Last Sunday our chartered architect and Co-founder, Iván Samaniego, had the chance to take part in Cadena SER’s Código de Barras podcast. The show tackles topical issues and, on this occasion, the conversation turned to how important it is to take out home insurance in case of an accident in your home or building.
On the hunt for hidden problems
In that context, Iván walked through both common problems and others that are far less common but critical to a home’s structure and habitability.
Two out of every three homes we inspect have a serious or very serious problem.
When asked about those serious or very serious problems, Iván spelled it out: “Anything from a structural issue with cracks that are still active and compromise the occupants’ safety, to damp hidden behind furniture out of sight, or poorly installed underfloor heating.”
Defects in buildings that have gone years without inspection (IEE or ITE)
Iván also discussed the most common problems in buildings that have gone years without an inspection: deteriorating eaves at risk of falling onto the street, roof problems and waterproofing failures.
An extreme case in a home inspection
Iván shared a borderline case: a single-family home with a ground-floor slab over a basement whose wall was “practically floating.” Had it not been inspected, it could have given way within weeks or months, with catastrophic consequences for the occupants.
When the damage is structural, sometimes the decision has to be made to demolish the entire house.
Inspect your home before it’s too late
At Revicasa we always recommend having a home inspection carried out to find out its true condition. This information can be vital when making a purchase decision or to avoid nasty surprises. If you spot a possible defect, it’s always wise to call in an expert who can pinpoint its cause and the right solution.
