The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast

CCPIA®
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The Commercial Inspector Podcast is produced by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®)—the leading organization for commercial property inspector training and professional development.Tune into multiple series, including the Roundtable Meeting, a monthly discussion with inspectors from across the country, and Building Your Business, where industry leaders share practical tips and strategies. Whether you're looking to sharpen your inspection skills or grow your business, there's something here for you.

  1. Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #32: Let’s Talk Commercial

    2d ago

    Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #32: Let’s Talk Commercial

    In this month's open forum roundtable, we hear directly from members on the topics that matter most: VAV boxes, cost-to-remedy estimates, converting inquiries into booked jobs, and competing on value over price. Plus, updates on upcoming classes and resources to help grow your commercial inspection business. 0:05 – Welcome & intro; 2027 class planning and upcoming July cost-to-remedy class in Chicago 4:28 – VAV box inventory in office buildings 9:48 – Using allowances for cost-to-remedy on cosmetic items 15:14 – Caution against over-inspecting specialized commercial systems 20:27 – Setting client expectations upfront 21:51 – Conversion rates and inside sales strategies 33:09 – Competing on value over price 36:38 – Qualifying clients who are shopping on price alone 45:04 – Upcoming courses and member resources 46:30 – Inspector efficiency benchmarks 49:05 – Upcoming in-person classes 50:01 – Using sample reports to demonstrate value 52:00 – Wrap-up and closing reminders 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    53 min
  2. Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable #31: OREP + CCPIA® Exclusive Insurance Policy

    May 12

    Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable #31: OREP + CCPIA® Exclusive Insurance Policy

    In this month's roundtable, we sat down with Isaac Peck, Adam Merrifield, and Gina Hood from OREP Insurance to discuss a brand-new commercial inspection insurance program built exclusively for CCPIA members.  0:00 – Welcome & Introductions 1:17 – About OREP & the New CCPIA Program 3:04 – Why Standard Policies Fall Short for Commercial Inspectors 9:11 – Base Policy vs. Full Commercial Coverage 12:06 – Restaurant Inspections, Kitchen Equipment & Defense-Only Coverage 20:27 – Pre-Claim Services & Attorney Support 24:35 – Program Requirements: Membership, Standards & Contracts 26:27 – Certificates of Insurance & Turnaround Time 28:19 – Light vs. Heavy Industrial: Defining the Line 33:26 – Switching Coverage, Multi-Inspector Firms & Premium Pricing 36:20 – Independent Contractors & Large Building Inspections 43:17 – General Liability vs. E&O Explained 45:05 – Specialty Inspections: Drones, Infrared & Geographic Coverage 48:54 – Cost-to-Remedy Reports & Phase One Environmental Coverage 55:21 – Tail Coverage & Retroactive Coverage 57:06 – Closing Remarks & Upcoming CCPIA Events 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    59 min
  3. Building Your Business Ep. 33: Brent Fletcher, Crossing Into Commercial

    May 11

    Building Your Business Ep. 33: Brent Fletcher, Crossing Into Commercial

    In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Brent Fletcher, owner of Fletcher’s Home Inspections and content creator. Brent shares his journey from a home inspector to a content creator and aspiring commercial inspector. Discover insights on transitioning into commercial inspections, leveraging social media for business growth, and the future of the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:20 Brent's Journey into Home Inspections 05:18 The Evolution of Content Creation 08:28 Transitioning to Commercial Inspections 11:19 Insights from the CCPIA Class 14:21 Challenges in Commercial Inspections 18:41 Transforming Inspection Approaches 19:23 Challenges in Launching a Commercial Site 20:59 Rebranding and Building Clientele 22:49 Maintaining Relationships During Transition 24:19 Scaling and Managing Larger Projects 26:45 Navigating Complexity in Commercial Inspections 27:31 Future of Commercial Inspections 28:47 Embracing Technology in Inspections 29:58 Encouraging New Inspectors 31:02 Investing in Equipment for Commercial Inspections 31:46 Reflections on Training and Learning 35:59 Excitement for Future Growth 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: ccpia.org Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    39 min
  4. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) 2026

    May 5

    International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) 2026

    The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) is free for use by all. The ComSOP is the industry-accepted standard for commercial property inspectors and serves as the foundation for all education and certification offered by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association® (CCPIA®). Its nine core sections outline the inspection process, reporting practices, inclusions and exclusions, and the ethics inspectors follow. The standard is applied to enhance understanding of property conditions across all types of commercial real estate, supporting better decision-making for those buying, selling, maintaining, or improving a property. The appendix provides additional guidance and resources for reporting practices, training, and education. It also includes supplementary standards of practice for inspectors, such as those for accessibility and fire door inspections. 🔗 International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) 2026  0:00 Introduction 1:37 Section 1: Purpose 1:50 Section 2: Definitions 46:10 Section 3: Use 49:12 Section 4: Inspection 52:56 Section 5: Research 57:52 Section 6: Walk-Through Survey 1:40:22 Section 7: Report 1:45:00 Section 8: Limitations, Exceptions and Exclusions 1:52:18 Section 9: Ethics 1:55:59 A.1. Guidelines for Recommended Reporting Practices 2:00:33 A.2. Guidelines for Recommended Proposal and Agreement Practices 2:02:52 A.3. Building Systems Image Gallery 2:03:42 A.4. Recommended Walk-Through Survey Inspection Documentation 2:29:10 A.5. Standard Accessibility Inspection Report for Existing Commercial Buildings 2:41:55 A.6. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Fire Doors 2:59:30 A.7. Observed Green Features Report for Existing Commercial Buildings 3:06:15 A.8. International Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Fireplaces and Chimneys 3:34:32 A.9. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Radon Mitigation Systems 3:54:26 A.10. The Future of This Standard and Ancillary Documents 3:55:45 A.11. Recommended Training 3:57:02 Conclusion Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    3h 58m
  5. Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #30: Report Software, Scribeware

    Apr 16

    Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #30: Report Software, Scribeware

    This month's roundtable featured a special conversation with the two founders of ScribeWare, an inspection software designed to streamline the reporting process. Dylan Chalk and Tim Trickle introduced the platform and provided a live demonstration of its features. 00:00 Introduction to Scribeware and Dylan Chalk02:05 Challenges in Commercial Inspections05:53 Innovative Reporting Features of Scribeware12:55 Streamlined Workflow and Navigation19:05 Advanced Table Functionality and Customization25:43 Data Management and Security in Scribeware28:31 Pricing and Team Management30:11 Streamlining Document Signing Processes34:04 Integrating Software for Inspections38:19 Managing Phase Inspections and Reports41:48 Incorporating Video in Reports45:29 Onboarding and Support for Users48:33 Customizing Templates for Different Inspection Types50:41 Utilizing Photos and Comments Effectively55:30 Data Security and Client Privacy 🔗  See key highlights additional resources: https://ccpia.org/commercial-property-inspectors-roundtable-meeting-30-report-software-scribeware/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    1h 1m
  6. Building Your Business Ep. 32: Chris Cummins, Leadership and Communication

    Apr 6

    Building Your Business Ep. 32: Chris Cummins, Leadership and Communication

    In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Chris Cummins, CEO and Founder of Cummins Media, Inc. This boutique consulting firm has worked with some of the largest organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit, to improve their leadership and communication.  Chris is an experienced keynote speaker, facilitator, and motivator. He shares insights from his seven TEDx talks and his upcoming book, The Human Side of Business, which explores how meaningful human connection remains essential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 00:00 The Art of Public Speaking03:17 Facilitating Learning and Engagement07:07 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Discomfort11:23 The Growth Zone and Transformation15:17 Commercial vs. Residential Inspections23:03 The Transformation of Inspectors28:03 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Commercial Inspection32:39 The Importance of Messaging in Inspections36:16 Building Human Connections in Business43:40 Embracing Discomfort for Growth49:57 Actionable Steps for Commercial Inspectors 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    55 min
  7. Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #29: What is Working For You?

    Mar 10

    Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #29: What is Working For You?

    The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly Zoom hosted by CCPIA® for inspectors across the nation to talk about business and professional development.  This month's roundtable discussion was centered on a reflection of what has been working for the members thus far this year and a reflection back on last year. Host Rob Claus guided the conversation, and multiple members were able to share success stories and plans they have made for this year’s growth.  The conversation concluded with Rob announcing upcoming courses, including the Introduction to Commercial Systems courses in Florida and North Carolina, and a virtual Fast-Track Inspecting Commercial Building Systems course.  📆 To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the training calendar: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    46 min
  8. Building Your Business Ep. 31: InspectorPrime, Using AI and Commercial-Specific Reporting Features

    Mar 2

    Building Your Business Ep. 31: InspectorPrime, Using AI and Commercial-Specific Reporting Features

    In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Jeff Womelsdorf and Jon Ajinga, co-founders of InspectorPrime, to discuss their journey building a report writing solution developed specifically for commercial property inspections.  As Marine Corps veterans, Jeff and Jon share how the routines, processes, and discipline from their service shaped the development of their software and how they identified a gap in the market that existing tools weren't filling. What You'll Learn: • Commercial inspection software requires a purpose-built approach, not a residential tool adapted for commercial use. • A user-friendly client portal can make reports more accessible and improve the overall client experience. • Real-time field note submission enhances efficiency and accuracy during inspections. • Built-in quality assurance allows inspectors to review and finalize reports before delivery. • Building on Airtable provides stability, flexibility, and full data ownership for inspectors. • Customization options allow inspectors to tailor the platform to their workflow and align with the ComSOP. 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: ccpia.org Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

    57 min
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5
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About

The Commercial Inspector Podcast is produced by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®)—the leading organization for commercial property inspector training and professional development.Tune into multiple series, including the Roundtable Meeting, a monthly discussion with inspectors from across the country, and Building Your Business, where industry leaders share practical tips and strategies. Whether you're looking to sharpen your inspection skills or grow your business, there's something here for you.

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