Commercial Property Damage Assessment Guide 2024

Need to assess damage to your commercial property? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Safety first: Secure the area and use proper protection before entering
2. Document everything: Take photos, videos, and detailed notes
3. Check building structure: Look for cracks, shifts, and safety issues
4. Inspect for water damage and mold: Use moisture meters and your senses
5. Create thorough insurance records: Document all damage and expenses
6. Make a recovery plan: Take immediate action and find professional help
7. Plan for the future: Set up maintenance programs and disaster plans

Key tools:

• Camera/smartphone
• Flashlight
• Measuring tape
• Moisture meter
• Protective gear

Remember: When in doubt, call the professionals. Companies like Doan Restoration in Phoenix offer 24/7 emergency services for commercial properties.

This guide covers everything from initial safety checks to long-term recovery planning. We’ll walk you through each step to help you handle property damage efficiently and get your business back on track.

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Types of Property Damage

Let’s break down the main types of commercial property damage and how to handle them.

Common Building Damage Types

Commercial properties can face several damage types:

1. Water Damage: Storms, floods, or plumbing issues can cause this. It’s sneaky – it can weaken structures, grow mold, and create electrical hazards if you don’t deal with it fast.
2. Fire Damage: This is the big one. It can wipe out entire buildings in minutes. Even small fires can smoke up the whole place.
3. Storm Damage: Big storms can do a number on commercial properties. We’re talking broken windows, busted roofs, and structural problems.
4. Burglary and Theft: You might not see the damage, but it can hit your business hard. It can mess up your operations and cost you money.
5. Structural Damage: This can come from natural disasters, shoddy construction, or just letting things go for too long.

The Hartford did a study on the most common business claims:

• Burglary and Theft (20%)
• Water and Freezing Damage (15%)
• Wind and Hail Damage (15%)
• Fire (10%)
• Customer Slips and Falls (10%)

How Bad Is the Damage

Figuring out how bad the damage is helps you know what to fix first and how it might affect your business. Here’s a quick guide:

Small Damage:

• You can fix it easily
• Your business keeps running
• Think: Small water stains, tiny cracks, or surface wear and tear

Medium Damage:

• You need a pro to fix it
• It might slow down your business a bit
• Think: Some water got in, part of the roof is damaged, or there are some non-critical structural issues

Major Damage:

• You need big repairs
• Your business might have to stop for a while
• Think: Serious fire damage, major flooding, or big structural problems

Remember, small problems can turn into big ones if you ignore them. A tiny water leak can turn into a mold factory if you don’t fix it.

Safety First Steps

When you’re checking out property damage, safety comes first. Here’s what to do:

1. Secure the Area: Make sure it’s safe to go in. Look for things that might fall or dangerous stuff like downed power lines.
2. Use Proper Protection: Wear the right gear – sturdy shoes, gloves, and eye protection.
3. Be Aware of Hidden Dangers: Daniel Friedman, a building damage expert, says:

   "Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it."

   Even a small shift in the foundation can make things dangerous.

4. Check for Utilities: Turn off gas, electricity, and water if there’s any risk of leaks or electrical problems.
5. Document Everything: Take pictures and notes of all the damage you can see, but don’t put yourself in danger to do it.

If you’re not sure if a building is safe, wait for the pros. Companies like Doan Restoration in Phoenix, AZ, offer 24/7 emergency services when you need help right away.

How to Check for Damage

Checking commercial property damage? Here’s how to do it right:

Securing the Building

First things first: make sure it’s safe to go in.

1. Cut the power if you smell gas or see sparks
2. Watch out for wobbly walls or floors
3. Gear up with tough shoes, gloves, and goggles

Chris Barnard from Florida Commercial Building Inspectors says:

"A building inspection checklist for commercial properties is primarily used by inspectors or inspection firms."

So even if you’re just doing a quick look, be thorough like the pros.

Recording the Damage

Got your phone ready? Good. You’ll need it:

• Snap pics and videos of EVERYTHING that’s messed up
• Write down what you see, when it happened, and where
• List all the broken stuff – brands, models, how bad it is

Water damage? Use your senses:

Look for weird stains or saggy ceilings. Listen for drips. Smell for that funky, damp odor.

Tools You’ll Need

Grab these before you start:

1. Camera (your phone works)
2. Bright flashlight
3. Measuring tape (get a 40′ Stanley Fat Max)
4. Moisture meter
5. Sturdy ladder (like a Louisville Extension)

Want to go pro? Try these:

• Thermal camera to spot hidden wet spots
• Hygrometer for checking humidity
• Fancy listening device to hear sneaky leaks

But hey, if you’re not sure about something, call the experts. Places like Doan Restoration in Phoenix are on call 24/7 with pros who know their stuff and have all the fancy gadgets.

Checking Building Structure

When you’re looking at damage to a commercial property, you need to check the building’s structure carefully. This helps you spot any safety issues and figure out what repairs are needed. Here’s how to do a thorough check:

Building Safety Check

First, make sure it’s safe to go inside. Do a quick check around the outside:

1. Walk around the building. Look for obvious damage like wall cracks, foundation problems, or loose stuff that might fall.
2. See if the building is leaning or sagging anywhere. This could mean big foundation issues.
3. Check doors and windows. If they’re stuck or not lining up, the building might have shifted.
4. Watch out for dangers like fallen power lines, gas leaks, or broken water mains. If you smell gas or hear hissing, get out fast and call for help.

"A weak foundation can cause all sorts of problems for your commercial building. In the worst case, it might even collapse." – Access Doors and Panels

Building Materials Check

If it’s safe to go in, take a closer look at different parts of the building:

1. Foundation

Check for cracks bigger than 1/4 inch in the foundation walls. Look for signs the building is sinking or settling.

2. Walls and Ceilings

Look for cracks, especially long ones that go sideways or at an angle. Check for water stains or bulges.

3. Floors

See if any areas are uneven, sagging, or soft. In taller buildings, pay attention to weird vibrations when you walk.

4. Roof Structure

Look for sagging spots that might mean water damage or weak spots. Check for missing or damaged shingles.

5. Support Beams and Columns

Check if any are bent, cracked, or coming away from floors or ceilings. Look for rot in wood or rust in metal.

Use the right tools for these checks. A moisture meter can find hidden water damage, and a laser level can show small shifts in the structure.

"Understanding these key parts of a building helps owners know what to fix first. This keeps the building safe and in good shape for longer." – Ged Lawyers

Remember, even if you do a good check yourself, it’s smart to get a pro to look too. If you see big problems or aren’t sure how bad the damage is, talk to a structural engineer or a certified building inspector.

In Phoenix, AZ, companies like Doan Restoration can help 24/7 with commercial property damage. They have experts who use high-tech tools to check and fix structural problems fast, which helps stop more damage and keeps your business safe.

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Water and Mold Checks

Water and mold issues can wreak havoc on commercial properties. Let’s look at how to spot and measure these problems effectively.

Finding Water Damage

Water damage isn’t always obvious. Here’s how to uncover it:

Look for water stains, discoloration, or peeling paint. Check around windows, doors, and corners. Use your nose too – a musty smell often means hidden moisture. Listen for dripping sounds that might indicate leaks.

Don’t forget to inspect basements, bathrooms, and kitchens closely. These areas are more likely to have water issues due to plumbing problems.

Tech can help too. A moisture meter can detect hidden dampness. Many pros use the Protimeter BLD5365 for its accuracy across different materials.

"It is always important to be on the lookout for possible signs of mold, as early detection is important." – Commercial Mold Testing

Interestingly, Doan Restoration in Phoenix found that 40% of commercial water damage they handled in 2023 came from HVAC system issues. So don’t skip those regular system checks!

Checking for Mold

Mold can start growing just 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Here’s how to check for it:

Look for visible mold growth – it often appears as spots in black, green, or brown. Trust your nose too. A persistent musty smell usually means hidden mold.

Keep an eye on humidity levels. Use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity. If it’s consistently above 60%, you’re creating a mold paradise.

If you think there’s hidden mold, consider getting a pro to test the air quality. They can spot mold spores even when you can’t see any growth.

A 2022 study by the Indoor Air Quality Association found a surprising fact: 68% of commercial buildings had some level of mold contamination, often due to undetected water damage.

Here’s a pro tip: Check less obvious spots like HVAC drip pans, wall switch plates, and wallpaper seams. Mold loves to hide in these places.

If you find significant water damage or mold, don’t wait. Act fast. Companies like Doan Restoration in Phoenix offer round-the-clock emergency services for commercial properties. Quick action can minimize damage and stop mold from spreading.

Insurance Records

When disaster strikes your commercial property, good documentation is your secret weapon for insurance claims. Here’s how to create rock-solid records that’ll make your claim process a breeze.

Taking Photos and Notes

Your smartphone is about to become your new best friend. Here’s how to use it like a pro:

1. Snap Everything: Take clear photos and videos of all damaged areas. Don’t just focus on the obvious stuff – capture everything, even areas that look fine. This gives adjusters the full picture.
2. Time It Right: Make sure your phone’s clock is correct. The time stamp on your photos can be a game-changer for proving when the damage happened.
3. Go Big, Then Small: Start with wide shots to show the whole scene, then zoom in on the details. This puts the damage in context.
4. Keep Shooting: As you clean up or make quick fixes, keep taking photos. This shows you’re on top of things and trying to prevent more damage.
5. Take Notes: Use your phone’s notes app to jot down what you see as you go. Include dates, times, and specific details.

"Document everything. Photos, videos, and receipts are your best friends in the claim process." – Insurance Claim Recovery Support LLC

What to Document

Good records are more than just photos. Here’s your checklist:

1. Building Damage: Cracks, leaks, collapsed areas – anything that’s messing with your building’s structure.
2. Stuff You Lost: List all damaged equipment, furniture, and stock. If you can, include model numbers and when you bought them.
3. Business Slowdown Proof: Show how the damage is hurting your business. This could be photos of closed areas or a list of cancelled appointments.
4. Repair Quotes: Get at least three estimates for repairs and hang onto all of them.
5. Money Spent: Keep every single receipt related to the damage, even for small fixes or if you had to move temporarily.
6. Who Said What: Keep a log of all your chats with insurance folks. Write down dates, names, and the main points you talked about.

Did you know? A study by the Indoor Air Quality Association found that 68% of commercial buildings had some level of mold. Often, this was because of water damage nobody noticed. This shows why it’s so important to document everything, even areas that look fine.

If you’re in Phoenix, companies like Doan Restoration offer round-the-clock emergency help. They can also help you document everything properly for your insurance claim. Their know-how can be super helpful, especially if you’re dealing with tricky damage.

Making a Recovery Plan

You’ve checked out the damage to your commercial property. Now what? It’s time to whip up a recovery plan. This is the key to getting your business back in action ASAP.

Quick Fix Steps

When disaster hits, you need to move fast. Here’s what to do right away:

1. Safety First: Don’t go in unless you’re sure it’s safe. If in doubt, wait for the pros to give you the all-clear.
2. Stop the Spread: Got water damage? Get rid of standing water and start drying ASAP. Fire damage? Board up windows and doors to keep the weather out.
3. Document Everything: Snap photos and videos of all the damage before you start cleaning. Your insurance company will want to see these.
4. Beat the Mold: Water damage? You’ve got 24-48 hours to dry things out before mold moves in.
5. Protect Your Stuff: Move important docs, equipment, and inventory somewhere safe and dry if you can.

These are just the first steps. If the damage is big, call in the experts pronto.

Finding Help

Picking the right restoration company can make or break your recovery. Here’s how to find the good ones:

Look for IICRC certifications. These folks know their stuff.

Need help at 3 AM? Choose a company that’s always on call. In Phoenix, AZ, Doan Restoration is ready 24/7.

Experience matters. Ask about their track record with businesses like yours.

One-stop-shop is best. Doan Restoration, for example, handles water damage, fire damage, and even sewage cleanup.

Check out online reviews and ask for references. You want to hear from real customers.

Pick a company that can deal with your insurance provider directly. It’ll save you a ton of headaches.

"The right disaster restoration service can get your property back to normal fast." – Convoy of Hope

Don’t be shy about asking questions. A good company will explain their process, timeline, and how they’ll keep your business running as much as possible during repairs.

And here’s a pro tip: The best restoration companies don’t just fix the damage. They help you prevent future problems too. So ask them for advice on protecting your property down the line.

Next Steps

After checking out the damage to your commercial property, it’s time to get proactive. Here’s what you need to do:

Set Up a Solid Maintenance Program

Regular check-ups are key. Make a thorough maintenance checklist and stick to it. This way, you’ll catch small issues before they blow up.

Valcourt, a top building maintenance company, puts it like this:

"Keeping your commercial building in top shape requires regular and thorough preventative maintenance."

Think about doing quarterly checks for common areas and systems, with a deeper dive once a year. Keep track of all maintenance, repairs, and warranties. It’s like a health record for your property.

Plan for Disasters

You need a solid Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP). It’s shocking, but only about half of organizations have one. Your plan should cover:

1. Clear goals you can measure

2. How to keep things running and tenants happy

3. A team ready to handle recovery

4. Regular practice runs to make sure it works

Don’t forget to tell your tenants about the plan and have a team ready to check for damage fast when needed.

Beef Up Your Insurance

Take a good look at your insurance. You might need more coverage. An insurance pro says:

"To adequately protect your commercial property, consider insurance coverage that includes property damage, liability insurance, and business interruption insurance."

Business interruption insurance is a big deal. It helps cover lost cash while you’re getting back on your feet. Talk to your insurance company about what risks you face and how to cover them.

Cut Down on Risks

Take some steps to reduce potential damage:

• Tie down loose stuff and cover windows before storms hit
• Use energy-efficient appliances and lights
• Update fire alarms, sprinklers, and backup power
• Train your staff on what to do in emergencies

Team Up with Restoration Experts

Find a good commercial property damage restoration company before you need one. It’s like having a lifeline when things go wrong.

For example, Doan Restoration in Phoenix, AZ, is ready to help 24/7. Having a partner like this can get you back in business faster if disaster strikes.

Keep Your Tenants in the Loop

As a commercial property owner, you’ve got to keep your tenants safe. Tell them about:

• What to do in emergencies and what services might go down
• What to pack in an emergency kit (enough for 3 days)
• How to get out and where to meet up

FAQs

What is a structural assessment after a fire?

A structural assessment after a fire is when a structural engineer checks if a building is still safe to use. It’s a big deal for commercial properties that have been through a fire.

Here’s what you need to know:

Engineers look at everything – the foundation, walls, beams, columns, and roof. They’re trying to find any weak spots.

Safety comes first. Before anyone starts poking around, they make sure it’s safe to even enter the building. As ServiceMaster of Lake Shore puts it: "Fire professionals must assess the situation to determine if your house is safe."

They start at the bottom and work their way up. They check each floor carefully for any damage.

For commercial properties, it’s crucial that any repairs meet local building codes.

The engineers document EVERYTHING. They note all the damage from fire, smoke, soot, and water. This is super important for insurance claims and figuring out repairs.

"The best thing to do is get a structural engineer inspection for clear answers." – AEI Inspections

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