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The Importance of an Apartment Survey
Many purchasers understandably assume that apartments present fewer risks than houses and therefore do not require the same level of investigation prior to purchase. However, our experience has shown that apartment surveys are just as important and can often reveal substantial issues that may not be immediately apparent during a viewing.
Over the years, we have inspected numerous apartments where significant defects and concerns were identified, some of which were serious enough for our Clients to reconsider or withdraw from the purchase entirely. These issues can range from structural defects and water ingress problems to poor workmanship, inadequate fire safety measures, ventilation deficiencies and maintenance-related concerns affecting both individual units and common areas.
In addition to the physical condition of the property itself, apartment purchases can also involve more complex legal and management considerations. Building Regulation and Planning compliance issues frequently come to light following investigations carried out by our Clients’ Legal Advisors based on matters identified during our inspection process. Problems associated with the Owners’ Management Company are also not uncommon, including inadequately funded Sinking Funds, ongoing disputes, deferred maintenance obligations and concerns regarding the long-term upkeep of the development.
A professional apartment survey can therefore provide valuable peace of mind, helping purchasers make informed decisions and avoid potentially costly issues after completion of the purchase.
Pre-Purchase Apartment Survey Process
1. Initial Contact
- Initial communication by phone, e-mail or our Online Quotation System
- Pre-Purchase survey process and service explained
- Client concerns discussed
- Where appropriate, initial feedback provided
2. Quote Provided
- Fee proposal provided by e-mail or through our Online Quotation Service
- Subsequent follow up questions answered
3. Instruction to Proceed
- Access to property arranged directly with Estate Agent
- Inspection access confirmation e-mail sent to Client
- Invoice e-mailed to Client
- Terms of Engagement forwarded to Client
4. Property Inspection
- Inspection carried out
- Any significant issues communicated by phone / e-mail
- Report preparation begins following payment
- Report e-mailed by pdf
5. Post Inspection Assistance
- Client queries answered
- Solicitor queries answered
- Further conveyancing services available
Common issues encountered by us during Apartment Surveys include, but are not limited to:
- Problems with internal fire doors such as missing chain and external door arm closers. Many internal fire doors are badly installed and rarely properly maintained.
- Poorly installed common area/protected corridor fire doors including missing fire door labelling and excessive gaps between door leafs and frames. Missing or damaged cold smoke seals..
- Fire compartmentation issues between apartments and common corridors due to absent fire stopping.
- Inadequate ventilation due to missing vents or weak mechanical extraction systems.
- External and internal water penetration issues i.e. through overhead balconies, as well as flooding/structural issues affecting underground car parking.
- Structural defects affecting apartment facades due to the absence or under provision of expansion joints or more fundamental structural defects.
- Balcony design problems.
Summary of Main Issues encountered when conducting Apartment Surveys
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- Non-compliance with Part F (Ventilation) & Part B (Fire) of the Building Regulations i.e. missing wall and trickle ventilation and poor or absent mechanical ventilation. The absence of fire collars where ducts/pipes penetrate compartment floors/walls or inadequate fire stopping.
- Rainwater penetration through external walls and leaks/water breaches from overhead balconies and through defective flat roofs.
- Neglected common areas indicating a possible problem with the Property Management.
- Structural issues due to poor design and construction i.e. excessive cracking due to under provision of expansion joints.
Our Apartment Survey reports mostly contain the headings illustrated under Pre-Purchase Home Surveys along with important additional information regarding Fire Safety and Owners Management Company issues.
We conduct Apartment Surveys primarily in Dublin and surrounding counties – Kildare, Meath, Wicklow and Louth – but also provide a Nationwide service. To book your Apartment Survey simply fill in the Quick Query Form here or phone us in Dublin on 01 6856935 or Galway on 091-399935.
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