Technical Audit of a Building

Technical Audit of a Building: A Comprehensive Guide for Owners and Investors

A technical audit of a building is a comprehensive engineering inspection conducted to determine its actual technical condition, the load-bearing capacity of structural elements, the degree of physical deterioration, and compliance with the applicable construction regulations of Ukraine.

For property owners, investors, developers, and property management companies, a technical audit serves as a risk mitigation instrument, enabling substantiated planning of reconstruction or confirmation of the safe operation of the facility.

What Is a Technical Building Audit

A technical audit is a professional assessment of building structures and engineering systems performed in accordance with:

• DBN V.1.2-14:2018 “General Principles for Ensuring Reliability and Structural Safety of Buildings and Structures”;

• DSTU-N B V.1.2-18:2016 “Guidelines for Assessment of Technical Condition of Buildings and Structures”;

• Law of Ukraine “On Regulation of Urban Development Activities”;

• Law of Ukraine “On Architectural Activities”.

Upon completion of the audit, the client receives an official technical report containing a professional conclusion regarding the condition of the building and corresponding recommendations.

When a Technical Audit Is Required

1. Prior to Property Acquisition

A technical audit conducted before purchasing a building allows the client to:

• identify hidden defects;

• assess the actual technical condition;

• avoid unforeseen expenses related to repairs or structural reinforcement.

2. Prior to Reconstruction or Vertical Extension

Before changing the functional use of a building or increasing structural loads, an engineering assessment must be carried out to verify the load-bearing capacity of structural elements.

3. After Damage

An audit is required after:

• fire incidents;

• flooding;

• industrial or technological accidents;

• military actions;

• detection of cracks or deformations.

4. For Commissioning or Legalization

In certain cases, a technical conclusion constitutes a mandatory document for submission to regulatory authorities.

Scope of a Technical Building Audit

The standard scope of work typically includes:

1. Visual Inspection

• assessment of foundation condition;

• inspection of load-bearing walls and columns;

• evaluation of floor slabs;

• documentation of cracks, deflections, and corrosion.

2. Instrumental Testing

• measurement of crack width;

• determination of concrete strength;

• verification of vertical alignment and structural geometry;

• non-destructive testing methods.

3. Engineering Systems Assessment

• electrical systems;

• water supply and drainage systems;

• heating systems;

• ventilation systems.

4. Structural Analysis

Where required, verification calculations are performed to ensure compliance with regulatory load standards.

Audit Deliverables

Upon completion of the technical audit of a building, a technical report is prepared containing:

• description of the property;

• list of identified defects;

• classification of technical condition (operational, limited operational, emergency condition);

• conclusion regarding feasibility of further operation;

• recommendations for repair, strengthening, or reconstruction.

The document has legal validity and may be used for regulatory approvals and design purposes.

Common Mistakes Without Conducting a Technical Audit

1. Adding an additional floor without verifying foundation capacity.

2. Demolition of load-bearing walls without engineering calculations.

3. Ignoring minor cracks that may indicate a systemic structural issue.

4. Purchasing a building without assessing its technical condition.

This may result in loss of structural capacity and significant financial losses.

Duration of a Technical Audit

The duration depends on:

• building area;

• complexity of structural scheme;

• extent of damage;

• necessity of structural calculations.

On average, an audit of a private house takes 3–7 business days, while industrial or commercial facilities are assessed individually.

Why It Is Important to Engage Certified Engineers

A technical audit must be performed by a design engineer holding an appropriate qualification certificate. Only such a specialist is authorized to issue an official technical conclusion.

A non-professional inspection does not guarantee safety and may result in legal risks.

Conclusion

A technical audit of a building is not a formality but a strategic risk management tool. It enables timely identification of defects, objective assessment of structural capacity, and well-founded decision-making regarding operation or reconstruction of the property.

Order a Technical Building Audit from GlobalBud Ukraine

The company GlobalBud Ukraine provides professional technical audits of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Our engineers hold appropriate certifications, possess extensive professional experience, and provide:

• structural inspections;

• preparation of official technical reports;

• load-bearing capacity calculations;

• turnkey reconstruction support.

We work with private individuals and legal entities, including international companies.

Contact GlobalBud Ukraine — we guarantee engineering precision, legal compliance, and comprehensive support for your project.