How We Inspect Apartments: Our Checklist

Publication date: February 14, 2025

Buying an apartment is a significant decision, and it is crucial to ensure that the property has no hidden defects. Issues such as uneven walls, faulty utilities, or electrical problems can become unpleasant surprises after moving in. Additionally, hidden defects such as poor ventilation, concealed leaks, or malfunctioning engineering systems can lead to significant repair costs over time.

This is why an apartment inspection checklist is an essential tool that helps avoid costly mistakes and minimize risks when purchasing a home. With this checklist, you can systematically inspect every element of the apartment, from the entrance door to concealed utilities. This is especially important when buying a newly built apartment, where construction flaws may be present, or on the secondary market, where defects could have developed over time.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at how our inspection process works, what technologies we use, which tools help us identify deficiencies, and what aspects require special attention during property handover to avoid future surprises.

Our Apartment Inspection Checklist

We have developed a comprehensive apartment inspection checklist that covers all important aspects to consider when inspecting a property. It includes both visible defects and hidden problems that may only become apparent over time. This list helps our specialists carefully assess the property’s condition, check the quality of finishing, inspect utilities, and ensure compliance with building regulations.

Additionally, using a checklist allows us to structure the inspection process, avoid overlooking crucial details, and provide well-founded remarks that can be addressed to the developer or seller. As a result, the buyer gains a full understanding of the property’s condition and has the opportunity to demand that any detected issues be resolved before signing the handover acceptance act.

1. Entrance Door and Locks

• Door integrity: no scratches, dents, or coating damage.
• Lock and handle functionality, smooth opening and closing.
• Door seals are undamaged and provide sound and thermal insulation.

2. Windows and Balcony

• Glass unit inspection: no cracks, chips, or condensation between panes.
• Handles and fittings function properly and allow smooth opening and closing.
• Windowsills and slopes: no cracks or gaps.
• Balcony door condition, proper operation of locks and handles.

3. Walls, Ceiling, and Floor

• Wall evenness checked with a construction level.
• Ceiling and wall inspection for cracks, chips, or water stains.
• Floor condition: no bulging, cracks, or creaking.

4. Electrical System

• Outlets and switches tested with a multimeter.
• Electrical panel inspection, proper labeling of circuit breakers.
• Functionality check of lighting fixtures, intercom, and doorbell.

5. Plumbing and Sanitary Systems

• No leaks under sinks, bathtubs, or toilets.
• Faucets and mixers work properly, no rust in the water.
• Drain system functionality: no blockages or unpleasant odors.
• Water meters installed and properly sealed.

6. Heating System

• Radiators inspected for leaks and even heat distribution.
• Pipes checked for overheating and damages.
• Ventilation system functionality, no blockages.

7. Gas Equipment (if applicable)

• Gas stove, oven, boiler tested for proper function.
• Gas meter inspection, presence of a seal.
• No gas smell, shut-off valve functionality.

8. Ventilation System

• Air draft check using a lighter or a piece of paper.
• Ventilation grilles cleaned, no obstructions.

9. Final Inspection

• All issues documented in the handover acceptance act.
• Agreement on issue resolution with formal documentation.

This apartment inspection checklist helps avoid unpleasant surprises after moving in and ensures confidence in your new home.

What Technologies and Tools Do We Use?

To conduct a real estate audit, we use modern tools that allow us to objectively assess the property’s condition and detect even hidden defects that are not visible to the naked eye. The equipment helps not only to document visible flaws but also to identify concealed problems such as poor thermal and waterproofing, engineering system failures, electrical faults, and potential gas leaks.

We use measurement, diagnostic, and testing devices to perform a comprehensive apartment inspection, covering all key aspects, including finishing quality, communication safety, and compliance with building regulations. These technologies improve inspection accuracy, enabling clients to make an informed decision about purchasing or requesting necessary repairs.

1. Measurement Tools

• Laser distance meter – measures room dimensions and verifies them against the floor plan.
• Measuring tape – useful for small distance measurements.
• Construction level – checks wall, floor, and ceiling evenness.

2. Electrical Equipment

• Multimeter (tester) – tests voltage in outlets, grounding, and wiring integrity.
• Phase tester – detects phase presence in electrical circuits.

3. Plumbing and Ventilation Inspection

• Thermal imaging camera – detects hidden leaks, cold spots, and poor insulation.
• Moisture meter – measures wall humidity to uncover concealed leaks.

4. Window and Door Inspection

• Thermometer or thermal imaging camera – detects heat leaks.
• Flashlight – helps identify damage in double-glazed windows and door coatings.

What Else Should You Check Before Buying an Apartment?

Before purchasing, it is essential to conduct not only a technical inspection but also a legal verification of the property. This helps avoid issues related to ownership rights and potential legal risks.

Essential Documents to Check:

1. Extract from the real estate registry – confirms no encumbrances or legal restrictions.
2. Ownership documents – purchase agreement, gift agreement, inheritance certificate, or privatization papers.
3. Utility debt clearance certificate – ensures no outstanding payments.
4. Passports of all owners – verifies the seller's identity and legal authority.
5. Spouse’s consent for sale – required if the apartment was acquired during marriage.
6. Certificate of registered residents – shows who is officially registered, including minors.
7. Bureau of Technical Inventory (BTI) documents – floor plan and layout to detect illegal alterations.

Checking these documents, along with our apartment inspection checklist, ensures a secure transaction and confidence in your purchase.

Conclusion

When buying a home, it is important to consider not only the location and price but also the construction quality. Our apartment inspection checklist and use of professional equipment allow us to assess the property’s condition with maximum accuracy.

We help clients make informed decisions, eliminate risks, and create comfortable living conditions. If you need a professional technical property inspection, we are ready to provide expert assistance and a detailed property assessment.