Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence
Pre-purchase assessments backed by a licensed Professional Engineer
Your building inspector checks the roof and structure. Who's checking the $500,000 worth of mechanical equipment? An engineering inspection tells you exactly what you're buying, what it'll cost to run, and when you'll need to replace it.
What We Assess
A standard building inspector notes whether the HVAC is running. We tell you why the economizer dampers are stuck open, which actuators have failed, and what that means for your utility bill next summer.
Our inspections are hands-on engineering assessments. We check chiller approach temperatures, verify OA ventilation controls are actually modulating, identify leaking preheat valves, test sensor accuracy against handheld instruments, and evaluate BAS programming logic. These are the issues that drive operating costs and capital failures - and general inspectors don't catch them.
The result is a PE-stamped report with real data: equipment condition, remaining useful life, capital replacement timelines, operating cost analysis, and energy benchmarking against comparable properties.
Controls and BAS Assessment
Demand control ventilation that isn't actually controlling. Economizer sequences that never engage. Scheduling overrides left in place for years. We evaluate the building automation system against design intent and identify where controls deficiencies are wasting energy and shortening equipment life.
Mechanical System Condition
Stuck dampers and failed actuators, leaking preheat and reheat valves, refrigerant charge issues, compressor amp draws, and belt/bearing condition. We assess every major component and document what's working, what's degraded, and what's approaching failure.
Performance Verification
Chiller approach temperatures, supply air temperature accuracy, sensor calibration drift, airflow measurements, and duct static pressure. We verify that systems are performing to spec - not just powered on.
Capital and Operating Cost Forecasting
Equipment replacement timelines with cost estimates across 5, 10, and 20-year horizons. Annual operating cost analysis tied to equipment efficiency, runtime, and local utility rates. Energy benchmarking against ENERGY STAR and local comparables.
Service Deliverables
Comprehensive walkthrough of all mechanical, electrical, and controls systems. We document equipment specifications, operational status, condition indicators, and maintenance records.
Detailed condition and remaining useful life analysis for all major mechanical equipment. Includes photos, specifications, and condition notes for each system.
5-year, 10-year, and 20-year capital replacement schedule with estimated costs. Helps you budget replacement expenses and model acquisition returns accurately.
Annual mechanical system operating expenses based on equipment efficiency, utility rates, maintenance history, and operational schedules. You'll know total cost of ownership.
Performance analysis comparing the building's utility consumption to ENERGY STAR standards and comparable properties. Identifies efficiency gaps and savings opportunities.
Professional Engineer-signed report with findings, analysis, and recommendations. Admissible in financing and legal proceedings. Final deliverable suitable for lender and legal review.
Ideal Clients
Office, retail, industrial, and multifamily acquisition due diligence. Know mechanical costs before you close.
Add PE-backed mechanical insight to your commercial listings. Differentiate your properties and speed up deals.
Detailed mechanical system condition assessment and capital budgeting to support property valuations.
Help clients understand mechanical system condition and remaining life in replacement properties.
Equipment condition assessment for underwriting and risk evaluation. PE-backed findings support your analysis.
Understand remaining useful life of mechanical equipment and plan capital replacement budgets.
Common Questions
Get a PE-backed mechanical inspection for your commercial property acquisition. We'll identify hidden costs, quantify capital replacement needs, and give you the data you need to negotiate with confidence.