Building Inspection Service

As much as it is investment-intensive, building a new commercial building is also one of the most rewarding projects. After all, within big-ticket sales and leases, not only can you recover your investment but also make huge profits. 

But as you proceed with the project, it's also crucial you ensure that the construction is done right. And for obvious reasons as commercial properties call for the highest safety and quality standards. 

Now, when it comes to high-quality construction, the importance of pre drywall inspection can’t be overstated. 

Moreover, as building standards continue to evolve, this inspection has become more essential than ever before. 

So, what exactly is a pre drywall inspection, and why is it so crucial for your under-construction building? 

Let's dive right in and know everything in detail. 

What is a Pre Drywall Inspection?

For starters, a pre-drywall inspection is an in-progress inspection. And it takes place after the major structural components have been installed, but before the drywall is hung. 

Generally, this inspection is carried out after the doors, windows, foundation, flooring, wall framing, roof, plumbing, and electrical rough-ins have all been installed. 

You see, the idea behind a pre-drywall assessment is to thoroughly examine such components that are otherwise concealed by the drywall. This, in turn, allows building inspections services professionals to identify any potential issues or shortcomings that need to be addressed before the bui;lding is finished.

What Do Pre Drywall Inspections Cover?

Now that you know what pre drywall inspections exactly are, you might well be curious which areas it covers. 

A pre drywall inspection checklist covers a wide range of components and systems, including the following:

1. Electrical System 

Usually the first item on the checklist, an electrical assessment will check the placement and condition of electrical wiring, junction boxes, and other electrical components

Herein, inspectors will analyze whether or not these components are properly installed and meet safety standards.

2. Plumbing 

Plumbing follows next in a pre-drywall inspection where inspectors examine the placement and condition of plumbing pipes, fittings, and fixtures. And they do so to identify any potential leaks, blockages, or other issues that could be lurking. 

3. HVACs

An HVAC assessment involves up close analysis of the ductwork, venting, and other HVAC components to ensure they are proper installation and optimal functioning.

4. Framing

Here, the building’s framing, including the wall studs, floor joists, and roof trusses, will be closely examined to check if they are structurally sound and meet building codes.

5. Insulation

An important aspect of pre-drywall building assessment, this involves ensuring the installation system is properly installed. 

Also, whether or not the insulation provides the necessary thermal and acoustic performance will be up for test here. 

6. Fire safety 

When it comes to pre drywall fire safety, it is usually the fireblocking and firestopping materials that are inspected. 

For instance, inspectors will analyze if these materials are correctly installed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the building.

7. Foundation

The building’s foundation, including the footings, walls, and drainage system, are inspected to check if the construction is up to mark and without errors. 

8. Exterior Wall Coverings

It is essential to inspect the exterior wall coverings pre drywall. This includes coverings such as siding or brick, to ensure they are properly flashed and sealed.

9. Roof System

Herein, a commercial inspector will inspect the roof framing, sheathing, and any roof-mounted components to make sure they are installed correctly and are waterproofed.

Is Pre Drywall Inspection Necessary? 

Yes, it is. 

While it might sound like an unwarranted investment, especially as your building is still under-construction, there are several reasons why a pre-drywall inspection is crucial. 

All in all, here’s why you should get a pre drywall building inspection:

1. Helps Identify Hidden Issues

As we discussed earlier, many of the critical building systems and components are hidden behind the drywall. Meaning it's difficult to access and inspect these areas once the construction is complete. 

Now, a pre-drywall assessment allows inspection professionals to identify potential problems before they get concealed. And this, in turn, allows you to address the problem areas in time. 

2. Prevents Costly Repairs

As a building owner, you can save a lot of money down the line by simply identifying and addressing problems during the pre-drywall stage. 

You see, fixing problems after the drywall has been installed can be much more time-consuming and expensive. So much so that it can even require the demolition and reconstruction of finished surfaces.

As such, it is better to spend a few thousand dollars in the pre drywall stage for inspection than to risk hundreds of thousands worth of loss. 

3. Compliance With Building Standards 

A pre drywall inspection helps to ensure your building is built in accordance with all applicable standards. 

This can go a long way to prevent costly building standard violations and ensure that the building is safe to occupy. 

For instance, property owners acknowledge how pre drywall inspections helped them secure their buildings for years and ultimately ensured a seamless Miami Dade recertification.  

4. Protecting Building Warranty

Building warranties are a great way to safeguard your investment and have a peace of mind. 

However, many building warranties require a pre-drywall inspection be conducted in order to be valid. 

You see, before an agency provides warranty coverage to your building, they want to make sure there aren’t any pre-existing problems. And to that end, they might require a pre-drywall inspection report as a condition. 

What Should You Expect During a Pre Drywall Inspection? 

During a pre-drywall inspection, an inspector will typically spend 1-2 hours assessing the various systems and components. Also, they will take detailed notes and photographs, documenting any issues or concerns they identify.

After they’ve concluded the inspection, the building inspector or inspection firm will provide a pre drywall inspection report detailing the findings. Here, you can expect a detailed description of any problems that were discovered along with recommendations for addressing them.

How to Prepare for Pre Drywall Inspections? 

In order to ensure that your pre-drywall inspection goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you can do beforehand, including: 

  • Reviewing the original construction permits and plans 

  • Communicating and coordinating with the builder or contractor in-charge of construction 

  • Hiring a seasoned building inspector or inspection firm

  • Providing inspectors complete access to the property 

To sum up 

As you might already have figured out, a pre-drywall inspection is among the important things for under-construction buildings. 

And quite obviously since this one inspection can help you identify and address any potential problems or code violations before the building is completed.

You see, from identifying electrical and plumbing issues to ensuring the structural integrity of the building, a pre-drywall inspection covers it all. Moreover, it can save you time, money, and a significant amount of headache down the line. 

So, if you're in the process of building a new building, don't skip this inspection. 

 

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