Pick the best commercial real estate inspectors for the job Interview the inspector before you hire them for their services. The inspector's job is to examine a piece of commercial piece of property and then write a report about the condition of that property and its major systems. You are hiring them for their experience and expertise, so make sure you ask plenty of questions before you agree to hire them.

I recommend:  Find major commercial property inspectors through a directory like BestRealEstateDirectory.com. Then go to a major commercial property inspection company website, or even a commercial property inspection professional organization like the American Society of Home Inspectors' website and look for the page detailing the code of ethics for their inspectors. Print a copy of the code of ethics and turn these key points into the basis for your interview questions.

Learn more about the inspector's commercial property inspections experience Ask for a portfolio detailing their years of experience in the field, the number, types, and locations of the commercial properties that they have inspected in the past. Also ask to see copies of professional licensing certificates, references and membership in professional associations, and any other qualifications that might lend to their inspection expertise.

I recommend:  Check out what major commercial inspection service companies provide and the stand-out qualifications and lists of services to get a feel for the market and what you can expect for the money like at the McDargh Real Estate Services, Inc. website. Find state by state professional licensing regulations at Kaplan.

Get the whole story on the commercial property inspection report Find out the manner in which the commercial property inspection report is to be written, and ask to see a sample report as well as a copy of the inspection company's current standards of practice. Some commercial property inspectors use a template or prefilled forms, while others write a sentence style report.

I recommend:  View sample reports of different styles to compare to the sample report given to you by the commercial property inspector. Cleveland Commercial Property Inspection Pros offers a view of two different report styles at their website, as does Accuracy Assured Home Inspections, LLC.