How to Take Commercial Property Photos

-Please read this information in full before completing a commercial property inspection.-

*Please note: This is a list of the most common examples of photos that are required for successful completion of Interior/Exterior Commercial Property Inspections. The subject property may or may not have all of the listed areas, and may require more photos than what is listed. Looker is only responsible for taking photos of common areas unless otherwise directed.

Exterior Photos

15-20 Exterior Photos Required

  1. Front of Subject Property
    Include the entire subject property. This photo is used to estimate the size and condition of the property.


  2. Back of Subject Property
    Include the entire back side of property. Property lines and fences may limit a full view. Take 1-2 additional photos if there is a barrier limiting the full view. *This photo may not be possible to capture if the property is “No Contact” per Look Instructions.


  3. Left Side of Subject Property
    Include the entire left side of property. Property lines and fences may limit a full view. Take 1-2 additional photos if there is a barrier limiting the full view. *This photo may not be possible to capture if the property is “No Contact” per Look Instructions.


  4. Right Side of Subject Property
    Include the entire right side of property. Property lines and fences may limit a full view. Take 1-2 additional photos if there is a barrier limiting the full view. *This photo may not be possible to capture if the property is “No Contact” per Look Instructions.


  5. Street View Left
    Take photo from the front of the subject property showing the street the property sits on. This photo is used to determine if the street is well traveled and the type of roadway (i.e. highway, interstate, rural road, etc.).


  6. Street View Right
    Take photo from the front of the subject property showing the street the property sits on. This photo is used to determine if the street is well traveled and the type of roadway (i.e. highway, interstate, rural road, etc.).


  7. Address Verification
    Locate the address on the subject property (typically close to the front entrance, on the company’s sign, mailbox, etc.). Be sure to capture a clear image displaying all digits of the address.
  8. Business Sign
    Take a photo of the business sign. If the business is a multi-tenant building, take a photo of the marquee, directory, or every business sign within the subject property.


  9. Brokerage Signs (if applicable)
    Take a photo of all real estate, for sale, or for lease signs on the property.
  10. Parking Area
    Take a photo of the general overview of the parking area. This photo is used to determine the amount of parking spaces available and the condition of the parking lot.


  11. Property to the Left Subject Property
    Take a photo of the closest neighboring property on the left side of subject property. This photo is used to determine the other types of businesses in the area.  

  12. Property to the Right of the Subject Property
    Take a photo of the closest neighboring property on the right side of subject property. This photo is used to determine the other types of businesses in the area.  


  13. Property Across the Street from Subject Property
    Take a photo of the property directly across the street from the subject property. This photo is used to determine the other types of businesses in the area.  


  14. New Construction or Signs for New Construction (if applicable)
    Take photos of any pertinent signage or ongoing construction work being performed within close proximity to the subject property or neighboring properties.
  15. Environmental Observations (if applicable)
    Take photos that display evidence of  the subject property being a dry cleaning business, gas station, having chemical spills or leaking equipment, fuel storage or fuel dispensing equipment, drums or other chemical containers on-site, chemical based parts cleaning or plating operations.

 

*If completing an Exterior Only, No Contact Look, some photos may not be possible to capture. Attempt to capture the described photo from the closest vantage point possible. You are required to keep on public property, do not trespass.

 

Interior Photos (if applicable)

10-15 Photos Required

The following are examples of the typical photos required. You must take photos of common areas. The photos should be representative of the type of business being operated out of the subject property. All photos listed may not apply.

  • Entrance/Reception Area
  • Individual Offices (1-Typical Office)
  • Conference Room
  • Break Room/Kitchen Area
  • Restroom Facility (1-Typical Restroom)  
  • Evidence of Heating/Cooling System
  • Warehouse/Storage Area
  • Exam Rooms/Lab Areas
  • Conference Rooms
  • Classrooms
  • Assembly Halls
  • Recreational Area
  • Retail Area
  • Dining Area

Example Photos: 

 

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Comments

  • Avatar
    Phoebe Manalang

    photos are a great help in explaining the expectations!

  • Avatar
    Dennisbpatrick

    Good training tool

  • Avatar
    Sherry N Mathis

    Nice photos and helpful tips

  • Avatar
    Kirsten Cruz

    Great tutorial/refresher of exactly how the angles of exterior shots should be!

  • Avatar
    Charmaine Brown

    Very insightful! I rarely get commercial looks so this information was great

  • Avatar
    Huimprovement

    Excellent tutorial on commercial property photography

  • Avatar
    Pamela Smith

    Very useful training tool.
    Thank you!

  • Avatar
    pinchers81

    Thanks for the great example photos!

  • Avatar
    J. Delton Lehman

    Especially helpful is seeing the reason the picture is being asked for. Good tutorial

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    Chanda Haslem

    yes, this is very helpful information and descriptive.

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    Keith Catron

    Why can't we Zoom the camera within the app it would be very helpful to be able to do that