Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CASp inspection cost in California?
Most small-to-medium commercial CASp inspections range from about $1,000 to $5,000, with the majority of small businesses around $1,000. Larger or multi-building properties can exceed $10,000. Cost is driven by the number of accessibility elements measured — restrooms, parking, and paths of travel — not just square footage. Corey and Partners provides a clear, flat-fee quote before any work begins.
What is a CASp inspection and what do I get?
A CASp (Certified Access Specialist) inspection is an on-site accessibility survey conducted by a state-certified inspector who measures your property against the 2025 California Building Code Chapter 11B and the 2010 ADA Standards. You receive documented barriers, field measurements, a written report identifying violations and compliance paths, and an optional Disability Access Inspection Certificate (DAIC).
Do I legally have to get a CASp inspection?
No — a CASp inspection is voluntary and no law requires a property owner or tenant to hire one. However, it is the only way to obtain "Qualified Defendant" status, which sharply reduces your legal exposure if you are ever sued.
I just got served with an ADA lawsuit — what should I do?
Act within your 30-day response window and contact a CASp and an attorney immediately. If you obtain a CASp inspection and correct all cited violations within 60 days of being served, statutory damages may be reduced to a minimum of $1,000 per occasion instead of $4,000. Corey and Partners works directly with property owners and their attorneys on active litigation.
How does a CASp inspection protect me from ADA lawsuits?
A CASp inspection completed before a lawsuit gives you Qualified Defendant status under California Civil Code sections 55.53 and 55.54, reducing minimum statutory damages from $4,000 to $1,000 per occasion and granting access to a 90-day stay of proceedings and an Early Evaluation Conference. Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees may also qualify for a 120-day grace period from statutory damages.
What is Qualified Defendant status and how do I get it?
Qualified Defendant status is a legal protection you earn by obtaining a CASp inspection and certificate before an accessibility claim is filed. It reduces your minimum statutory damages by 75 percent (from $4,000 to $1,000 per occasion) provided you correct identified violations within the required timeframe.
What's the difference between a CASp inspection and a regular ADA audit?
A CASp inspection evaluates your property against both the federal 2010 ADA Standards and California's stricter Title 24 Chapter 11B simultaneously, while a general ADA audit typically covers only federal standards. Because California's 11B requirements stack on top of federal ADA, a CASp inspection is more thorough — and only a state-certified CASp can grant Qualified Defendant status.
How long does a CASp inspection take?
Most CASp inspections take on average 15 minutes to 1 hour but can take as long as a full day on-site, depending on property size and the number of accessibility elements. The written report typically follows within several business days; Corey and Partners offers rush turnaround for properties in escrow or active litigation.
Who needs a CASp inspection?
Property owners, commercial developers, property managers, tenants, commercial buyer's agents, and anyone served with an ADA lawsuit benefit from a CASp inspection. It's especially valuable before buying, leasing, or renovating commercial property, and California law requires commercial lease agreements to disclose whether the premises has been CASp-inspected.
Is a CASp inspection worth the cost?
Yes — an inspection costing roughly $1,000 to $5,000 protects against ADA lawsuits that routinely cost $25,000 or more in legal fees and settlements. The inspection fee is also eligible for IRS tax credits and deductions for eligible small businesses.
How often should I get a CASp re-inspection?
Most properties benefit from a CASp inspection every three to five years, or sooner after any construction, remodel, or change in tenancy. Re-inspections to verify corrections typically cost about 50 percent of the original inspection fee, limited to 1 year of the physical inspection.
What happens if my property fails a CASp inspection?
Nothing is "failed" — the CASp report simply documents which elements don't meet current standards and provides a prioritized compliance path with realistic correction timelines. This roadmap is exactly what triggers your grace period and Qualified Defendant protections when corrections are made on schedule.
Are CASp inspection costs tax-deductible?
Yes — the expense of a CASp inspection is eligible for IRS tax credits, deductions, and certain loan programs for qualifying small businesses. This can offset a significant portion of the inspection and remediation cost.
Can a CASp inspection help me during a commercial real estate transaction?
Yes — a pre-purchase or pre-lease CASp inspection reveals accessibility liabilities before you close, and California law requires commercial lessors to disclose CASp inspection status in the lease. Corey and Partners offers rush inspections for properties in escrow.
What does a CASp inspection cover on my property?
A CASp inspection evaluates parking and accessible stalls, exterior paths of travel, entrances, ramps and slopes, restrooms, counters, signage, and interior circulation against ADA and CBC 11B standards. Every element is measured precisely and compared against required tolerances, then documented with photos in your written report.
How do I choose a qualified CASp inspector in California?
Choose a state-certified CASp with substantial field experience, full liability insurance, and transparent flat-fee pricing — and be wary of inspectors priced far below the market range. Corey and Partners brings 18-plus years of experience, is fully insured with both general and professional liability coverage, and provides a flat-fee quote before any work begins.