Post-purchase defect inspections · Portugal
Post-purchase defect inspections in Portugal
If a concern appears after purchase or completed works, an assessment can help you understand the observed condition, likely cause and recommended next steps.
Why it matters
A clear record of the condition
When a defect appears, the useful first step is establishing what it actually is. Descriptions of the same problem often differ depending on who is describing it, and a written technical record gives everyone the same starting point.
The assessment records what was observed and where, the probable cause where it can be identified, and what putting it right is likely to involve.
It is as useful when there is no disagreement at all and you simply need to know what has failed and what to do about it.
Who asks for this
The usual situations
Defects that appear in the first winter after buying are the most common. A property bought in July behaves differently in January, and problems with roofs, terraces, render and drainage tend to announce themselves when the weather turns.
The second is work paid for and badly done — a renovation, a re-roof, a bathroom, an extension — where the result is not what was agreed and the contractor disagrees.
The third is a new build where the developer’s position is that the problem is either normal or the owner’s responsibility, and the owner has no independent basis on which to say otherwise.
What we do
Assessing the defect
What is useful to assess depends on the defect and what is accessible, so the scope is agreed when we quote. Tell us what has happened and what you need the report for.
Establish the defect
What is actually happening, recorded precisely and located, rather than repeated from what either side has said about it.
Probable cause
Where it can be identified from what is accessible. Where it cannot, we say so and set out what further investigation would settle it.
What putting it right involves
The recommended remedial approach and its priority, with indicative cost guidance for planning where that can be given honestly.
A usable record
Photographs, locations and plain-English description, written so it can be handed to a lawyer, an insurer or a contractor without translation.
Be clear about this
What the report can and cannot do
The report is a technical opinion about a building. It records what was observed and what most likely caused it.
It does not determine liability, interpret your contract, or establish what remedies are available to you. Those depend on the agreement, the parties and the circumstances, and they are questions for a lawyer. Rights and remedies also do not automatically end at completion or handover — which is another reason to take advice rather than assume.
The report gives you and your advisers a documented technical assessment to inform the next steps.
The report itself
What the assessment gives you
Our assessment records the evidence available and explains the findings clearly. If the work appears acceptable, we say so. If we identify a defect, we explain its significance and the recommended next steps.
Clear descriptions, locations and relevant photographs, suitable for sharing with your lawyer, insurer or contractor.
We do not carry out the remedial work we recommend.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you tell me who is liable?
No. We establish what the defect is and what most likely caused it. Liability depends on the contract, the parties and the circumstances, and that is a question for a lawyer — who will be in a much better position to answer it with our report in front of them.
Is it too late if I completed months ago?
Not necessarily. Rights and remedies do not automatically end at completion, and the technical assessment is worth having regardless. Take legal advice on the position rather than assume it.
Will you deal with the builder for me?
A defect inspection is an assessment and a written report. Representing you in discussions with the builder is not part of it. Buyer representation is a separate service with its own scope and terms.
What if the defect is hidden?
We assess what is accessible. Where the cause cannot be established without opening up, we say so and explain what would be needed. Any invasive investigation is a separate arrangement.
Get the defect established independently
Tell us what has happened, when it started and what you need the report for. We will confirm the scope and provide a quotation.