RAS Engineering is a professional engineering company serving building managers and owners by providing advice, oversight restoration, and testing to ensure that all components of a build’s exterior and structure meet the standards necessary to provide quality durability and safe protection against the elements.
Commercial Building Inspections in South Florida
The stability, safety, and longevity of a building all begin with precise evaluation. A commercial building inspection is more than just a routine check, it is a technical process designed to safeguard your investment, protect occupants, and ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code. At RAS Engineering, our licensed engineers and professional inspectors bring decades of expertise to every inspection, delivering the data, documentation, and insight property owners and managers need to make informed decisions about their building’s care.
Whether you are preparing for a property transaction, addressing maintenance needs, or verifying structural integrity, our team provides comprehensive structural inspections and facade inspections across Southern Florida. From high-rise condominiums along the coast to inland warehouses and commercial complexes, we tailor every inspection to the unique demands of the building type, site conditions, and intended use.
Forensic Lab
Petrographic evaluation of concrete materials, rocks and mixes.
Indoor Air
Psycometric Evaluation of Air Parameters and Infiltration.
Roof and Decking
Waterproofing performance tests of insulation and coverings.
Infiltration
Evaluation of permeability, air and water infiltration.
Why Commercial Building Inspections Are Essential
Florida’s climate and regulatory environment present unique challenges for property owners. Sun, humidity, storms, salt-laden air, and flooding can accelerate material deterioration. Without proper inspection, these issues can remain hidden until they become serious safety hazards or result in costly repairs once discovered.
A detailed inspection allows you to:
Confirm compliance with building codes and laws
Identify structural risks like corrosion, cracks, or settlement
Detect façade deterioration, leaks, and water infiltration before failures occur
Document building condition for insurance, real estate transactions, or financing
Protect tenants, residents, and the community from injury or hazard
Plan for maintenance, renovation, or restoration with confidence
Our inspections provide clarity in decision-making and extend the useful life of your property.
Types of Building Inspections We Offer
At RAS Engineering, we perform a wide range of inspection services, each designed to address specific conditions, code requirements, and property management goals. Below is a breakdown of the main inspection services available for Florida commercial, condominium, and multi-family properties.
Structural Integrity Inspections
These inspections evaluate the load-bearing capacity and overall safety of a building’s structure. Our engineers carefully review foundations, beams, columns, load-bearing walls, joists, and concrete systems to ensure they are free of defects and performing as designed. Structural inspections are vital for maintaining safety and avoiding failures in aging or heavily used structures.
Facade Inspections
Façade inspection is critical for high-rise and mid-rise buildings where exposure to weather, salt air, and age-related wear can weaken exterior walls. Our engineers assess masonry, stucco, terracotta, glass curtain walls, balconies, and sealants to identify cracks, instability, and corrosion. These inspections are not only required by law in certain municipalities but are essential for preventing water damage and protecting pedestrians from falling hazards.
Structural Safety Recertification
Florida requires periodic recertification of older commercial and condominium properties to ensure continued compliance with current safety standards. RAS Engineering provides structural recertification inspections, documenting conditions, identifying risks, and issuing engineering reports to support regulatory compliance.
Electrical Safety Recertification
Electrical systems must meet modern safety codes to protect against fire hazards and outages. We evaluate wiring, circuit breakers, panels, and grounding systems to ensure safe operation and to identify outdated systems that require upgrades.
Specialized Building Inspections
Roof and Decking Inspections – Testing waterproofing, insulation, and drainage to prevent leaks and deterioration.
Indoor Air Quality Inspections – Psychometric testing of air parameters to detect infiltration and improve occupant health.
HVAC Inspections – Assessing ventilation, filtration, and mechanical performance for efficiency and safety.
Plumbing Inspections – Evaluating pipes, water heaters, drainage, and sewer systems for leaks and code compliance.
Fire Safety Inspections – Ensuring compliance with fire codes, including alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and emergency exits.
Foundation Inspections – Identifying cracks, settlement, or water damage that may affect building stability.
Environmental Inspections – Testing for hazards such as asbestos, lead, mold, radon, or proximity to flood zones.
Inspections for Real Estate and Investment Decisions
For real estate agents, buyers, and property managers, commercial inspections are a vital part of due diligence. A property condition assessment ensures that buyers and investors fully understand the risks and required capital expenditures associated with a building.
Pre-Purchase Inspections: Identify issues before closing a deal.
Pre-Listing Inspections: Provide transparency to potential buyers.
Post-Disaster Inspections: Assess structural and safety conditions after hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters.
SIRS Inspections (Structural Integrity Reserve Studies): Mandated in Florida to document reserve funds needed for structural repairs, including roofs, foundations, waterproofing, and amenities.
These inspections protect your return on investment and provide critical leverage in negotiations.
Advanced Technology and Forensic Testing
RAS Engineering incorporates advanced nondestructive and destructive testing methods when standard inspections reveal potential risks. Our forensic lab offers petrographic evaluation of concrete, ultrasonic testing, and detailed material analysis to uncover hidden vulnerabilities.
We also leverage modern building information modeling (BIM), 3D modeling, and data-driven analysis to deliver precise reports that support repairs, renovations, and long-term facility management.
The RAS Engineering Advantage
Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) with decades of Florida-specific experience
Expertise in high-rise condominiums, commercial buildings, warehouses, and strip malls
Clear, data-backed reports for property owners, managers, and boards
Commitment to safety, compliance, and long-term asset protection
Integration with other RAS services, includingBuilding Restoration & Repairs,Building Enclosure Testing, andEnergy Audit & Decarbonization Assessments.
Service Areas Across Florida
We provide commercial building inspections across South and Central Florida, including major markets such as:
Miami-Dade County
Broward County
Palm Beach County
Orange County
Sarasota County
Lee County
St. Lucie County
Monroe County
From coastal condominium associations to inland commercial developments, our inspections are designed for Florida’s unique environmental and regulatory demands.
Signs Your Property Needs an Inspection
You may require a commercial building inspector if your property is experiencing:
Recurring leaks, water damage, or mold growth
Visible façade cracks, spalling, or corrosion of steel
Structural settlement or foundation movement
Safety hazards such as loose masonry or falling debris
Aging systems nearing code deadlines for recertification
Upcoming real estate transactions, leases, or insurance renewals
Learn more in our guide: How Often Do Buildings Need Structural Inspections?
Schedule Your Building Inspection Today
Protect your tenants, your investment, and your peace of mind with a professional commercial building inspection from RAS Engineering. Our inspections combine engineering precision, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to transparency, helping property owners, boards, and managers maintain safe, code-compliant, and high-performing buildings.
Contact us today to request a comprehensive evaluation and receive the professional guidance you need to safeguard your property’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Building Inspections in Florida
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A commercial building inspection typically covers the structural components, roof, façade, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, fire safety features, and foundation. At RAS Engineering, we also evaluate building envelope performance, indoor air quality, and regulatory compliance to provide a complete picture of property health.
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In Florida, structural inspections are often required every 10 years for commercial and multi-family buildings, with more frequent recertifications in coastal counties. Aging properties, or those showing signs of deterioration such as façade cracks or water intrusion, may need more frequent evaluations. Learn more in our guide on how often buildings need structural inspections.
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The cost of a commercial building inspection varies based on the property’s size, age, and complexity. Factors such as the need for specialized façade inspection, nondestructive testing, or forensic analysis can affect pricing. Contact RAS Engineering for a customized proposal based on your property’s needs.
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Yes. Condominiums in Florida are subject to strict inspection requirements, including structural safety recertifications and SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Studies). These inspections cover roofs, load-bearing walls, waterproofing, and amenities to ensure ongoing compliance and resident safety.
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A façade inspection identifies cracks, leaks, or loose materials in exterior walls that could lead to safety hazards or water damage. Florida’s climate accelerates façade deterioration, making regular inspections vital for compliance, risk reduction, and long-term property preservation.
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A structural inspection focuses specifically on load-bearing elements such as foundations, beams, and columns. A property condition assessment (PCA) provides a broader overview of all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and safety systems, making it especially useful for buyers, investors, and real estate transactions.
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Commercial building inspections should be performed by licensed professional engineers and qualified commercial building inspectors. RAS Engineering employs licensed engineers with decades of experience in Florida’s unique building codes, weather conditions, and structural requirements.
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Yes. RAS Engineering performs post-disaster inspections to evaluate damage after hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters. These inspections assess water intrusion, structural stability, and overall habitability so owners can make timely repair and insurance decisions.