Apartment Inspection from a Developer: How to Protect Yourself When Accepting a New Building
Receiving the keys to a new apartment is always a long-awaited event that symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in life. However, behind the joy of completed construction lies a strict technical procedure. An apartment inspection from a developer is the moment when emotions must give way to cold analysis. After all, in practice, investor expectations do not always fully coincide with reality. In new buildings, deviations from project documentation, inaccuracies in actual area, or hidden engineering defects often occur.
What is an Apartment Inspection from a Developer and Why is it Needed
An apartment inspection from a developer is a comprehensive technical inspection of an object, conducted before signing an acceptance certificate. It allows for identifying defects, non-compliance with project documentation, and building code violations. In accordance with current legislation, an apartment acceptance certificate can be drawn up only in case the new building is commissioned and a technical passport for the apartment is available. If significant flaws are found, the buyer has the right to demand their elimination before signing the documents or to record the defects in a separate report.
What is Checked During an Apartment Inspection from a Developer
A professional apartment inspection from a developer covers all critical elements of the object: Checking compliance with project documentation
- actual area of the apartment is compared with the project one;
- layout of the premises is checked against technical documentation;
- presence of all elements provided for by the project is checked.
Checking structural elements
- state of walls, partitions, floor slabs;
- presence of cracks, chips, deformations;
- quality of construction works.
Checking engineering systems
- power supply — correctness of connection, presence of grounding;
- water supply and sewage — pressure, tightness, absence of leaks;
- heating — system functionality, radiator tightness;
- ventilation — presence of draft in ventilation channels.
Checking windows and doors
- installation quality, tightness;
- hardware operation, absence of damage;
- quality of double-glazed units and seals.
Checking geometry of premises
- deviation of walls from the vertical;
- unevenness of floor and ceiling;
- correspondence of actual dimensions to technical documentation.
How to Properly Record Defects During an Apartment Inspection
If defects are detected during the inspection, it is important to record them correctly:
- Compiling a defect report. A defect report is a document compiled by the investor and the developer when significant flaws are detected during the inspection of a newly built property. It clearly describes each detected defect, its location, and characteristics.
- Photo and video recording. Photos and videos confirming the presence of defects are attached to the defect report.
- Determining elimination deadlines. The report indicates the deadlines within which the developer is obliged to rectify the identified shortcomings.
- Signing the report. The defect report is signed by both parties. Signing the defect report certifies the buyer’s unwillingness to accept housing from the developer until the listed defects are rectified.
When to Hire an Engineer for an Apartment Inspection
A professional apartment inspection from a developer is especially important in cases of:
- purchasing an apartment in a new building;
- having a developer-provided renovation;
- large apartment area;
- detecting signs of defects during the initial inspection;
- investing in real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to sign the acceptance certificate if defects are found?
Yes. If significant flaws are found, the buyer has the right to demand their elimination before signing the documents or to record the defects in a separate report.
What to do if the developer refuses to recognize defects?
The existence of an official defect report, compiled by an independent expert, is weighty grounds for appealing to the State Architectural and Construction Control Inspectorate or to court.
How long does an apartment inspection from a developer take?
The duration depends on the apartment’s area and the number of checks. On average, a professional inspection takes from 1 to 3 hours.
