CCPIA case studies
CCPIA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CCPIA Certified Commercial Property Inspector credential is a professional certification for inspectors who evaluate light commercial and commercial buildings - retail strips, office and warehouse buildings, mixed-use properties, small industrial facilities - rather than single-family homes. It signals that a candidate can walk a building systematically, recognize defects across structural, envelope, roofing, and MEP systems, and translate those observations into a defensible written report for buyers, lenders, and property owners. The CCPIA case studies are 5 cases and about 2,897 words.
1Step Cracking and a Corroded Storefront Lintel
During a pre-purchase inspection of a 24,000 sq ft, two-story masonry-and-steel office building constructed in 1978, you observe a stair-step crack in the painted CMU wall at the south storefront. The crack begins at the steel lintel bearing over a 12 ft wide opening and extends about 4 ft upward, reaching roughly 1/8 in at its widest point.
593 words, about 3 min2Ponding, Seam Lift, and Interior Stains on a TPO Roof
At an 18,000 sq ft two-story office building, you inspect a 60-mil mechanically attached TPO roof installed in 2017. The last rain ended 36 hours before your 8 a.m.
611 words, about 3 min3Combustion Air Separation and CO in a Packaged Rooftop Unit
During an inspection of a 22,000 sq ft single-story office and warehouse, you access three rooftop packaged gas/electric units. RTU-2, a 2011 10-ton unit serving the office area, shows rust streaks and scorched paint around the burner access panel.
566 words, about 3 min4Wedged Stair Door and Obstructed Corridor in an Unsprinklered Office
You inspect a three-story, 36,000 sq ft office building constructed in 1985. The building is unsprinklered and has a single interior exit stair serving all floors.
555 words, about 3 min5Broker Pressure to Soften a Roof Finding
Your firm is hired by an out-of-state buyer to inspect a 30,000 sq ft retail center. In your draft report, you describe a 60-mil TPO roof with widespread seam separation, ponding, and active ceiling leaks as a material defect requiring further evaluation.
572 words, about 3 min