The Washington Group provides Property Condition reports for buyers, owners, and leasers nationwide our Due Diligence reports provide commercial clients the information they need to make appropriate and informed decisions.

Due Diligence Reports typically include roofing, building exteriors, structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC Systems, interiors, restrooms and, parking and walking surfaces, with recommendations for maintenance, repair, and component replacement as needed.

The Washington Group also provides a broad range of additional services, including:

Detailed HVAC System Examination

Our Basic Report includes an examination of the mechanical systems, with information on their general condition, observed installation defects, and needs for repairs or replacement. A more Detailed HVAC Inspection additionally includes partial equipment disassembly and operational tests requiring specialized equipment to determine the specific repairs needed to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Detailed Electrical System Examination

Our Basic Report includes an examination of the electrical systems, with information on their general condition, observed installation defects, and needs for repairs or replacement. A more Detailed Electrical Inspection additionally includes panel cover removals and the generation of a one line electrical schematic.

Detailed Plumbing System Examination

Our Basic Report includes an examination of the plumbing systems, with information on their general condition, observed installation defects, and needs for repairs or replacement. Bathroom fixtures are inspected for replacement and/or repair.

Disabled or ADA Access Analysis

Many older buildings have no ADA features and, while many newer ones have some special ADA components, they are often not in full compliance with both state and federal laws. Our Basic Report includes general information on restrooms, parking areas, and other areas designed to provide disabled access. A Detailed ADA Compliance Analysis typically also includes listing and measuring all ADA components; grab bars, ramps, pay phones, parking ramps, etc., to determine whether they are installed according to the latest state and federal requirements.

There are often no requirements for existing buildings to adopt ADA-required improvements unless those buildings are substantially altered or modified. The extent of alterations, structural repairs, or additions necessary to trigger ADA requirements is set to a dollar amount that is adjusted annually by the local enforcing agency. This amount is typically in the $70,000 range. There are several exceptions to ADA requirements related to the concept of "reasonable hardship," when the cost of alterations necessary to make the building fully accessible is disproportionate.

The cost to make ADA-related improvements may be partially offset by tax incentives and we recommend a qualified tax expert or accountant be consulted. The typical accessibility items can be prioritized as follows: accessible entrance, restrooms, telephones, drinking fountains, additional elements, parking, storage, etc.

We recommend potential ADA upgrade requirements and related costs be determined, especially if significant modifications to the building are anticipated.

ASTM - Property Condition Assessment

An ASTM Property Condition Assessment or ASTM PCA is a specific kind of due diligence, pre-purchase, pre-lease, or post-lease inspection, performed according to a specification developed by ASTM or the American Society for Testing and Materials. The purpose of this specification is to "define good commercial and customary practice …for conducting a baseline property condition assessment …of improvements located on a parcel of commercial real estate by performing a walk-through survey and conducting research as outlined in the guide." Additional information and a copy of this guide can be obtained from ASTM.

An ASTM PCA differs from the Washington Group Basic Report in that it also includes detailed document reviews, personnel interviews, and probable costs to remedy physical deficiencies, plus other requirements listed in the specification.

With offices in Greensboro, High Point, Mebane and Reidsville the Washington Group's home inspection service area includes the following counties Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham, Caswell , Forsyth, Orange, Davidson and Stokes.