What to pay attention to during a technical inspection

The most important thing to pay attention to during a technical inspection is independence: choose an inspector who works for you, not for the seller. A technical inspection (bouwkundige keuring) is when a specialised inspector examines a property and records the condition of its building elements in a report. It's most often used when buying a house — it gives you certainty about the condition and a solid basis for deciding how much to offer.

Choose an independent inspector

Estate agents often recommend an inspection agency, but the agent has a shared interest in seeing the house sold. Make sure you pick an independent agency that works for you. Comparing a few inspectors first helps you weigh experience, turnaround time, and price before you commit.

What gets inspected

Knowing what's checked helps you know what to look out for. A technical inspection covers the whole house, including:

• Foundation and crawl space
• Drainage and ventilation
• Floors, walls, ceilings and masonry
• Structure, such as the roof construction and roof boarding
• Stairs and balustrades
• Dormer windows, window frames, lead flashing and skylights
• Sanitary areas: bathroom, kitchen and toilet
• The condition of paintwork
• Installations (water, gas, electricity and more)
• Fire safety
• Frames, windows and doors
• Glazing and ventilation
• Moisture measurement to check for wood rot
• Outbuildings, garage, external staircases and garden

Keep in mind it's a non-invasive visual inspection — the inspector won't open up walls or lift floorboards. For deeper concerns, such as the foundation or asbestos, you'll need a specialist inspection.

What the report should include

What ends up in the final report can vary by inspector and chosen package, but a good inspection report should contain:

• A summary of the findings, including any defects and deficiencies
• A description of the location and severity of each problem
• Recommendations for repairs and improvements
• Photos of the inspected areas and problems
• An overall assessment of the construction quality and condition
• An estimate of the repair costs (often included, sometimes optional)

What it costs

A standard technical inspection costs roughly €350 to €600, depending on the size, age and location of the property. That's a small amount next to the hidden defects a thorough report can uncover.

Frequently asked questions

Related articles