A building inspection is a technical operation that demands rigor and method. Whether it is a pre-purchase assessment, a regulatory compliance check or a periodic audit for a condominium, each control point must be verified and documented systematically.
This checklist covers the 12 essential control points for conducting a comprehensive building inspection. It is intended for property surveyors, asset managers, property management companies and all building professionals tasked with assessing the condition of a structure.
Why Building Inspection Is Indispensable
A regular building inspection serves three fundamental objectives: ensuring occupant safety, maintaining regulatory compliance and preserving the asset value of the property.
Occupant Safety
Structural defects, outdated electrical installations or faulty fire safety systems pose direct risks to people. Inspection allows the identification of these dangers before they result in accidents. The liability of the owner or property manager is engaged in the event of an incident if mandatory inspections have not been carried out.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulations require periodic inspections on many aspects of a building: electrical installations (every 6 years for rental properties), elevators (semi-annual), fire safety systems (annual in public buildings), asbestos, lead and energy performance. Non-compliance exposes owners to financial and criminal penalties.
Asset Preservation
Defects detected early cost significantly less to repair. A crack treated in time avoids a heavy structural reinforcement. An infiltration identified quickly prevents major water damage. Regular inspection is an investment that protects the value of the real estate asset.
In many jurisdictions, property owners are required to provide a complete Technical Diagnostic File when selling or renting. This file may include energy performance certificates, asbestos surveys, lead assessments, electrical and gas inspections, and more. Assessments must be conducted by certified professionals.
The 12 Essential Control Points
Here are the 12 points to systematically verify during any building inspection. Each point must be documented with photos, factual observations and a condition assessment (good, acceptable, degraded, critical).
Foundations and Substructure
Check for cracks at the foundation level, the condition of basement walls, the absence of subsurface infiltration and the proper functioning of perimeter drainage systems. Look for signs of differential settlement.
Load-Bearing Structure
Inspect load-bearing walls, columns, beams and floors. Record cracks (orientation, width, progression), deformations, moisture traces and signs of rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete structures.
Roof and Roof Framing
Check the condition of the roofing (tiles, slates, membrane), waterproofing, the state of the roof structure (wood or metal), rainwater drainage (gutters, downspouts) and the possible presence of wood-boring insects or fungi.
Facades and Cladding
Evaluate the condition of renders, joints, cladding or facing. Identify cracks, delamination, water runoff marks and waterproofing defects at singular points (window sills, parapets, expansion joints).
Electrical Installations
Verify the compliance of the electrical panel, the condition of residual current devices, earthing, the state of outlets and switches, exposed wiring and compliance with applicable electrical codes. Check the date of the last inspection.
Plumbing and Water Network
Inspect supply and drainage pipes, shut-off valves, the water heater, traps and joints. Look for visible leaks, moisture traces, the presence of lead in older pipes and the condition of the sewage system.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Check the heating system (boiler, heat pump, radiators), mechanical ventilation, air ducts and air conditioning where applicable. Verify maintenance dates and the proper functioning of controls.
Fire Safety
Verify smoke detectors (mandatory in most jurisdictions), fire extinguishers and their inspection dates, emergency exits, signage, evacuation plans and smoke extraction systems. For public buildings, check fire safety systems and the safety register.
Accessibility Compliance
Assess compliance with accessibility standards: access ramps, door and corridor widths, elevators, accessible restrooms, reserved parking spaces and adapted signage. Mandatory for public buildings and new residential construction.
Thermal Insulation and Energy Performance
Evaluate the insulation of walls, roof, ground floors and windows. Look for thermal bridges, vapor barrier defects and condensation zones. Verify consistency with the current Energy Performance Certificate.
Common Areas and Exterior Spaces
Inspect lobbies, staircases, corridors, parking areas, green spaces and fencing. Check common area lighting, floor coverings, guardrails and collective equipment (intercom, mailboxes, waste storage areas).
Documentation and Registers
Gather and verify documents: building maintenance logbook, safety register, elevator inspection reports, gas and electrical compliance certificates, energy performance certificates, asbestos and lead surveys, and chimney sweeping certificates.
How to Document Your Findings Effectively
The quality of the documentation determines the value of your inspection. A poorly documented finding can be challenged, while a report backed by visual evidence and precise data serves as a reliable reference for all stakeholders.
Timestamped and Geolocated Photos
Each identified anomaly must be photographed with sufficient context to locate the defect within the building. Use a tool that automatically timestamps photos and associates GPS coordinates. Systematically take an overview shot then a close-up of the observed defect.
Factual and Measured Observations
Describe what you observe objectively: crack dimensions (length, width, opening in millimeters), measured humidity levels, recorded temperature. Avoid subjective judgments and favor quantitative data that enables tracking over time.
Classification by Severity Level
Adopt a consistent severity scale to prioritize your findings. For example: observation (to be monitored), minor anomaly (to be corrected during the next maintenance cycle), major anomaly (intervention required within 3 months), immediate danger (immediate safety measures required). This classification guides management decisions.
Use a digital tool to capture your findings directly in the field. Timestamped photos, structured data entry and automatic PDF report generation save you considerable time compared to paper methods and reduce the risk of errors.
Digital Inspection vs Paper Method
The transition from paper to digital transforms the quality and efficiency of building inspections. Here are the concrete advantages of the digital method compared to the traditional approach.
- Data entry speed: digital forms with pre-filled fields and dropdown menus reduce data entry time by 40 to 60% compared to handwritten reports
- Data integrity: no risk of lost sheets, illegibility or transcription errors. Data is saved and synchronized automatically
- Integrated photos: photos are directly linked to the corresponding control point, timestamped and geolocated. No more manual sorting and matching after the inspection
- Instant report: the professional PDF report is generated immediately after the inspection, with polished layout, integrated photos and automatic summary
- History and traceability: every inspection is archived and accessible. Tracking the evolution of defects over time becomes simple and reliable
- Offline mode: modern tools work without an internet connection, essential in basements, parking garages and areas with poor network coverage
Recommended Inspection Frequency
Inspection frequency varies depending on the building type, its age and its use. Here are the general recommendations for planning your inspections.
- Full general inspection: every 3 to 5 years for residential buildings, annually for public and industrial buildings
- Roof: annual visual check, in-depth inspection every 5 years or after a major weather event
- Electrical installations: mandatory inspection every 6 years for rental properties, every 3 years for public buildings
- Elevators: mandatory semi-annual technical inspection
- Fire safety: annual equipment verification, semi-annual evacuation drill for public buildings
- Facades: mandatory restoration every 10 years in certain municipalities, preventive inspection every 5 years recommended
Plan your inspections in advance and integrate them into a preventive maintenance calendar. Digital tools allow you to set automatic reminders so you never miss a regulatory deadline.
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