The Ontario Building Code governs the construction and requirements of all buildings and structures in Ontario. Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code specifically deals with Buildings over 600M2 or over 3 stories in height. Commercial Properties usually fall under a separate part of the building code for a reason. The bigger the building the more complicated the design. Large Buildings is an intensive course dealing with the Occupancy of Buildings; Building Fire Safety; Safety within Floor Areas; Exits; Barrier Free Design; Structural Design; Change of Use and Renovations to name a few.
If you are buying a older building there is a possibility of it containing aluminum wiring. In the late sixties and early seventies copper prices rose and contractors/electricians switched from copper to lower costing aluminum wiring. Concerns with this type of wiring have arisen, for example, when aluminum wire is connected to devices (eg. receptacles, light fixtures) which were not designed for aluminum, or, when aluminum and copper wires are attached. In these cases a reaction can occur causing the connections to fail, perhaps become disconnected, and/or, potentially overheat, spark and catch fire. Symptoms of this can sometimes be seen in the discolouration of receptacles, flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic insulation. The conductivity of aluminum is not as good as copper so a different, thicker, gauge wire must used. For example, today the most common copper wire size is 14 gauge. The comparable aluminum wire size used was 12 gauge.
Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability. It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hotplate wiring and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement (resulting in fiber cement) or woven into fabric or mats. All types of asbestos fibers are known to cause serious health hazards in humans. Removing asbestos from a property can be expensive and time consuming. Personnel have to be licensed to perform asbestos removal.
Moisture and mould can often be present in older buildings that have water or roof problems. Any time you have moisture present in a heated environment you have the possibility of mould being present. Mould cleanup can also be very expensive as the clean up crew may have to wear respiratory protection, eye protection and disposable clothing.
Thermal imaging cameras are used to inspect roofs for hidden leaks and potential areas of failure. We also check electrical panels for hot spots and conditions that might lead to failure or even an electrical fire. Our years of experience coupled with this technology can identify potential problems that can cost an investor unneeded expenses.
The Commercial Property Inspector has inspected Plaza’s, Strip Malls, Office Complex’s, Factories and Industrial Buildings, Churches, Mixed Use Commercial, residential apartment buildings, Commercial Leases and properties valued up to 30 million dollars. We use the lastest equipment and all our staff are highly trained in the Ontario Building Code and have many years of practical experience which ensures your investment will be protected. All inspections are performed to ASTM E2018 standard and report is based on PCA format.