Property Inspection
BUYING OR SELLING WITH CONFIDENCE. WITH A TEAM OF IN-HOUSE CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, WE CAN HELP YOU CONFIRM THAT YOUR PROPERTY IS UP TO CODE. PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT AND LEARN WHAT ISSUES MAY COME UP BEFORE YOU PURCHASE OR MAKE SURE THAT THE PROPERTY IS SAFE AND MEETS THE LATEST BUILDING CODES.
1. The Process
What you should know about property inspection
My Place in Chania under the supervision of ARENCOS can help you with your real estate transaction in Crete. Whether you are a property buyer, property seller or a homeowner, from a Pre-Listing Inspection to a Full Property Inspection, we can provide you with a thorough, objective analysis of your property.
Do I need a structural inspection ?
If there’s a suspected issue with the foundation, frame, or other weight-bearing areas, you may have to get a structural inspection before closing.
Our structural inspection which is conducted by professional engineers from ARENCOS is accompanied with a full detailed report on the condition and method of the structural integrity of a property. In this report we outline our observations and suggest any repairs that you would need to make or severe defects.
Buyers who commission inspections usually receive a detailed inspection report. They are most common for older properties (the majority of our inspected properties are located in Chania Old Town Apokoronas region and Chania City Centre), that are obviously in need of repair, or for significant renovations or extensions to existing properties.
2. The Differences
The difference between property inspection & structural inspection survey
A property inspection by an inspector is performed on the architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and overall property. A structural inspection by a structural engineer provides an in-depth analysis of the foundation and structural integrity of the construction. Moreover, structural inspection focuses on the foundations, frame, roof, and for any signs of defects and poor construction of the building, and is useful for prospective purchasers who want to refurbish a home totally.
The structural inspection does not evaluate and inspect hazardous materials of a property.
Engineering Advisory
In cooperation with ARENCOS - our engineering and architectural firm - we can produce an initial general structural inspection of the subject property before producing a detailed Schedule of Works and Specification. Next, we analyze the outcomes of the inspection and in cooperation with approved contractors we prepare extra information for pricing and tendering.
Property Inspection Request
Structural Inspection Survey vs Property Inspection
| Property Inspection | Structural Inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Depending on the property’s size, location, condition, etc. | Depending on the property’s size, location, condition, etc |
| Carried out by | Certified Property Inspector or Civil Engineer | Residential Structural Engineer |
| What the inspection assesses | The overall condition and safety of the systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and HVAC. This also includes a visual inspection of the visible structural components of the house. | The structural integrity and safety of the property’s foundation, walls, floors, and roof. |
| Areas covered | Chania Old Town, Chania City Centre, Akrotiri, Apokoronas, Platanias, Kissamos, Palaiochora, Sfakia, Rethymnon. | Chania Old Town, Chania City Centre, Akrotiri, Apokoronas, Platanias, Kissamos, Palaiochora, Sfakia, Rethymnon, Heraklion. |
| Time taken to receive report | 48 hours – 14 days | Up to 14 days |
The associated cost can be higher depending on the size of the property and whether any specialist expertise is needed when evaluating. For example, a very old property will need a structural engineer who specializes with properties of that era.
3. Investigation Areas
What can sellers expect from a structural inspection?
A Structural Engineer will visually review a property’s:
- Foundation
- Basement or underground storage space (particularly drainage issues)
- Framing
- Roof
- Interior and exterior walls
- Brickwork and masonry
Structural Inspection & Structural Survey Goals
The goal of this inspection is to make sure that:
- The property was properly designed and built to securely withstand the weight of its anticipated loads.
- The integrity of the structure has been maintained so it will continue to safely perform as intended for the foreseeable future.
It should be noted that a structural inspection is a different process from a structural survey.
A structural survey, most common for buying a residential property, involves the inspection of the property as a whole, including the wallpaper, plasterwork, the boiler, plumbing, electricity, and more. A structural inspection it looks specifically at the structure of a property, and not the quality or the infrastructure of the property.
Property Inspection Options
Property inspections are a critical part of both, buying and selling real estate transaction processes. Failure to obtain an accurate inspection could potentially cost you a great deal of money and hassles in the long run.
Buying a residential property in Chania, Crete is a significant investment and you should be also confident that what you're buying is sound and fit for purpose.
Getting a building inspection report on the property will uncover any existing issues with the property, and give you the confidence to decide if the property is right for you.
Knowing the condition of a property allows you to make an appropriately informed offer, or budget for repairs or remodeling works later.
When selling your property, you always want to make sure you can get the best, yet reliable price and that no unexpected defects or risks arise which may significantly reduce the asking selling price or discourage, potential buyers.
Getting an inspection report on your property before putting it on the real estate market will provide you all the facts you need to price your property accordingly, or to make the necessary updates - renovations prior to sale to ensure you get the best price.
Do you have a particular issue you'd like inspected or advice on maintenance requirements?
We can conduct non-invasive inspection and provide advice, recommendations and problem solving on what to do next.
Property Buyers
Pre-Purchase
Before you proceed to the purchase contract for your new property in Crete, a professional property inspection sheds light on hundreds of the subject property’s most important components.
From the roof and electrical infrastructure to plumbing and foundation, our inspectors take detailed notes on the condition of the property, giving you the information you need to make the best buying decision and prepare for future maintenance.
Property Sellers
Pre-Listing
Getting an inspection before your real estate asset (a residential property or a land plot) hits the market can help you sell faster, realize a fair, yet reliable market price and save you money.
Pre-listing inspections also let you know which parts of your property to fix or organize before they become deal breakers for potential buyers.
Property Investors
New Project Draw
New projects draw inspections help investors and property owners stay on schedule and budget during new construction projects. If you’re an investor or stakeholder, it’s always best to require a draw inspection before disbursing funds at each stage of the project.
This ensures that project funds are spent properly according to the construction strategy, which minimizes the risk of expensive delays and mistakes
Pre-listing inspections also let you know which parts of your property to fix or organize before they become deal breakers for potential buyers.
The Intended Use of a Property Inspection
3. Investigation Areas
How Long Does a Property Inspection Take?
The duration of an inspection varies widely, mostly depending on four factors:
