems. Examining the base, roof, walls, and framing for damage or instability is part of the commercial property inspection. The inspector will check the electrical panels, wiring, and lights. The inspector should also check the plumbing, including the water supply, drains, valves, and water heaters. It is important to test the state of the heating, cooling, ductwork, and system. Inside the building, they will check the floors, ceilings, walls, doors, and windows for damage or wear. The commercial inspectors will examine the building’s front, parking, sidewalks, grading, and drains.

Building structure includes foundation integrity, such as cracks and settling. Framing conditions, load-bearing walls, roof structure and coverings, and exterior walls and siding are critical items.

Electrical systems need to be checked, including the main service panels and subpanels, circuit breakers and wiring, outlets, lighting, and emergency lighting. Potential fire hazards are of high importance.

Inspect water supply lines and pressure, as well as other plumbing system components. Drainage and sewer systems can be high-ticket repair items, as well as water heaters/boilers and restroom fixtures and functionality.

Heating and cooling units have a long life but are expensive to replace, so the equipment’s age and maintenance condition are vital. Occasionally, it is the air ducts and ventilation that cause the problems. Understanding how the thermostat is zoned is important.

Fixing interior components can add up to a large repair bill. Ceilings, walls, and floors; doors and windows; and seals and locks may require repairs. If stairs, elevators, and handrails are incorrect or insulation is deteriorated, plan for expenses. Signs of water damage and mold need to be addressed.

Commercial property fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems need to be in excellent working order. Fire extinguishers, working emergency exits, and compliance with fire codes are important.

Inspect exterior elements like parking lots and driveways for cracks and drainage issues. Sidewalks and curbs may pose liability risks. Investing in landscaping and grading is necessary for leasing, selling, or renting.

Before purchasing a property, conduct a comprehensive commercial property inspection to uncover hidden issues and plan for repairs. Buyers should understand a property’s true condition and reduce the risk of costly surprises after purchase.

Before you purchase a property, have a comprehensive commercial property inspection. You want to uncover the hidden issues so you can plan for all repairs. Buyers should understand a property’s true condition and reduce the risk of costly surprises after purchase. Call A to Z Commercial Inspections for the most qualified commercial inspection at 405-412-7861.

1. Property Condition Assessment Certified — Stop here if inspector does not have PCA, you shouldn’t use them!
2. Thermal Imaging Certified
3. ICC Accessibility certified if building built before 1980
4. Lead & Asbestos certifications
5. Mold Certification
6. HAAG Engineering Certified for Commercial Roofs
7. 5 years in business
8. Completed 100 inspections
9. Member of InterNACHI or ASHI

In addition to the above checklist, A to Z Inspections also has the following:

• Degree in Construction
• FORTIFIED™ Construction Certified
• Energy Auditor Certified
• Approved Federal Contractor
• Septic Certification (occasionally needed on commercial inspections)
• 20 years in business
• Completed 1500 inspections
• Designated as Master Inspector
• Teach Commercial Inspection processes

Commercial property purchases are major commitments. Failure to secure the most thorough professional property inspection available is a failure to demand the due diligence we would normally exercise when purchasing a used car, selecting a physician, or considering an investment advisor.
A pre-listing/seller’s inspection by a tough inspector can make for smooth “sale-ing”!

The purchase of a home or commercial property is a huge investment of money and time. We want our property to perform to our hopes and expectations. We need and want to feel safety in our decision.

Many statements are made about property inspectors that you should evaluate. They usually fall into four categories:
“It’s new construction so you do not need an inspection” In our 18-plus years in business, we have found unfinished roofs, unfinished plumbing, incorrect and dangerous electrical writing, leaking shower pans…all in new construction. When will it be easier to get the work corrected? Before you close? Or after you have paid?
“You have a warranty so you don’t need an inspection.” Warranties can certainly be a benefit. Even the best warranties that we have seen, however, take a lot of time, never cover everything, and sometimes seem written not to cover items. As an aside, A to Z Inspections provides the best warranty for a home owner: We will buy the home back from you at what you paid for it if we miss anything that the standards of practice require. The only caveats are that you must live in the home, a real estate agent must be involved, and the warranty is good for 90 days.
“We’ve got an inspector that we always use.” Or “That company is a deal killer.” Be sure that you get an independent third party that is working only for your interest. As past president of our state professional association twice, I have certainly heard inspectors say that they work for the real estate agent because that is where they get their referrals. Nationally-known inspector Barry Stone, in his syndicated column, says that you should seek out the inspection company that is “too picky, a deal killer” and similar descriptors.
“There are other offers. You don’t want to blow the deal” If you let sales tactics stop you from performing due diligence, you will regret it later.