What is a Building Inspection?
Inspections, which may occur during construction or upon completion of the permitted work, are the final steps in the development and permitting process. Depending on the scope of work, a final inspection may lead to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, which ensures a structure is safe for occupancy.

The Building Inspection Division (BID) performs inspections on new construction, remodels, and trades (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) to ensure compliance with applicable building codes. Building codes are designed to ensure the health and safety of structures for the benefit of everyone.

What is Involved in a Building Inspection?
​The inspection of commercial properties introduces higher demands than those of residential buildings. A business has vastly different needs than a family of five, so a commercial inspection needs to be more thorough and more demanding. Commercial properties tend to be much larger and contain more complex and specialized systems. These systems require special skills and a greater depth, and breadth, of knowledge from the inspector.
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The various systems and areas of concern will vary from one commercial property to another. An office building, for example, is going to have very different requirements from a factory or a church. The inspector checks for problems, proper functionality, and estimated useful life span where appropriate. The list of systems which should be inspected includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Roof - condition and remaining useful life
• Structure and foundation
• Electrical panels and wiring
• Plumbing fixtures and pipes
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Crawlspace, if present
• Pavement systems such as parking areas

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