Pre-purchase home inspection

Technical inspections of apartments and houses conducted by civil engineers prior to purchase, final inspection, or preliminary inspection.

Buying a home is a significant investment, and many technical issues are not apparent during a simple viewing. A pre-purchase inspection can identify hidden defects, water leaks, plumbing issues, construction defects, or non-compliance issues that could result in significant costs down the line.

Home Planning provides technical inspection services for apartments and houses in Bucharest and Ilfov, with a focus on assessing the structure, utilities, waterproofing, thermal insulation, and finishes.

This page complements the technical inspection of real estate and explains the key factors to consider before buying a home

Technical inspection of a residence in Bucharest performed by a civil engineer

What does a home inspection entail?

A home inspection is a visual and technical assessment conducted prior to purchase, occupancy, or renovation. The purpose of this inspection is to identify issues that may affect safety, comfort, or future maintenance costs.

The inspection is conducted by civil engineers and may involve the use of specialized equipment used in the field home inspection and for technical property inspections, such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, laser rangefinders, pipe detectors, and other non-destructive testing instruments, used to identify leaks, thermal bridges, hidden moisture, or construction defects that are not visible during a simple visual inspection of the home.

In many cases, major defects are not immediately apparent. Structural cracks, water leaks, thermal bridges, electrical issues, or construction defects may remain hidden until after you move in.

By having a civil engineering specialist conduct a technical inspection, the buyer can assess the actual condition of the property before signing the purchase agreement.

Inspecting an apartment before buying

The purchase of a new or used apartment should be made only after a careful assessment of its condition. A technical inspection of the apartment can identify hidden problems that are not apparent during a standard viewing.
The audit examines the following:
  • cracks and fissures;
  • water stains and signs of moisture;
  • the flatness of walls and floors;
  • interior finishes;
  • carpentry and windows;
  • electrical systems;
  • plumbing;
  • the operation of plumbing fixtures;
  • the balcony and the waterproofing;
  • signs of improper workmanship.
For new apartments, a technical inspection is recommended prior to final inspection or pre-final inspection to identify defects that must be corrected by the developer.
Technical inspection of a new apartment prior to handover in Bucharest

Home Inspection Before Purchase

A technical inspection of a house involves a more comprehensive assessment than that of an apartment, as it includes an evaluation of the foundation, roof, facade, and exterior systems.
A house may have hidden structural problems or costly water damage, and identifying these issues before purchasing is essential.
The following items are inspected during the technical inspection of homes:
  • load-bearing structure;
  • the foundation and any settlement;
  • the roof structure and the roof;
  • waterproofing;
  • thermal insulation;
  • electrical systems;
  • plumbing;
  • heating systems;
  • drainage systems;
  • interior and exterior finishes;
  • terraces and sidewalks.
A pre-purchase inspection can reduce the risk of making a bad investment and help estimate the actual renovation costs.
Technical inspection of a house's structure before purchase

What do we look for in a home?

Verification of the structural integrity

Visible structural elements are inspected to identify cracks, deformations, settlement, or other signs that may indicate structural problems.
Structural cracks identified during a building inspection

Inspection of waterproofing

We inspect bathrooms, balconies, patios, basements, and other areas prone to leaks or moisture.
Water leaks were identified on the balcony during the technical inspection

Inspection of electrical installations

The electrical panel, outlets, switches, and any signs of improper installation are inspected.
Inspecting the electrical wiring in an apartment

Inspection of Plumbing Systems

We inspect plumbing systems to identify leaks, water ingress, or sealing issues.
Checking the plumbing before buying a house

Checking the finishes

The interior and exterior finishes are inspected to identify any installation or workmanship defects.
Finishing defects identified in a new apartment

Hidden defects identified before purchase

During a technical inspection, issues may be identified that are not visible during a routine inspection.
The most common defects found are:
  • hidden leaks;
  • condensation and mold;
  • structural cracks;
  • thermal bridges;
  • faulty electrical installations;
  • leaky plumbing;
  • compromised waterproofing;
  • improperly installed finishes;
  • defective carpentry;
  • leaky roofs;
  • unevenness in the floor;
  • differences from the technical design.
Identifying these issues before signing can help the buyer negotiate the price or avoid a risky investment.
Hidden defects discovered during a home inspection

Inspection and pre-inspection of an apartment or house

A technical inspection is recommended prior to the final or preliminary acceptance of a new home. At this stage, construction defects can be identified that must be corrected before the acceptance report is signed.
The following are reviewed during the acceptance inspection:
  • finishes;
  • facilities;
  • carpentry;
  • surface flatness;
  • waterproofing;
  • equipment operation;
  • technical documentation;
  • any non-compliance with the contract.
A technical inspection prior to acceptance protects the buyer and reduces the risk of additional costs
Pre-inspection of a new apartment before signing the documents

Home Inspection in Bucharest and Ilfov

Home Planning provides technical inspection services for apartments and houses in Bucharest and Ilfov.
Commonly covered areas:
  • Bucharest;
  • Pipera;
  • Volunteers;
  • Otopeni;
  • Corbeanca;
  • Tunari;
  • Bragadiru;
  • Balotești;
  • Mogoșoaia;
  • Chitila;
  • Popești-Leordeni.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a home inspection recommended?

A technical inspection is recommended before purchasing, before taking possession, or whenever there are concerns about the technical condition of the property.

Can a new apartment be inspected?

Yes. New apartments may have construction defects, water leaks, plumbing issues, or poorly finished surfaces.

Is a technical inspection the same thing as a technical assessment?

No. A pre-purchase inspection is a practical assessment conducted before the purchase, while a technical appraisal is a comprehensive procedure performed by a certified technical expert.

Is a technical report provided?

Yes, regardless of the package chosen, the customer receives a free, professionally prepared technical assessment report that includes technical observations, relevant photographs, and recommendations regarding the condition of the home.

Schedule a pre-purchase inspection

A technical inspection conducted before signing the contract can help identify hidden defects and protect your investment.
Home Planning provides technical inspection services for apartments and houses prior to purchase, final inspection, or pre-inspection.