Inspecting Commercial Properties: What to Look Out For and What to Bring

Preparation for the Inspection: What to Bring?

Good preparation is half the battle – quite literally. Before you set off to view a commercial property, you should make sure you have all the important tools and documents with you. A measuring tape or laser distance meter is indispensable for measuring the actual premises and comparing them with your requirements. The information in advertisements does not always correspond exactly to reality, especially regarding the usable floor space.

Also, take a checklist with the most important inspection points so that you don't forget anything during the viewing. Your smartphone is also a valuable tool: take photos and videos of the premises so you can analyze details in peace later. If you are viewing several properties in one day, this helps enormously when making a decision later on. Write down any questions that come to mind directly on-site during the viewing.

If possible, bring an expert or business partner with you. A second opinion is often valuable, and a professional – such as an architect or craftsman – can better assess structural defects or renovation needs. Furthermore, clearly define your requirements beforehand: How many square meters do you actually need? Which technical infrastructure is absolutely necessary? With this information, you can specifically check the relevant aspects during the inspection.

The Right Timing for Inspections

Plan enough time for the inspection of a commercial property. While 15 to 20 minutes are often sufficient for residential viewings, you should calculate at least 30 to 45 minutes for business premises – and significantly more for larger properties or complex real estate. You not only have to check the premises themselves, but also assess the surroundings, parking spaces, delivery options, and the technical infrastructure.

Ideally, you schedule the inspection for a time of day that is relevant to your future business operations. For a retail space in a pedestrian zone, for example, it makes sense to assess the location during peak business hours to evaluate foot traffic. For office spaces, on the other hand, it is helpful to see the property during usual working hours to realistically experience the noise levels and surroundings.

Avoid scheduling multiple viewings too closely together. You need time to process your impressions and take notes. Moreover, inspections can sometimes be delayed or you might spontaneously want to clarify additional questions. A realistic time buffer between appointments ensures that you don't get stressed and can examine each property with the necessary attention.

Checking Location and Accessibility

The location is often even more important for commercial properties than for residential real estate. First, pay attention to accessibility by public transport. Are there bus stops or train stations in the immediate vicinity? This is particularly relevant if your employees or customers rely on public transportation. Also, check the parking situation on-site: Are there enough parking spaces for employees and visitors? For retail spaces, customer parking can be a decisive factor in business success.

The immediate surroundings of the property also deserve your attention. What other shops or companies are located nearby? For a retail space, proximity to complementary businesses can be advantageous, while disruptive businesses like noisy hospitality venues or nightclubs can be problematic. Observe the foot traffic and the general appearance of the area. A well-maintained, lively environment indicates an attractive business location.

Also inform yourself about planned construction projects or traffic changes in the area. Construction work can temporarily impair accessibility, while new developments can change the attractiveness of the location in the long term. You can often obtain this information from the local municipal administration or by researching in local media.

Condition and Equipment of the Premises

The structural condition of the commercial property is a central checkpoint. Look out for moisture damage, cracks in walls or ceilings, the condition of windows, and the quality of the floors. In older properties, hidden defects can cause high renovation costs. Also check the lighting: Is there sufficient daylight available, or are the rooms dependent on artificial lighting? In office spaces, this plays an important role in the well-being of employees.

Heating and air conditioning are other important aspects. Find out about the heating system and the age of the equipment. Modern, energy-efficient systems can significantly reduce incidental costs. For rooms with a lot of electronics or high personnel density (e.g., in coworking spaces or open-plan offices), a functioning air conditioning system is often indispensable. Also ask about the average incidental costs to get a realistic estimate of the total costs.

The layout of the rooms should suit your business operations. Are the spaces flexible to use, or are there fixed partition walls that can only be moved with great effort? For retail spaces, the shop window front is crucial for visibility. For storage spaces or industrial properties, ceiling height, floor load-bearing capacity, and accessibility for delivery vehicles are relevant factors. Measure the rooms and check whether your planned furnishings and equipment will actually fit.

Technical Infrastructure and Connections

The technical infrastructure is often crucial for success in modern business premises. First, check the internet connection: Is fiber optic available, or do you have to settle for slower connections? In the era of cloud computing and video conferences, a fast and stable internet connection is essential for many companies. Ask the landlord about available providers and bandwidths.

Equally important are sufficient power outlets and the capacity of the power grid. Especially for businesses with many devices or machines, the existing electrical installation can quickly reach its limits. Inquire about the available connection capacities and clarify whether expansions are possible and who is responsible for them. For hospitality businesses or production facilities, water and wastewater connections, ventilation systems, and possibly gas connections are also relevant.

Don't forget to also check the safety equipment. Are smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits available and compliant with current regulations? In larger properties, a fire alarm system may be mandatory. Also inquire about existing alarm systems or access controls. This infrastructure is not only important for safety but can also affect insurance costs.

Clarifying Contractual and Legal Aspects

You should address important contractual questions already during the inspection. Inquire about the lease term: What is the usual minimum lease term, and how flexible is the landlord regarding contract extensions or early termination? For commercial leases in Switzerland, different regulations generally apply under OR 266a et seq. compared to residential leases. Notice periods are often longer, and many contracts stipulate minimum terms.

Also clarify the conditions of use: What business activities are permitted? Are there restrictions regarding opening hours, noise emissions, or structural changes? In retail spaces, certain industries are sometimes excluded, or there are non-compete clauses within the building. Ask about the amount of on-account incidental costs and what exactly they include. For example, are the cleaning of common areas, caretaker services, or snow removal included?

Find out about the regulations on renovations and tenant fit-outs. Who bears the costs for necessary adjustments? Does the landlord have to agree, and do built-in fixtures have to be dismantled upon moving out? These questions can have significant financial implications. Have all important agreements confirmed in writing – verbal promises are often difficult to prove in the event of a dispute. For complex lease agreements, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specialized in tenancy law.

After the Inspection: Making a Decision

After the inspection, you should process your impressions and notes promptly. Create an overview of the pros and cons of the property and compare it with other spaces you have viewed. In doing so, consider not only the obvious factors like rent and location but also the "soft" aspects: Do you feel comfortable in the rooms? Can you imagine working there successfully?

Create a realistic cost calculation. In addition to the rent, there are often significant incidental costs, renovation costs, or costs for necessary adjustments. Also factor in one-off costs such as deposits, brokerage fees, or moving expenses. Check whether the total costs fit into your budget and whether the investment makes economic sense. For longer-term lease agreements, it is worth calculating different scenarios, for example, with increasing revenues or changed business models.

If you are seriously considering a property, schedule a second viewing if necessary. Then bring specific professionals with you – for example, an electrician if the technical infrastructure is critical, or an interior architect if major renovations are planned. A second viewing also gives you the opportunity to clarify points that were left open the first time. Do not hesitate to ask critical questions – after all, it's about an important business decision.

Conclusion: A Systematic Inspection Pays Off

Inspecting commercial properties requires care, time, and a systematic approach. With the right preparation, appropriate tools, and a structured checklist, you ensure that you check all relevant aspects. From the location and structural condition to the technical infrastructure and contractual framework – every detail can be decisive for the success of your business.

Take enough time for every viewing and do not hesitate to ask critical questions. A thorough examination before signing a contract avoids later disappointments and costly surprises. On maison.work, you will find a large selection of commercial properties throughout Switzerland – from office spaces and retail spaces to industrial halls. Use the platform to find suitable properties and go into every inspection well-prepared. This way, you will find the perfect business space for your company.

This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal or tax advice. For specific questions regarding lease agreements or legal aspects, it is recommended to consult a specialist lawyer for tenancy law.