Apartment and wall moisture inspection with an inspector’s written conclusion

Checking moisture levels is one of the key stages of a technical property inspection. Elevated or uneven moisture often indicates hidden issues that are impossible to detect visually during a standard viewing. That is why moisture measurement is important both when buying an apartment or a house and when assessing a property that is already in use.

Unlike household spot checks, professional diagnostics help determine not only the current readings, but also the causes behind them and the potential consequences for the building structure and the occupants’ health.

Why you should trust PKB with moisture measurement in your apartment

Moisture measurement is not an isolated service, but part of a comprehensive building assessment. At PKB, we interpret moisture readings in connection with structural elements, engineering solutions, and the property’s history.

We provide moisture measurement as a standalone service or as part of a full property inspection. Results are documented, explained to the client, and can be used in negotiations with a seller or developer.

We measure not only air humidity, but also building structures

Most moisture problems are not caused by the air in the room, but by moisture inside walls, floors, and slabs. We check the following

• Air humidity levels in different zones of the property
• Residual and capillary moisture in walls and screeds
• Local areas with a higher risk of mold formation

Moisture within structures is most often what leads to finish damage, fungal growth, and reduced thermal insulation performance. International building practice emphasizes that material moisture content is a critical indicator when assessing a building’s condition and long-term durability.

We use professional measuring equipment

For diagnostics, we use professional moisture meters and measuring devices that can work with different surface types and detect moisture at various depths. The methods we use include

• Non-contact measurements for initial scanning
• Contact measurements to refine and confirm readings
• Depth assessment of moisture in building materials

Unlike household devices, professional instruments undergo regular calibration and provide repeatable, comparable data. This is essential when you need results that can be relied on for decision-making and negotiations.

We interpret results instead of simply recording numbers

The same moisture readings can mean different things depending on the building type, season, and the condition of structures. Our inspectors take into account

• The age and type of the property
• Wall and slab materials
• Climate conditions and ventilation performance
• Stage of occupancy, renovation, or construction work

In practice, self-measurements often lead to incorrect conclusions, either underestimating real risks or creating unnecessary fear. PKB inspectors provide a correct interpretation and explain which values are acceptable and which require attention.

How moisture levels are properly measured in an apartment

A professional inspection always involves a set of parameters, not just one number.

What parameters are assessed during the inspection

During the inspection we analyze

• Relative humidity in indoor air
• Air temperature and surface temperature
• Potential condensation points
• Moisture levels in building envelope elements and internal structures

According to common health and building recommendations, microclimate parameters directly affect both the condition of the property and the comfort and wellbeing of occupants.

Why a single measurement is not enough

A one-time reading in a single room does not reflect the real situation. Moisture can accumulate locally, for example in corners, near windows, in bathrooms, or at junctions between building elements. That is why measurements are taken at multiple points, followed by an analysis of how moisture is distributed across the space.

What moisture level is considered normal

For residential spaces, several ranges are typically distinguished

• Optimal humidity, comfortable for people and safe for building structures
• Elevated humidity, acceptable only for short periods and requiring monitoring
• Critical humidity, indicating a risk of damage and mold growth

Long-term deviation from optimal conditions can negatively affect indoor air quality and the condition of the home, which is why moisture control is a practical risk factor rather than a minor detail.

Signs of elevated moisture that buyers often miss

In real life, clients often rely only on visual impression. However, there are indirect warning signs that require a professional check

• Persistent musty odors
• Local swelling or bubbling of finishes
• Cold patches on walls with no obvious reason
• Signs of past leaks that have been concealed by recent renovation

During PKB inspections, these signs are frequently confirmed by hidden moisture in structural elements that does not show during a short viewing.

Expert opinion from PKB property inspectors

Moisture rarely looks like a problem during a viewing. An apartment may be freshly painted, have no odor, and appear to be in perfect condition, while moisture inside structures and hidden zones often becomes apparent only after move-in. That is why we treat moisture measurement as part of a pre-purchase risk assessment, not as a formal box-ticking exercise.

Moisture inspection is especially relevant in the following situations

• Buying an apartment on the ground floor or the top floor
• Purchasing a property in a new build
• Properties after recent renovation
• Houses with basements or complex engineering systems

In these cases, the risk of hidden issues is significantly higher, and the consequences often appear only after occupancy. In our experience, moisture is one of the most underestimated factors in real estate transactions. Many defects become noticeable only months later, when the buyer is already paying for repairs and remediation. Professional moisture measurement helps identify problems early and make a well-informed decision before signing the deal.

Moisture measurement is not a formality, it is a buyer protection tool. PKB’s professional approach gives you an objective picture of the condition of the apartment or house, helps you understand the real risks, and prevents unnecessary costs in the future. If you want to inspect a property before purchase or get a clear assessment of the current situation, contact PKB. Our inspectors will take measurements, explain the results in plain language, and advise which steps are truly needed.