Lance Coffman returns to Inspector Toolbelt Talk to deliver a masterclass on the current state of commercial property inspections and why it remains an exceptional opportunity for inspectors looking to diversify their business.
While residential markets have struggled over the past two years, commercial inspections continue to thrive. Unlike residential inspections that depend almost entirely on real estate transactions, commercial inspectors serve a diverse clientele including current building owners, maintenance teams, portfolio managers, REITs, and attorneys. This diversity creates stability regardless of market conditions, as commercial property owners consistently need expertise to either make money or avoid losing it.
One of the most critical success factors Lance emphasizes is creating a dedicated commercial inspection identity. "Commercial leads go to your home inspection website, get shot in the face, dragged into the woods, and buried in a 10-foot deep hole," he explains colorfully. Commercial clients want specialists, not generalists, and perceive tremendous value in a dedicated commercial inspection service. This perception justifies the substantially higher fees - often thousands or tens of thousands of dollars compared to residential's typical $500 range.
The commercial landscape continues evolving with several hot trends. Data centers are booming due to AI expansion, while former office buildings are being repurposed into multifamily housing as remote work changes demand patterns. Churches, schools, government buildings, and small business properties remain consistently strong sectors. Lance recommends setting up Google Alerts to monitor commercial real estate movements in your region and identify emerging opportunities.
Rather than attempting to master every commercial property type, successful inspectors find their niche. This specialization allows them to build deep expertise and confidence when consulting with business leaders - a critical skill since commercial inspection is fundamentally consultative rather than merely technical. The fourth quarter presents unique opportunities when businesses plan their annual budgets, making it prime time to demonstrate how preventative inspections save money.
For those interested in making the transition to commercial work, resources like CCPIA provide vital education, coaching, and community. Lance hosts the "Staying Smart in CRE" podcast and weekly coaching calls to help inspectors navigate this lucrative but different world. The commercial inspection market remains what Lance calls "the golden age" - comparable to residential inspections in the early 2000s when competition was low and opportunity abundant.
Ready to elevate your inspection business? The commercial market awaits those willing to position themselves as true building consultants rather than just inspectors.
Check out our home inspection app at www.inspectortoolbelt.com
Need a home inspection website? See samples of our website at www.inspectortoolbelt.com/home-inspection-websites
*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast, and the guests on it, do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inspector Toolbelt and its associates.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.