A hospitality company was looking to purchase and renovate a 150-room hotel near a popular tourist destination. The hotel, originally built in the early 1980s, had good bones but was showing signs of age. The company had plans for a full-scale renovation to modernize the property and attract a higher-end clientele, but before moving forward with the purchase, they needed to be sure that there were no underlying issues that would inflate renovation costs. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition, they opted for a CRE video inspection.
The Challenge: Understanding the Scope of Repairs
The hotel had been operational for decades but had not undergone significant updates in more than 15 years. While it had a good location and an appealing structure, the company was concerned about the state of the mechanical systems, plumbing, and roof. Since the building was in a humid, coastal region, they also worried about potential mold and water damage in areas that were difficult to inspect through traditional means.
Moreover, the renovation would involve updating the hotel’s infrastructure to meet current safety codes, especially in areas like the fire alarm system, electrical wiring, and plumbing. The hotel’s older construction added to the challenge, as potential structural issues could lead to unforeseen delays and added costs.
The Solution: Leveraging CRE Video Inspection for a Thorough Assessment
Using CRE video inspection technology, the hospitality company was able to conduct a thorough review of the property, focusing on the hotel’s most critical areas. Specialized cameras, including drones and endoscopic tools, were employed to inspect the roof, plumbing, HVAC systems, and walls for hidden issues.
Drone footage provided an aerial view of the roof, revealing several spots with worn shingles and areas where water had pooled, indicating drainage issues. These findings were critical, as they allowed the company to anticipate roofing repairs before water damage worsened. Additionally, the inspection of the HVAC system revealed corroded ductwork and outdated units that would require replacement to meet energy-efficiency standards.
One of the most surprising discoveries was the presence of mold in a section of the hotel’s walls and ceiling, likely caused by a slow, undetected plumbing leak. Without video inspection technology, this issue might have gone unnoticed until it became a much more costly problem during renovation.
The inspection also assessed the state of the hotel’s electrical wiring and fire alarm systems. Video footage from behind the walls showed several areas where wiring had degraded over time, posing a fire risk if left unaddressed. The inspection team was able to document these issues, allowing the company to factor electrical updates into their renovation budget.
Results: Streamlined Renovation and Improved Budget Accuracy
Thanks to the insights from the CRE video inspection, the hospitality company had a complete and accurate understanding of the scope of the renovations. This allowed them to plan more effectively, ensuring that all necessary repairs and updates were accounted for before construction began. The company was able to negotiate a reduced purchase price based on the cost of fixing the roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems, saving a significant amount upfront.
The video inspection also helped streamline the renovation process by preventing unexpected delays. Since the company had already identified the key areas needing repair, they could schedule contractors and order materials in advance, preventing costly downtime. Moreover, the early detection of mold allowed them to bring in a remediation team immediately, preventing further damage and ensuring that the hotel would be safe and up to code for future guests.
Conclusion: Video Inspections as a Critical Tool in Hotel Renovations
This case illustrates how CRE video inspection technology can play a pivotal role in the acquisition and renovation of older properties, especially in the hospitality sector. For the hotel project, the use of video inspections provided the company with clear, actionable data, allowing them to proceed with confidence, avoid unexpected costs, and create a detailed renovation plan that kept them on time and on budget.
Whether it’s for a hotel, office building, or retail center, CRE video inspections can provide invaluable insights that help streamline the acquisition and renovation process. To ensure your next project is a success, visit VidTech.com for professional video inspection services tailored to your commercial real estate needs.
