Annual Commercial Building Inspection Checklist

This checklist is designed for facility managers conducting an annual self-inspection of a commercial building. Use it to identify deferred maintenance, code compliance gaps, and upcoming capital needs before they become emergencies. Print one copy per floor or building section for systematic documentation.

Facility: _________________________    Date: _______________    Inspector: _________________________

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Section 1: Fire and Life Safety

Fire Suppression

• ☐ Sprinkler heads are clear of obstructions (18" clearance below heads)
• ☐ No painted, corroded, or damaged sprinkler heads observed
• ☐ Sprinkler control valve is open and sealed/supervised
• ☐ Annual sprinkler inspection certificate (NFPA 25) is current and on file
• ☐ Water flow test within past 5 years (or as required by AHJ)
• ☐ Kitchen hood suppression system inspection current (semi-annual per NFPA 96)

Fire Alarm System

• ☐ Annual fire alarm inspection (NFPA 72) certificate is current and on file
• ☐ No alarm system faults or supervisory signals displayed on panel
• ☐ Pull stations are accessible and unobstructed
• ☐ Smoke detector coverage complete — no heads missing
• ☐ Monthly inspection log current (for systems requiring monthly testing)

Emergency Egress

• ☐ All exit doors open freely without keys from interior
• ☐ All exit signs illuminated and legible
• ☐ Emergency lighting function test log current (monthly 30-sec tests documented)
• ☐ Annual 90-minute emergency lighting test completed and documented
• ☐ All egress paths clear of obstructions — no stored items blocking corridors
• ☐ Stairwell doors self-close and latch properly
• ☐ Exit door hardware (crash bars) functional on all required exits

Fire Extinguishers

• ☐ Annual inspection tag current on all extinguishers
• ☐ Extinguisher pressure gauges in green zone
• ☐ No extinguishers have been discharged or tampered with
• ☐ All extinguishers mounted and accessible
• ☐ 6-year maintenance and hydrostatic test schedule current

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Section 2: HVAC Systems

• ☐ All air filters recently replaced — check MERV rating appropriateness
• ☐ No supply or return vents blocked by furniture or equipment
• ☐ Condensate drain pans free of standing water and biological growth
• ☐ No visible mold or biological growth on air handling unit components
• ☐ HVAC PM contract current — spring and fall service visits documented
• ☐ Building automation system (BAS) operating without fault codes
• ☐ Rooftop units — no obvious physical damage, no debris accumulation
• ☐ Economizer dampers operational (if applicable)
• ☐ All mechanical room access doors secured
• ☐ Refrigerant tracking log current (EPA requirements for systems >50 lbs)

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Section 3: Electrical Systems

• ☐ All electrical panel covers in place — no missing knockouts or open holes
• ☐ Panels are accessible — 36" clear working space maintained in front
• ☐ All circuit breakers labeled accurately
• ☐ No evidence of overheating — no discoloration or burning smell at panels
• ☐ No extension cords used as permanent wiring
• ☐ GFCI outlets present in all required wet locations (bathrooms, kitchen, outdoor, within 6' of sink)
• ☐ All outlet covers and switch plates in place — no exposed wiring
• ☐ Generator fuel level, coolant, and oil checked
• ☐ Generator monthly test log current
• ☐ Generator annual load test completed and documented
• ☐ Infrared thermographic scan current (every 1–3 years recommended)

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Section 4: Plumbing Systems

• ☐ No visible leaks at any accessible supply or drain connections
• ☐ All restroom fixtures functional — no running toilets, dripping faucets
• ☐ Backflow preventer test current (annual, code-required in most jurisdictions)
• ☐ Water heater in good condition — no corrosion, temperature set to 120°F minimum
• ☐ Water heater pressure relief valve tested (or within test schedule)
• ☐ All floor drains clear and have water in trap (to prevent sewer gas)
• ☐ Sump pump operational — float switch test completed
• ☐ Grease trap service current if applicable (records on file)
• ☐ Irrigation backflow preventer tested and winterized if applicable

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Section 5: Building Exterior and Envelope

Roof

• ☐ Roof membrane — no obvious punctures, bubbling, or open seams visible from access point
• ☐ All roof drains and scuppers clear of debris
• ☐ Parapet walls and coping in good condition — no cracks or displacement
• ☐ Rooftop equipment curbs in good condition — no deteriorating sealants
• ☐ Professional roof inspection within past 12 months — report on file

Facade

• ☐ No spalling, cracking, or loose masonry observed at perimeter
• ☐ Window perimeter sealants in good condition — no open gaps or failed joints
• ☐ Expansion joint sealants continuous — no open gaps
• ☐ No staining patterns suggesting active water infiltration
• ☐ All exterior lighting operational

Parking and Site

• ☐ Parking lot surface — note significant potholes, cracking, or drainage pooling
• ☐ ADA accessible parking spaces properly marked and in good condition
• ☐ Sidewalks and walkways free of trip hazards (raised joints, cracking)
• ☐ Site drainage functioning — no standing water after rain events
• ☐ Exterior signage in good condition and properly illuminated

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Section 6: Elevators and Vertical Transport

• ☐ Current certificate of inspection posted in each elevator cab
• ☐ No unusual noises, leveling issues, or door problems reported
• ☐ Emergency phone operational in each cab
• ☐ Elevator pit — no water accumulation, sump pump operational
• ☐ Annual elevator inspection by licensed inspector completed

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Section 7: ADA Compliance

• ☐ Accessible parking spaces: required count present, properly marked, van-accessible space included
• ☐ Accessible path of travel from parking to building entrance — no barriers
• ☐ Entrance doors meet accessibility requirements (lever hardware, threshold height, auto-opener if required)
• ☐ Restrooms meet ADA clearance requirements — no equipment or storage in required clear floor space
• ☐ Elevator controls meet reach range requirements
• ☐ Drinking fountains — if present, hi-lo fountains or bottle filler with accessible fountain

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Section 8: Environmental and Indoor Air Quality

• ☐ No visible mold growth on any surfaces — walls, ceilings, HVAC grilles
• ☐ No musty odors in any areas
• ☐ Hazardous materials inventory current (if asbestos or lead paint present in pre-1980 building)
• ☐ Chemical storage areas properly ventilated and organized
• ☐ SDS (Safety Data Sheets) accessible for all cleaning and maintenance chemicals used on-site
• ☐ Pest control contract current — no active pest evidence

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Section 9: Compliance Calendar Verification

• ☐ Building permit and certificate of occupancy on file
• ☐ Business license(s) current
• ☐ All required permits current for any ongoing construction or renovation
• ☐ OSHA 300 log current (if applicable based on employee count)
• ☐ Environmental permits current (stormwater, air quality if applicable)

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Summary and Priority Actions

Immediate (within 30 days):

• ☐ _________________________________________________
• ☐ _________________________________________________

Urgent (within 90 days):

• ☐ _________________________________________________
• ☐ _________________________________________________

Planned (within 12 months):

• ☐ _________________________________________________
• ☐ _________________________________________________

Inspector signature: _________________________ Date: _____________