Key Areas Checked During a Commercial Property Inspection in Bakersfield, CA
Updated: Sep 3
Buying or leasing a commercial property in Bakersfield involves evaluating more than location, square footage, and purchase price. The building's condition can affect how you use, maintain, and plan for the property after the transaction.
A commercial property inspection provides a closer look at the building’s accessible systems and components, from the roof and HVAC equipment to electrical, plumbing, structural elements, and exterior areas.
For Bakersfield properties, local conditions such as prolonged summer heat can also influence what an inspector encounters. Here are the key areas typically evaluated during commercial property inspection services and what buyers should know about each.
What Inspectors Check During Commercial Property Inspection
Roof Systems and Bakersfield’s Climate
Roof performance matters in a hot, sunny climate like Bakersfield’s. Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has even mapped the solar reflectance of individual Bakersfield roofs, noting that more reflective roofing can reduce a building's solar heating.
During a commercial property inspection, the inspector evaluates accessible roof surfaces and components for visible signs of deterioration or damage. Depending on the property, this may include membrane, metal, or built-up roofing systems.
Common areas of concern include:
Drainage: Ponding water or conditions that prevent proper drainage.
Roof surfaces: Cracking, blistering, open seams, or other visible deterioration.
Flashing and penetrations: Conditions around rooftop HVAC equipment, vents, edges, and other roof penetrations that may allow moisture intrusion.
These findings can help buyers better understand the roof’s current condition and determine whether further evaluation by a roofing professional is appropriate.
Heavy-Duty Commercial HVAC Equipment
When summer hits Kern County, a working air conditioner is a requirement to keep your doors open and your tenants happy.
Inspectors inspect packaged rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, split systems, and ductwork. They test operating controls, assess the equipment's age, and check for signs of deferred maintenance.
Commercial HVAC units usually last long. If the building you are looking at has four rooftop units that are all old, you need to budget for complete replacements very soon.
Structural Integrity and Building Envelope
A building's skeleton supports everything else. The inspector checks foundation walls, load-bearing concrete slabs, steel columns, and timber framing for structural stress.
They look for telling signs of damage, such as:
Major foundation cracks or signs of soil settling
Bowing or leaning exterior walls
Water damage along exterior stucco, split-face block, or siding
Damaged loading docks, commercial bay doors, and exterior ramps
Bakersfield sits in an active seismic region. Ensuring the structure is sound and up to code protects both your investment and the people working inside.
Electrical Systems and Power Capacity
Commercial properties require far more power than residential homes. A light industrial site might run heavy machinery, while a restaurant uses massive refrigeration units and commercial ovens.
An inspector opens electrical panels to evaluate:
Amperage and voltage: Ensuring the overall service capacity matches what the business needs.
Wiring condition: Checking for outdated aluminum wiring, ungrounded lines, or hazardous DIY repairs.
Safety components: Verifying proper breaker sizing, panel grounding, and working GFCI outlets near wet areas.
Overloaded panels or faulty wiring are leading causes of commercial fires. A clear picture of the electrical setup helps prevent sudden blackouts and surprise upgrade costs later.
Commercial Plumbing and Water Supply
Plumbing problems can shut down a business instantly. An inspector tests supply lines, drain systems, water heaters, and public restrooms.
In older areas of Bakersfield, plumbing systems might still use old galvanized steel or cast iron pipes. Inspectors check for corrosion, slow drainage, and low water pressure that signal rusting, deteriorating lines.
For commercial kitchens and restaurants, they also check interceptor lines and grease traps to ensure everything drains cleanly without backing up into the main city lines.
Life Safety and Fire Protection Systems
Life safety equipment is strictly enforced by local fire marshals and code officials. If a building fails a fire safety review, you could face hefty fines or delays in getting your business license.
The inspection checks:
Fire sprinklers and standpipes: Looking for visible leaks, rust, or blocked sprinkler heads.
Alarm systems and smoke detectors: Verifying control panels and pull stations are intact.
Emergency lighting and exit signs: Ensuring backup battery units turn on so people can safely exit during a power outage.
Egress routes: Making sure hallways, stairwells, and panic hardware on doors open smoothly without obstruction.
Parking Lots, Site Drainage, and Accessibility
The area outside the building is just as important as what's inside. The inspector walks the property boundaries to assess the parking lot, sidewalk paving, exterior lighting, and perimeter fencing.
They also check for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. This includes checking:
Designated accessible parking spaces with proper layout and signs
Curb ramps and smooth entry pathways
Doorway clearance widths and accessible restroom setups
Non-compliant parking lots or missing ramps can expose property owners to costly lawsuits or forced repairs later.
Protect Your Commercial Investment
A commercial property inspection gives you a clearer understanding of the building’s condition, potential concerns, and areas that may require further attention before you move forward.
Built Right Property Inspection’s InterNACHI and CCPIA-certified inspectors bring specialized commercial inspection training to every property, providing detailed findings you can use to plan your next steps.
Schedule your commercial property inspection in Bakersfield today.
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