A building inspection provides a detailed picture of any problems and defects your new home is hiding. With a structural inspection, you can avoid being surprised by structural defects, and possible unforeseen costs, after the purchase. You also fulfill the legal obligation (duty to investigate) to inquire about any defects or deficiencies in your home to be purchased.
Among other things, we perform inspections and checks on the following parts of a home:
* Flooring, also if possible; underside first floor and piping such as sewer, gas. water and power lines. Crawl space must be properly and safely accessible, at the discretion of inspector (e.g. no water, asbestos, etc. present and a minimum crawl height of 50-60 cm).
* Flat and pitched roofs, gutters and dormers. The inspectors have a ladder that spans a maximum of 4 meters. If said parts are not safely accessible, a mirror or camera on long stick and/or zoom lens will be used whenever possible
* General construction
* Window frames, turning parts and cladding
* Painting
* Masonry and jointing work
* Bathroom, kitchen and toilet room(s);
* Installations (visual).
Yes, some questions are always possible. If this remains within reason, there will be no additional charge for this. If, in addition to the structural inspection, you would like to discuss in detail with the inspector about, for example, remodeling options, this is also possible. We request that you indicate this in advance due to time planning. We charge €25,-incl. for the additional advice. VAT per quarter hour extra.
If the (flat) roof is safely accessible we will go on the roof. The inspectors have a ladder that spans a maximum of 4 meters. If said parts are inaccessible we use a mirror or camera on a long stick if possible. If safely accessible, we inspect the crawl space. That means: a crawl space height of at least 50-60 cm and no water in the crawl space.
Yes, we have liability insurance and are thus insured for any investigation or report not performed correctly or properly. However, the damage must exceed €1,200.
No, it is not necessary. But it is often convenient. You will receive a verbal explanation of our observations, and we will give you verbal preliminary tips for repair or maintenance. Of course, you will then have an immediate opportunity to ask questions. This also applies to any remodeling plans.
The time varies quite a bit from house to house. If a house is in good condition and there are few defects, it is possible to complete the building inspection within 1 hour. If there are more defects and/or a house is larger then the time may exceed 2 hours. With us, however, you get a flat rate, so no surcharge when things go against you.
After the inspection has taken place, the inspector works out the report; this also takes him at least 2.5 hours.
A building inspection requires the full attention of the inspector and gives you the opportunity to ask questions. Sometimes the spaces to be inspected are small. Therefore, it is not desirable to attend with too many people. Moreover, sellers do not always like this (think: working from home and/or small children present etc). We therefore want to limit the number of people present to the buyer(s) and their broker.
If you want to show the property to more people, we recommend that you make a separate appointment with the sales agent or sellers.
Payment in principle only via IDEAL. Once the architectural report is ready you will receive an email from us requesting payment with IDEAL, the report can then be downloaded immediately.
Normally, no. In fact, the property is offered as is. Among other things, a structural report gives you insight into the defects and the immediate repair costs and the repair costs over time.
However, it is often the case that a (preliminary) contract of sale stipulates that the structural inspection must not reveal any structural defects or overdue maintenance above an agreed amount. If it does, you have the right to rescind or possibly re-enter negotiations.
Normally, no. In fact, the property is offered as is. Among other things, a structural report gives you insight into the defects and the immediate repair costs and the repair costs over time.
However, it is often the case that a (preliminary) purchase contract stipulates that the structural inspection must not reveal any structural defects or overdue maintenance above an agreed amount. If it does, you have the right to rescind or possibly re-enter negotiations.