Buying an apartment building is a big step and you need to check its condition properly to avoid future problems/costs.
In this article you will find a basic list of points to check, and at the bottom you have the option to download a spreadsheet. In another article soon, I will also prepare a checklist for a Legal Audit/Due Diligence with our law firm.
I highly recommend taking an experienced technician to the inspection unless you are an excellent builder!
BASIC DOCUMENTS
▪️ Checking the title deeds - encumbrances, easements, access roads
▪️ Contracts with tenants, including any amendments (according to the Civil Code, you take over the rights and obligations in relation to the tenants when you buy the house), so check that they are properly paid!
▪️ The title of the house
▪️ Inspection reports - electrical, lifts, lightning conductors, gas, chimneys...
▪️ Fire Safety
▪️ Energy Performance Certificate, if available (seller should supply on sale)
▪️ Focus of the property - highly recommended to check, reality often differs
▪️ Owner's declaration if the building is divided into units
▪️ Insurance policy
▪️ List of operating costs including utilities
▪️ Is the property registered as a historic building?
CONDITION OF THE HOUSE
▪️ Roof (moisture, leaking roof, mold, condition of roof trusses and roofing)
▪️ Electricity
▪️ Gas - check gas connection, condition of pipes and their functionality
▪️ Water - complete inspection from the supply, through the pipes to the sewer connection
▪️ Condition of common areas
▪️ Elevators
▪️ House statics (the condition of the whole house, including common areas, roof, cellars, lifts etc., should be examined in detail)
▪️ Probes into wooden beams
▪️ Structural surfaces - facade, inside
▪️ Noise insulation
▪️ Waterproofing
▪️ Thermal insulation
▪️ Window Condition
▪️ Technical equipment of the building - boiler room, fire system, etc., incl. inspection reports
HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
▪️ mould
▪️ radon
▪️ formaldehyde
▪️ asbestos
▪️ radioactivity
▪️ carbon dioxide
UNIT BY UNIT CONTROL
▪️ Floors
▪️ Walls, ceilings
▪️ Windows, window sills - checking for leaks and proper functioning
▪️ Doors and frames
▪️ Tiles and cladding - strength, mould, condition
▪️ Toilets
▪️ Sinks
▪️ Kitchens- condition, function, but also ventilation
▪️ Electrical wiring
▪️ Heating
▪️ Water distribution
▪️ Waste
Jan Halíř
Specialist in private sales of commercial real estate in Prague, especially apartment houses, hotels and building plots. He is distinguished by a discreet approach without public advertising and personal negotiations with clients.
With many years of experience in the industry, he has completed deals worth billions of crowns. Unlike large real estate agencies, he deals with each sale personally, which allows him to provide a personalised approach.
Thanks to his excellent knowledge of the Prague market and direct contacts with property owners, he is able to negotiate effectively and maximize prices for sellers.