It is absolutely advisable and particularly important to commission an engineer to inspect a property before any purchase.
An engineer can identify issues that may not be visible or understandable to a non-specialist. This inspection can protect you from future expenses or legal complications.
Specifically, the engineer will assess:
Urban and regulatory compliance:
- Whether the property contains unauthorized constructions or changes of use.
- Whether the permits and plans on record with the Urban Planning Authority correspond to the actual property.
- Whether regularization is possible in the event of any irregularities.
Structural integrity and construction quality:
- Checks for cracks, moisture, wear and tear, poor workmanship, etc.
- Provides an estimate of the cost of any necessary repairs.
Energy Performance
- Evaluates insulation, window frames, and the heating/cooling system.
- Can provide advice on potential improvements to enhance energy efficiency.
Legal and Notarial Matters
- Reviews the engineer’s certificate provided by the seller’s engineer, which is required for drafting the transfer deed.
- Compares as-built plans with the approved permits, the property’s constitution documents, and the actual condition of the property.
- Examines the property’s urban planning status and cross-checks the land plot details between the land registry and the topographic survey.
In short:
The cost of hiring an engineer is far lower than the potential damages or fines that could arise if the property has hidden issues.