What is a General Building and Site Inspection? #

A General Building and Site Inspection is the baseline level of due diligence for industrial and commercial properties. It provides an overview of the building’s overall condition, structural integrity, and site infrastructure. This inspection is designed to identify visible defects and potential maintenance concerns that may affect the property’s long-term performance or safety.

What does the inspection include? #

Our General Building and Site Inspection includes a visual assessment of:

• Exterior building envelope (walls, foundation, siding, and roofing from ground level)
• Interior areas for general condition observations
• Site grading and drainage to evaluate water management around the building
• Parking areas, walkways, and pavement conditions
• Accessible utility systems such as visible plumbing, electrical, and mechanical components
• General safety and accessibility observations

This inspection provides a broad picture of the property’s condition and helps owners or investors understand the scope of potential repairs or improvements.

How is this inspection different from a specialized or full building inspection? #

A General Building and Site Inspection focuses on visible and accessible areas only. It’s the starting point in our three-tier commercial inspection structure.

• It does not include specialty evaluations such as electrical panel analysis, HVAC performance testing, roof membrane inspection, or sewer scoping.
• For a more detailed assessment, clients may choose our Standard Inspection or Premium Inspection tiers, which include specialized system evaluations.

Who should order a General Building and Site Inspection? #

This inspection is ideal for:

• Property buyers conducting preliminary due diligence on an industrial building
• Sellers or brokers preparing a property for market and seeking transparency
• Investors or asset managers looking for a baseline condition overview before deciding whether to proceed with a more detailed assessment

How long does the inspection take? #

The inspection duration depends on the building’s size and accessibility.

• Typical industrial properties under 25,000 square feet may take 2–4 hours to inspect.
• Larger sites may require a full day.
  A detailed digital report is typically delivered within no more than 14 business days after the inspection.

What type of report will I receive? #

You’ll receive a professional, PDF-formatted report prepared by a licensed architect and commercial inspector. The report includes:

• Digital photographs
• Observations categorized by existing conditions
• Recommendations for next steps or further evaluation

How much does a General Building and Site Inspection cost? #

Pricing depends on square footage and site complexity, but this entry-level package is designed to be the most affordable option in our commercial inspection tiers.

Contact Arch Inspections for an exact quote based on your property’s address, use type, and size.

Is this inspection suitable for environmental or code compliance? #

No. The General Building and Site Inspection is not a code compliance review or environmental assessment. For environmental or regulatory due diligence (such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments), we can connect you with qualified environmental professionals.

Why choose Arch Inspections? #

Arch Inspections is led by licensed architects experienced in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Our reports are clear, actionable, and tailored for real estate investors and facility owners. Each inspection prioritizes transparency, practicality, and long-term building performance.