Technical inspection
What is a Technical Inspection?
When you want to buy a house, it may be wise to have a technical inspection carried out. As a buyer, you have a duty to investigate. It is your responsibility to examine the condition of a house as much as possible. It is therefore important to engage a construction expert to help you inspect and assess the condition of a property.
With a technical inspection, you will get insights into the defects and maintenance areas of the property. This is because the inspector has extensive knowledge of specific construction periods and can properly assess the defects of a house. Most hidden defects are due to overdue maintenance.
Reasons for a Technical Inspection
By having a technical inspection carried out, you get more certainty about the condition of the house. This way, you avoid overlooking maintenance issues when you're excited about a house, paying too much, or making a purchase you might regret later.
The Technical Report
A technical report shows you at a glance what the condition of the property is and what the possible costs could be for defects in the property. The report includes photos, explanations, opinions and costs. Often, the cost summary is broken down into:
Direct Costs (0 to 1 year)
Direct costs show the cost of repairs that need to be carried out immediately. This is to prevent further damage to the property. The direct costs ensure that damage will be limited. However, this does not cost more than the standard maintenance costs.
Term Charges (0 to 5 years)
Term charges (in Dutch: Termijnkosten) show the cost of non-regular maintenance. This maintenance should be done within about 5 years. By doing this, you ensure that costs and damages are limited. Failure to do this can result in major damages.
Improvement Costs
The improvement costs consist of the costs resulting from changes you want to make to the house yourself. These are charges that are within the rules but not within current standards. These costs do not comprise the regular maintenance costs but are for improving the home according to your wishes.
Technical Inspection When Buying a House
The purchase inspection is an examination of the structural condition of a home. The structural inspector calculates the costs needed to rebuild the house to a good condition before the structural report is delivered. The findings and costs are presented in a clear overview.
What to Pay Attention To
During a technical inspection, various elements of the house are closely examined, including:
- Foundation - The basis on which the entire house rests
- Roof structure - Condition of roofing and insulation
- Walls and floors - Structural integrity and moisture
- Windows and doors - Seals and operation
- Electrical systems - Safety and compliance
- Plumbing - Pipes and drainage
Foundation Inspection
One of the most critical aspects of a technical inspection is the assessment of the foundation. This is especially important for older houses, where foundation problems are more common but often not mentioned by sellers.
A thorough foundation inspection provides insight into the stability and integrity of the building and gives both buyers and sellers valuable information for informed decisions.
Is a Technical Inspection Mandatory?
No, a building inspection is not mandatory but it is strongly advisable. An architectural inspector prevents you from unexpectedly incurring high renovation costs after the purchase. Common defects such as mould and moisture can cause a lot of extra costs.
A structural inspector recognises the defects and indicates possible solutions and additional costs. An inspection report is also useful when negotiating the price of the house.
Benefits of a Technical Inspection
A technical inspection prevents you from facing unexpectedly high costs on renovation after purchase. Common defects such as mould and moisture gaps can add up to a lot of extra costs.
Identify Hidden Defects
A building surveyor recognises defects that are not visible to the untrained eye and provides possible solutions.
Cost Estimation
Get a clear overview of what repairs may be needed and their estimated costs.
Negotiation Power
Use the inspection report as leverage when negotiating the purchase price.
Peace of Mind
Know exactly what you're buying and avoid unpleasant surprises after the purchase.
What Does a Technical Inspection Cost?
The cost of a technical inspection in the Netherlands typically starts around €425 but varies based on several factors:
- Property size - Larger properties cost more to inspect
- Contents and surface area - More rooms means more inspection time
- Location - Distance affects call-out charges
- Type of property - Older homes may need more detailed inspection
Technical Inspection for New-Build Homes
Sometimes people doubt the usefulness of a technical inspection for a newly built house. Everything is new, so the condition should be good, right? However, a technical inspection for a new-build home has many advantages, including quality checks and warranty protection.
Technical Inspection and NHG
If you're buying a property with NHG (National Mortgage Guarantee), a technical inspection can be particularly valuable. In some cases, the cost of the inspection may be tax deductible when the property is affiliated with NHG.
Technical Inspection Reports in English
When working with a technical inspector to inspect your new home, requesting the inspection report in English or other languages is possible. However, this report should be communicated using professional translation services. Most technical inspectors deliver their reports in Dutch, which means you might need a translation to ensure clarity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A technical inspection is a thorough examination of a property's structural condition by a certified building expert. It identifies defects, estimates repair costs, and provides a detailed report on the property's overall condition.
No, a technical inspection is not legally mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. As a buyer, you have a duty to investigate the property's condition, and an inspection helps you fulfil this responsibility.
A technical inspection typically costs from €425, depending on the property size, location, and type. Larger or more complex properties will cost more to inspect.
In some cases, yes. If the inspection reveals defects that weren't known at the time of purchase, the cost may be deductible. Inspections for NHG-affiliated properties may also qualify for tax benefits.
The inspector examines the foundation, roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, electrical systems, plumbing, drainage, and overall structural integrity. They look for moisture damage, cracks, settlement, and other defects.
A typical inspection takes 1-2 hours on-site, depending on the property size. The written report is usually delivered within a few business days.
Yes, most inspection companies can provide reports in English upon request, though this may involve additional translation costs.
Yes, even new homes can have construction defects. A pre-delivery inspection helps identify issues that the builder should fix before handover.
Absolutely. If the inspection reveals significant defects, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate a lower purchase price or request that the seller makes repairs.
A technical inspection assesses the structural condition and identifies defects. A property valuation determines the market value of the property. They serve different purposes and are conducted by different professionals.
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