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Entries by Tim Bausch
Luminous Egress Paths in High-Rise Buildings
Tragedies in commercial buildings have directly influenced changes to locally and internationally adopted building codes. In 1993, a bomb detonated at the World Trade Center, cutting both normal and emergency lighting. Dark, smoke-filled stairwells severely hindered evacuation. In response, luminous egress pathway markings were installed using glow-in-the-dark material along stair treads, landings, handrails, doors, and […]
How Precast Concrete Panels Are Made
Assessing a concrete commercial building requires a clear understanding of construction types. This article focuses on concrete panels precast in a factory and summarizes how they are manufactured, transported, and assembled. That background helps identify the type of concrete construction during an inspection and better assess its condition in the field. History of Precast Concrete […]
Commercial Outbuilding Inspection Considerations
An outbuilding is a detached, accessory structure located on the same parcel as a main building. It provides supplemental space for storage, services, or operations and is not intended for primary occupancy or use. Some outbuildings are fully equipped with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, while others are used only for storage and lack […]
Inspecting Retaining Walls at Commercial Properties
During commercial property inspections, retaining walls are often found at parking lots, along property boundaries, and where changes in site elevation create access to lower levels. Some walls serve only to retain soil, while others are integrated with stairways, ramps, or tiered landscape features. They range from large structures that span long distances and support […]
Smoke Control Systems in Commercial Buildings
In basic terms, smoke control systems manage the movement of smoke and air within a building and vary based on its design, use, and occupancy. These systems contain or exhaust smoke, heat, and other toxic gases. The goal is to maintain tenable conditions long enough for occupants to reach safety, support firefighter visibility, and reduce […]
Estimated Useful Life, Remaining Useful Life, and Maintenance Frequency
The baseline scope of the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) excludes predicting service life expectancy, providing repair estimates, or offering opinions of cost to remedy. However, understanding concepts like Estimated Useful Life (EUL), Remaining Useful Life (RUL), and Maintenance Frequency helps inspectors interpret observed conditions from an inspection, as well as […]
Inspecting the Means of Egress: Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting
Exit Signs vs Emergency Lighting Exit signs mark the path to safety. Emergency lighting illuminates the path to safety. In a typical guest-room corridor, exit signs are installed with directional arrows that show occupants where to turn to reach the two designated exit stairwells. Without those arrows, occupants could continue down the corridor and miss […]
Commercial Kitchen Inspection: Connecting the Dots
The commercial property inspection process requires experience, knowledge of commercial building design to meet safety and functional standards, and a structured and consistent methodology. The following case study describes a commercial kitchen inspection based on this approach. This case study evaluates a commercial building with two cooking areas. The cooking areas are located in separate […]
How to Reduce Risk in Commercial Real Estate Investment and Acquisitions
Commercial real estate has long been one of the most powerful vehicles for building wealth, generating income, and creating long-term financial stability. Whether you are considering your first commercial property or already have a portfolio of commercial real estate, your ongoing success depends on avoiding costly mistakes. There are three things you can do to […]