Published · By Antoine Thompson, President and Commercial Inspector
What does commercial property due diligence include?
Due diligence is the buyer's investigation of the property and the transaction. Building condition is one part. Buyers also work with qualified advisers on leases and income, title, survey, zoning, insurance, environmental concerns, and the purchase agreement. Your contract and lender requirements determine the documents and deadlines that matter to your transaction.
How does a commercial property inspection help?
A visual, non-invasive inspection documents readily accessible building conditions. At Onward, this includes the site, roof, visible structure, exterior, and a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing overview within the agreed scope. Prioritized findings and photos help you identify questions for the seller and items needing specialist review.
Which questions should Atlanta buyers ask first?
- When does my due diligence period end, and when do I need the report?
- What roof, HVAC, and parking lot repair records are available?
- Which tenant spaces and systems can the inspector access?
- Does my lender require a specific property condition assessment scope?
- Which concerns need an engineer, contractor, attorney, or environmental professional?
Is a building inspection an environmental assessment?
No. A commercial building inspection does not replace a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment or other environmental due diligence. EPA describes All Appropriate Inquiries as a process for evaluating environmental conditions and potential contamination liability. An environmental professional can explain which assessment your transaction needs.
When should you schedule a due diligence inspection?
Contact the inspector as soon as you are under contract. Share the address, building type, approximate size, access constraints, and your deadline. Onward serves buyers in Henry, Clayton, Fayette, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Cherokee counties from Hampton, Georgia, and confirms scope and timing in writing.
Put the next step in writing
Scope note: Our inspections are visual, non-invasive assessments of readily accessible systems and components. They do not replace the advice of licensed engineers, attorneys, environmental consultants, or other specialists where needed.