Certified Master Inspector·CCPIA Commercial Property Inspector·Phase I Environmental

Based in Clermont, Florida. We travel to where the work is.

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For Commercial Buyers

Inspect A Commercial Building Before You Buy

A commercial building can hide major repairs behind a fresh coat of paint. A written inspection before you close shows you what you are really buying, so you can negotiate with facts.

Why it matters

Where The Big Costs Hide

The listing shows the square footage and the rent. It does not show the age of the roof, the condition of the air conditioning equipment, or whether the parking lot drains. In Florida, those are often the largest items on a commercial building, and they are rarely cheap.

Our inspection is visual and non-invasive. We look at what can be seen and reached safely, explain what we find in plain language, and tell you what needs attention first.

  • Roof age, coverings, flashing and drainage
  • Air conditioning equipment age and condition
  • Electrical service and panels
  • Plumbing, water heating and visible leaks
  • Parking lot, walkways and site drainage
  • Exterior walls, windows and doors

The process

From Contract To Closing

  1. 1Get The DocumentsAsk the seller for roof, air conditioning, permit and prior inspection records as soon as you are under contract.
  2. 2Choose A LevelMatch the inspection to your decision. Lenders and investors usually want Level 3.
  3. 3Order EarlyInspections take scheduling and report time. Your contract sets the deadline, so start the day you sign.
  4. 4Read The ReportWe explain what each finding means and which items are urgent, so you can weigh them.
  5. 5DecideNegotiate a price or repair credit, accept the building as it is, or decide not to proceed, as your contract allows.

Your purchase contract sets how long you have to inspect, and the terms are different for every deal. Ask your attorney or broker for your deadline, then tell us on the first call so we can plan around it.

Choosing your inspection

Which Level Fits A Buyer?

Level 1 (CPIR)

A basic four-point look at the roof, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning. A fast check on a simple building, or a first look before you decide to go further.

Level 2 (CPA)

A full building inspection with a written defect narrative, fire and life safety components and basic accessibility observations. A solid choice for owner-users and cash buyers.

Level 3 (PCA)

Level 2 plus document review, interviews and a 12-year opinion of probable cost, in general accordance with ASTM E2018-24. What lenders and investors usually ask for.

See the full details on our Services page. Or see what is in each report.

Get ahead of it

What To Ask The Seller For

Roof warranty and repair records
Air conditioning service and maintenance records
Certificate of occupancy and permits
Plans, as-builts and prior inspection reports
Fire alarm, sprinkler and extinguisher inspection tags
Elevator certificate, if the building has one
Utility bills for the past year
List of known repairs and open issues

Send us whatever you receive. Records help us understand the building, and gaps in them are worth knowing about too.

Add to your inspection

Questions Beyond The Building

Tell us about the property and we will recommend which of these make sense for it. See the buildings we inspect.

Common questions

Buyer Questions

When should I order the inspection?

As soon as the contract is signed, or sooner if the seller allows access. Scheduling and report time come out of your inspection period, so waiting costs you room to negotiate.

Do I need a PCA if I am paying cash?

No lender is requiring it, so the choice is yours. Level 2 is usually the right fit, with a full-building look. If you plan to refinance or sell later, a Level 3 report gives you a baseline.

Can I be there?

Yes. You are welcome to attend, and it is a good way to see the building with someone who explains what you are looking at.

What if the building is occupied?

We coordinate with the seller or property manager for access to tenant spaces. Areas we cannot reach are noted in the report, so you know what was not seen.

Will the report help me negotiate?

Buyers often use it to ask for a price reduction, a repair credit or repairs before closing. The report documents the conditions, and your attorney or broker handles the negotiation.

Does the inspection tell me what the building is worth?

No. We report on condition. Value is a question for an appraiser, and legal questions are for your attorney.

Buying A Building?

Tell us about the property and your deadline. We will call you to confirm scope, then send a fixed-fee written proposal.

Four Corners Inspection Services · info@fcisfl.com · (352) 272-1322

Commercial inspections performed in accordance with the CCPIA ComSOP. PCAs in general accordance with ASTM E2018-24.