Our Commercial
Inspection Services
Commercial inspections at 1st Edge Inspections are tailored to the specific needs of the client, the property, and the transaction. Unlike residential inspections, commercial inspections are scope-driven, meaning the inspection focus, depth, and deliverables are defined upfront based on how the property will be used and evaluated.
Inspections may be performed for property acquisition, lease considerations, or ongoing ownership and maintenance planning.
Core Commercial Inspection Services
Each commercial inspection is customized, but may include evaluation of the following systems and components, based on the agreed-upon scope of work:
Building Systems & Components
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Structural components and building envelope
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Roof systems and drainage
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Exterior walls, doors, windows, and site conditions
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Interior spaces and finishes
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Electrical systems
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Plumbing systems
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Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems (HVAC)
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Fire and life-safety observations (visual, non-invasive)
Additional Resources & Specialized Evaluations
When conditions, concerns, or client objectives warrant further evaluation, additional qualified professionals may be recommended or engaged as part of the inspection process. This may include licensed engineers, trade specialists, or other service professionals to assist in determining, researching, or evaluating specific conditions beyond the scope of a visual inspection.
All additional evaluations are coordinated based on client needs and agreed-upon scope, helping ensure the right level of expertise is applied without unnecessary expense or duplication.
Core Inspection Services
Comprehensive inspection services designed to support commercial real estate transactions, property ownership, and long-term asset planning.
Commercial Property Inspections
Buying a Building?
Purchasing a commercial property is a significant investment. Before closing, it's important to understand the property's condition, identify deferred maintenance, and recognize potential repair concerns. A commercial inspection provides the information needed to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Property Condition Assessments
Managing a property requires more than responding to problems as they occur. A property condition assessment identifies developing concerns and deferred maintenance, helping owners and managers prioritize repairs, develop long-term maintenance strategies, and plan for future capital improvements.
Managing a Property, Condo, or HOA?
Specialized Inspection Services
Advanced inspection methods and technologies used to evaluate specific building systems and areas that require additional investigation.
Need a Better View?
Arial & Elevated Access Inspections
Some building components simply can't be evaluated effectively from the ground. Depending on the property and inspection objectives, inspections may be performed from the roof, using a drone, or with elevated access equipment to safely document conditions in areas that would otherwise be difficult or impractical to inspect.
Drone technology isn't limited to exterior inspections. When conditions allow, drones can also provide access to large interior spaces, capturing detailed imagery in areas where ladders, lifts, or scaffolding may not be practical. Every property is different, and the inspection approach is selected based on the building, the inspection objectives, and safety considerations.
Sewer & Drain Line Inspections
Understanding the condition of underground sewer and drain lines can help you make informed decisions long before problems arise. Camera inspections identify pipe materials, document existing conditions, locate defects or blockages, and provide valuable information for maintenance planning, future repairs, and property transactions.
Need an
Underground View?
Seeing the Whole Picture?
Thermal Imaging (Infrared)
Some building conditions can't be identified through a visual inspection alone. Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to help locate temperature anomalies associated with moisture intrusion, missing insulation, air leakage, electrical concerns, and other hidden conditions, providing additional information for evaluating a property's condition.
Our Commercial Service Area
1st Edge Inspections is based in Des Moines, Iowa, and provides commercial property inspection services throughout Iowa and surrounding states, depending on project needs and applicable licensing requirements.
Whether your project involves a retail building, office, industrial facility, apartment complex, church, or other commercial property, we're happy to discuss your inspection needs and determine the best approach for your location.