Commercial Building Inspection Service

Inspect commercial properties and buildings for buyers and investors

Startup Cost
$15,000-$75,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
8-18 months
Profit Potential
$12,000-$83,000/month

Overview

Commercial inspectors generate $150,000-$1,000,000 annually with 75-90% margins.

In 2025, commercial property due diligence requires inspections.

Revenue from commercial property inspections ($1,500-$15,000 per property), multi-family building inspections ($2,000-$10,000), industrial property inspections ($2,500-$20,000), property condition assessments for lenders ($2,000-$12,000), environmental site assessments (Phase I), and reinspection and compliance services.

Successful inspectors have commercial building expertise, evaluate complex building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety), assess building code compliance, identify capital improvement needs, and prepare comprehensive property condition reports.

Commercial real estate investors, buyers, and lenders as clients.

Marketing through commercial real estate brokers, commercial property investors, lending institutions, property management companies, and commercial inspection credentials.

Required Skills

  • Commercial Building Systems
  • Building Codes
  • Property Assessment
  • Report Development
  • Construction Knowledge
  • Commercial Real Estate

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High fees for commercial inspections
  • Less competition than residential inspections
  • Work with professional real estate investors
  • Longer-term relationships with commercial clients
  • Complex work more interesting and varied

Cons

  • Need commercial inspection expertise and credentials
  • Higher liability and insurance requirements
  • Commercial inspections more complex and time-intensive
  • Economic sensitivity to commercial real estate
  • May need specialized equipment and tools

How to Get Started

  1. Build commercial building inspection expertise
  2. Obtain commercial inspection certifications
  3. Get appropriate insurance and licensing
  4. Market to commercial brokers and investors
  5. Conduct commercial property inspections
  6. Assess building systems and compliance
  7. Deliver comprehensive property condition reports

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