Industrial Property Inspection Checklist
Buyers looking to buy, lease or develop an industrial property should fully inspect the property to ensure it fits their business needs, is in optimum condition and free of ecological contamination. Industrial sites used for manufacturing often hide many flaws from past use that could deem the property unfit for use, leaving the new buy responsible for repairs.
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Safety
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A thorough safety inspection will determine any areas that are unsafe for workers and visitors. Alarm and fire systems need to be in working condition and have all necessary door sensors, fire sprinkler heads, motion detectors and smoke detectors in place. Safety signage is necessary at all areas that pose a risk of injury such as areas using motorized traffic, stairways, un-protected drop-offs and machinery areas.
Office
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Industrial properties often have office space attached for all the secretarial and desk workers. Inspect all office space to ensure that the restrooms, flooring, walls and ceilings are all in acceptable condition. Inspect all current wiring to determine what type of phone and data cabling is installed. Check all existing furniture for condition and determine if it needs to be removed. Inspect all employee break areas to ensure it has a large enough capacity and all necessary amenities.
Manufacturing
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When inspecting the manufacturing space of the industrial property measure the space to determine if it is large enough to meet your needs. Locate and inspect all air lines and electrical outlets, noting their location to compare to your projected machine locations. The flooring should be in solid condition with no visible signs of crumbling or large cracks.
Mechanicals
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Depending on if the utilities are connected during your inspection, the mechanicals can be tested or visually inspected to determine their condition. Heating, cool, plumbing and electrical systems should have no visible signs of wear or damage that would cause them not to work properly as repairs can be very costly. Test all plumbing for leaks, proper water pressure, temperature and draining.
Grounds
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Inspect the property grounds to assess the condition of the parking areas, loading dock, sidewalks and landscaping. Look for visible signs of soil contamination due to manufacturing substances leaking into the ground. It in advised that soil and water samples from several locations on the property be tested for contamination. Check the entrances and connecting roads of the property to ensure it will support your employee and truck traffic.
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