How do you determine the construction type and internal wall material of an existing building?
For insurance purposes I need to determine the construction type (wood, metal, joint masonry, etc) and the internal wall material (drywall, plaster, etc) of an existing commercial building that a small business currently leases.  The small business owner who leases this building doesn’t have this information and is rarely onsite.  I’m going there tomorrow to take a look, but unless some of the framing is exposed in the warehouse or something I don’t think it’s going to help.  I’ve checked sites like Loopnet and Property Shark but they don’t have this info.  Tax assessment sites don’t seen to either.  I’m assuming the only way is to contact the owner?  Any advice is greatly appreciated.
[{"id": "euoci0f", "text": "Like you say, a site inspection is a great way to get at least an approximation of the building materials. You could also check with the local permit office to view the building plans if they still have them.", "replies": [{"id": "eurm7ao", "text": "I went to the property and there was no ceiling in the warehouse so I could clearly see wood framing.  In the warehouse I was able to use a ladder and go on top of the office space and could see that the interior walls were drywall.  It\u2019s good to know about the local permit office though, for future situations.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "euofuwg", "text": "Can you ask the owner for the property condition report from the acquisition?\n\nOr I bet you can find the permit set of the development in the local building department. Should only cost you time.", "replies": [{"id": "euoz3al", "text": "Thanks.  Is the permit set public information?", "replies": [{"id": "eup50m7", "text": "Should be. You could probably find a list of permits online depending on how savvy the local govt is. From there you could go in and ask for them specifically.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "euqhero", "text": "Getting in touch with the owner will be tough.  The building is managed by a property management company, so I\u2019d have to go through them first.  It\u2019s possible but my deadline is tomorrow.  I might have to extend the deadline.  \n\nI was thinking I could just go up into the attic space and see the framing from there correct?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]