Commercial building survey – what it is, what it includes & if you need one
When you’re buying, leasing or managing a commercial property, you’ll typically need a commercial building survey to protect your investment. But what does it involve? What’s included and how is it different from other types of building surveys?
Quick answer overview:
- A commercial building survey assesses condition, risks, and repairs
- It’s similar to a Level 3 survey, but tailored to business use
- Costs range from £800 to £10,000+ depending on size
- Often combined with other reports like dilapidations
- Essential for buying, leasing, or managing commercial property
Explaining commercial building surveys
A commercial building survey is an important and essential step in the process of acquiring commercial property. It offers a detailed inspection of a non-residential property to assess its condition, risk and maintenance needs. Typically, they’re carried out by experienced building surveyors.
In short, a commercial building survey will tell you the building’s condition, point out any defects or issues, and indicate likely repair costs.
Types of properties covered by a commercial building survey
Commercial surveys apply to a wide range of buildings, including:
- Offices
- Retail units
- Warehouses and industrial sites
- Restaurants and hospitality venues
- Mixed-use developments
What’s involved and included in the survey
You can think of a commercial survey as a Level 3 building survey, but the main difference is that it’s tailored for business use rather than residential use. Here’s what you can expect to be included in the report:
- A structural assessment: The walls, floors, roof and load-bearing elements assessed. A surveyor will also look out for signs of movement or subsidence.
- Building fabric inspection: Roof coverings, drainage, external walls, cladding, windows, doors and insulation all inspected.
- Overview of services: Electrical systems, plumbing, drainage, heating, ventilation and air conditioning all examined.
- Defects and risks: Assessed for signs of damp, leaks, water ingress, cracks, structural concerns, fire safety issues and health and safety risks.
- Maintenance/repair advice: Surveyors advise on urgent issues requiring immediate attention, short-term and long-term repairs and estimated cost implications.
- Legal/compliance considerations: The survey might highlight accessibility concerns, fire safety compliance problems or building regulation concerns.
Please note that, like home-building surveys, a commercial survey is usually only a visual inspection, not a full technical test.
You might need additional reports
Commercial property is more complex than residential property, so a building survey is often just one part of the due diligence you’ll need to carry out.
You may also need:
- Dilapidations report (for lease agreements)
- Schedule of condition (to protect tenants)
- Measured building survey (for layouts and plans)
- Specialist inspections (asbestos, electrics, etc.)
How much does a commercial building survey typically cost
Costs vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the commercial space.
- Small commercial unit: £800-£1,500
- Medium property: £1,500-£3,500
- Large/complex buildings: £3,000-£10,000+
- Prices might be higher in London and Surrey
The bigger and more complex the property, the more valuable the survey becomes.
Considering a property in London or Surrey? Speak to Westville Associates about the survey you need before committing.
Skipping a survey in commercial property can be far riskier than in residential deals. This is because commercial properties often come with greater legal responsibility, higher repair costs and complex legal obligations.
A survey will help you to avoid unexpected liabilities, budget better and negotiate price or lease terms.
For advice on a particular property, contact Westville Associates for a quote.
