In Finland, a condition assessment (kuntoarvio), a condition survey (kuntotutkimus) and a pre-purchase inspection (kuntotarkastus) sound similar, but their content, price and purpose differ clearly. Ordering the wrong one means either unnecessary cost or too little information for your decision.
Condition assessment: the overall picture
A condition assessment covers the entire property and is mainly based on visual and sensory inspection. Structures are not opened; the aim is to form an overall picture of the building's condition and future repair needs. Assessments follow the Finnish Rakennustieto condition assessment guidelines.
The assessment covers every part of the building: façades, roof, balconies, windows, shared spaces, outdoor areas and building services. Each part is given a condition rating.
The result
A written report and a long-term maintenance plan setting out repair needs and their estimated costs, usually for the next ten years.
A condition assessment suits housing companies as a basis for planning repairs, property managers as decision support and property buyers as a general appraisal.
Condition survey: an in-depth look at one structure
A condition survey is targeted and considerably more in-depth. It is carried out when a fault is suspected in a particular structure or when a condition assessment has revealed something that needs closer investigation.
A survey uses measuring instruments, sends material samples to a laboratory and, where needed, involves structural openings. It may focus on a façade, roof, base floor or bathrooms, for example.
The result
A detailed report on the extent and cause of the damage and the recommended repair method. The report serves directly as input for repair design.
Pre-purchase inspection: for property transactions
A pre-purchase building inspection is designed for the parties to a residential property sale and follows the Rakennustieto guideline RT 103996. Its aim is to identify the risks and damage that matter for the transaction.
The inspector does not comment on the sale price or on whether the purchase makes sense. Those are for the buyer and seller to judge.
Which suits which situation?
- Housing company maintenance plan: condition assessment
- Suspected moisture or mould damage: condition survey
- Buying a detached or terraced house: pre-purchase inspection
- Major renovation ahead: condition survey of the critical structures
- Purchase of a larger property: condition assessment or wider technical due diligence
Not sure what you need?
A short phone call usually clarifies which investigation fits your situation, helping you avoid both unnecessary cost and an investigation that is too limited. Get in touch and we will help you choose.