Why a Commercial Building Survey Could Save You Thousands: What It Is and Why It Matters

What is a Commercial Building Survey

In simple terms, a Commercial Building Survey is a detailed health check of a commercial property. It is an essential part of the due diligence process, providing clear and practical information about the condition of the building and any hidden risks or future costs you may be taking on. 

A Commercial Building Survey is a thorough inspection carried out by qualified building surveyors and potentially other specialist consultants such as building services engineers. It is designed to give you a clear understanding of the property’s physical condition and identify any potential defects, maintenance needs, or compliance issues. 

A good building survey will typically report on elements such as:  

• The condition of the building fabric including walls, roof, floors, windows, and structure. 
• The state of building services such as heating, electrics, ventilation, and drainage. 
• Any signs of damp, movement, or other structural concerns. 
• A review of repairs and maintenance likely to be needed over the short and medium term. 
• Energy Performance.
• Health and safety or regulatory issues that may affect your occupation or future plans. 

Whilst the reports contain technical details of the property, they should provide factual and clear information written in a straightforward language. They should also have regard for the purpose of the purchase and any bespoke occupational requirements that may be needed. This allows you to clearly interpret the information you need to make an informed decisions whether you are buying, leasing, or investing. 

When Should You Commission a Building Survey?

We always recommend arranging a Commercial Building Survey before you exchange contracts or commit to a lease. It is an essential step when:  

• Taking on a property under a Full Repairing and Insuring lease. 
• Purchasing or leasing an older building. 
• Planning to refurbish or redevelop the property. 
• The property has been vacant or poorly maintained. 
• You want to fully understand your potential liabilities. 

 Without a survey, you could unknowingly take responsibility for expensive repairs or building defects after you have committed to the deal. 

Real-Life Example: Jewry Street, Winchester 

To show how valuable a Commercial Building Survey can be, here is a real example of how we helped one of our clients in Winchester. 

Our client was a commercial tenant looking to take on a lease of a mixed-use property in the centre of Winchester. They were entering into a Full Repairing and Insuring lease which meant they would be responsible for the upkeep and condition of the entire building during their lease term. Understandably, they wanted to know exactly what they were signing up for and what future costs might be lurking behind the scenes.  We were appointed to carry out a pre-acquisition building survey alongside a photographic Schedule of Condition. The aim was twofold: 

First, to identify any building defects or maintenance issues.  

Second, to limit our client’s liability for pre-existing defects by documenting the condition at the start of the lease. 

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How Does a Building Survey Protect Buyers and Tenants? 

A Commercial Building Survey gives you control and clarity over your property transaction. It helps you:  

• Identify hidden defects and avoid surprise costs   
• Strengthen your negotiating position   
• Limit your liability under Full Repairing and Insuring lease terms   
• Plan future maintenance budgets   
• Avoid legal or compliance headaches 

For investors and business owners, these insights are essential. Whether you are adding a property to your portfolio, relocating your business, or expanding, a survey gives you the facts not just the sales pitch.