The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Bethany Messier from CoStar Group, the world leader in commercial real estate data and analytics. CoStar is widely recognized for having the most comprehensive database of CRE information across the U.S. and Canada and is the parent company of LoopNet, Homes.com, Apartments.com, Land.com, and Matterport.

CoStar’s tools are widely used by commercial property inspectors for property research, proposal development, and pre-inspection preparation. Their data helps inspectors understand a property’s history, ownership, tenancy, and market context. This supports ROI-driven business development and leads to better proposals and preparation before arriving on-site. 

In this episode, Bethany and Rob discuss how CoStar’s platform supports business development for inspectors, including targeting the right clients, identifying opportunities, and building a sustainable pipeline of commercial property inspection work. 

They also highlight CCPIA’s exclusive partnership with CoStar, which gives CCPIA members customized onboarding and support to help grow their inspection business. Visit CCPIA.org to learn more about the partnership.

Watch the YouTube video to see a live CoStar platform demo and how inspectors are using it in practice. 

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

➡️ Visit the November Email Newsletter Here

➡️ 35% Off Training Through Nov. 30th! Use Code: 35BlackFriday

This month’s issue breaks down the 2025 multifamily market and what it means for inspectors. Get the key trends, inspector takeaways, and a free shareable report you can use in your own client outreach.

You’ll also find new CCPIA resources, including guidance on inspecting FAA obstruction lighting, an online course on inspecting building exteriors, and materials on growing your business through partnerships and approaching large, complex properties.

To close, we recap upcoming CCPIA training dates, virtual roundtables, and events, including in-person classes in Indianapolis and Los Angeles, and a virtual class covering how to inspect all building systems. Great to prepare for the certification exam.

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

👋 Hello, commercial property inspectors! In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find inspection headlines, CRE market insights, and training announcements, including:

• Profitable service add-ons
• Must-know procedures for electrical inspections
• Zoom courses and hands-on training held nationwide
• CRE industry regulatory news that keeps you informed on what’s happening (and gives you client conversation starters)

Links mentioned in the episode: 

• New revenue stream: Phase I ESAs 
• Hot demand: Four core inspection services for CRE capital planning
• Confidence builder: Electrical inspection procedure guide and video demo
• Staying up-to-date: Subscribe to the monthly email newsletter  

🤝 Thanks for reading and being part of the CCPIA® community. Together, we lead Building Excellence.

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

August 2025 Episode of the Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Hosted by CCPIA® is out now!  This month’s roundtable covers internet marketing, managing cost per lead, ensuring prompt payments, and navigating large project acquisitions. Get valuable insights to help grow your business!

To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Episode #24: Learn why fire door inspections matter for commercial property safety and liability.

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes special guest Lori Greene, Manager of Codes and Resources for Allegion. With nearly 40 years in the door and hardware industry, Lori is the industry's foremost expert on fire doors and fire door assemblies. Allegion is a global security company with approximately 40 brands, including the well-known Schlage brand.

Tune in to hear Rob and Lori discuss:

• Fire door fundamentals 
• Identification and compliance
• Real-word impact of consequences of insufficient fire doors
• Annual fire door inspection requirements
• Industry resources

Helpful Links for Commercial Property Inspectors:

• Fire Door Inspection Online Course for Swing, Siding, and Rolling Doors
• Fire Door Locations: Types and Inspection Guidelines for Buildings 
• Exit Door and Fire Doors Inspection Video
• Fire Door Inspections Reporting: Tips and Tools
• Life Safety Inspection Online Course for Commercial Property Inspectors

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Hear how the R-410A phaseout is reshaping commercial HVAC systems and what it means for property inspections, with your host Lance Coffman. 

Episode #3 Highlights:

- R410A manufacturing stopped January 1, 2025
- Repair costs following R-22's path
- New A2L refrigerants require complete system replacement, not retrofits
- Document refrigerant type on every data plate during inspections
- Equipment over 10 years old faces immediate replacement decisions
- Frame findings as capital planning, not emergencies
- Maintenance history reveals leak-prone systems worth replacing
- Local codes for A2L safety vary
- Biggest HVAC shift in 20 years requires proactive client education

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

We recently connected with CCPIA® member Tony Christoforou, who discussed how his well-established commercial inspection business has evolved into something greater—thanks to collaboration and a dedication to learning from each project and client experience.

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Tune in to the free monthly virtual meeting, where inspectors nationwide gather to exchange ideas, discuss business development strategies, and explore industry opportunities. This month is packed with insights about clients, contracts, and insurance coverage. 

Special guests from the leading provider of Errors & Omissions (E&O) and General Liability insurance for inspection companies joined us for the second half of the meeting.

To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Host Lance Coffman breaks down how institutional capital is driving faster deals, larger portfolios, and new expectations for commercial property inspectors.

Learn what sets private equity (PE) clients apart, how inspection workflows are changing, and what it takes to succeed in this high-stakes, data-driven environment.

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Dry cleaners may look like simple storefronts, but they often present serious safety challenges tied to fire risks, health concerns, and environmental hazards.

In this episode, we cover:

• Long-term environmental and safety concerns from current, former, and neighboring dry cleaning operations
• Solvent use and how it ties into fire code classifications and environmental risks
• When dry cleaner sites may warrant a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and why many trigger a Phase II
• Fire and life safety issues, including extinguishers, egress, maintenance, spill containment, and storage of flammable/combustible materials
• Common ventilation concerns and requirements, plus real-world examples of poor vapor control
• Key ComSOP inspection points connected to dry cleaner risks
• What to document, and where to look, during a commercial property inspection

Learn more about inspecting dry cleaners in these readings: 

• Dry Cleaners: What Inspectors, Buyers, and Property Managers Should Know
• Inspecting Dry Cleaner Properties: Fire and Life Safety Risks
• Inspecting Dry Cleaner Properties: Health and Environmental Risks
• Dry Cleaner Property Inspection Checklist

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!