Before visiting the site, check with your local jurisdiction to determine:The site's zoning, setback, height, and building coverage requirements, Grandfathered uses and conditions, proffers, liens, and applicable fire regulations. If the site is in an earthquake/seismic zone. If the site is in a hurricane or high tornado-risk region. If the site is in a flood plain or other flood-risk zone. If there is any record of hazards in the soil or water on or near the site.

Conducting the on-site inspection

Once you are at the site, conduct a brief walk-through of the building and the site. Make note the property's overall condition and appearance. If it appears to have been well maintained, it is far less likely to have serious problems. Note the building's style and period and try to determine when it was built.

Next, examine the quality of the building's construction and design and that of its neighborhood. There is no substitute for good design and sound, durable construction. Finally, do an assessment of the building's functional layout. Does the building "work" or will it have to be significantly altered to make it usable and marketable?

Look for signs of dampness and water damage. Water is usually a building's biggest enemy and a dry building will not have problems with wood decay, subterranean termites, or rusted and corroded equipment.

The formal inspection

After completing the initial walk-through, begin the formal inspection process:Inspect the site, building interior, and building exteriorRecord pertinent information as needed. Inspect the structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems Record the size, capacity, and other relevant information about each system or component as needed. While most inspections consist of observing, measuring, and testing building elements that are exposed to view, there are conditions that require the removal of some part of the building to observe, measure, or test otherwise concealed construction. Such intrusive inspections require some demolition and should be performed only with the permission of the owner and by experienced, qualified mechanics.

Record general building data and site layouts, elevations, and floor plans first. This information will form the basis for later rehabilitation decisions. Then record the size, capacity, and condition/needed repairs information for each building component. This will highlight what needs to be repaired or replaced. The inspection may be completed in one visit or over several visits, depending on the property's condition, the weather, problems of access, and the need for testing or expert help.