The preliminary inspection for the annual inspection is based on the Housing Transactions Act, which stipulates that the developer must arrange for an annual inspection 12–15 months after the building is occupied. The building contractor must repair any defects and deficiencies identified during the annual inspection. If defects are discovered only after the inspection, the contractor is not liable for compensation. Therefore, the preliminary inspection for the annual inspection should be conducted carefully well in advance of the official annual inspection.
| What's Included | Basic | Extensive | Extensive+ |
| Creating a web-based resident survey and reviewing the results | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Reviewing documents related to the property, such as the sales brochure, plans, and minutes | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inspection of the roof, upper and lower floors, structural elements, and facade, to the extent that unobstructed access is possible | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Photographing the facade with a drone camera | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Inspection of outdoor areas and buildings | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inspection of drainage pipes and storm drains using a cable camera | ✔️ | ||
| An easy-to-understand, illustrated report detailing any construction defects and deficiencies identified, which the housing association can use to file a complaint against the founding shareholder during the annual inspection | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Remote review of the report with the client during business hours | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inspections of common areas | Basic | Extensive | Extensive+ |
| Visual inspection | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inspection using a thermal imaging camera, weather permitting (including exterior cladding, windows, exterior doors, radiators, and underfloor heating) | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Inspection of Building Services Systems and Equipment | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Thermal imaging of an electrical cabinet | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Checking the pressure difference between indoor and outdoor air | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Moisture survey of wet areas (rooms with floor drains) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Moisture survey of all premises with water supply points | ✔️ | ||
| Inspection of ventilation system performance | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inspection of HVAC unit filters | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Light inspection of sewer lines and ventilation ducts using a cable camera, and inspection of drain grates | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Sampling of insulating glass | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Apartment-specific inspections | Basic | Extensive | Extensive+ |
| Visual inspection | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inspection using a thermal imaging camera, weather permitting (including exterior cladding, windows, exterior doors, radiators, and underfloor heating) | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Inspection of HVAC unit filters | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Checking the pressure difference between indoor and outdoor air | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Moisture survey of wet areas (rooms with floor drains) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Moisture survey of all premises with water supply points | ✔️ | ||
| Inspection of ventilation system performance | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Light inspection of sewer lines and ventilation ducts using a cable camera, and inspection of drain grates | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Sampling of insulated glass units (2 units per apartment) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Inspections of individual units can be conducted either on a sample basis or by inspecting all units.
We also recommend the following services in connection with your annual inspection:
- Thermal imaging in accordance with guideline RT-14-11239, which determines whether the thermal properties of the structures meet the requirements of the healthy housing guidelines. This is particularly recommended if the contractor has not had an official thermal imaging inspection performed.
- Logging of pressure differentials between indoor and outdoor air, as well as indoor temperature and humidity, over a two-week period. This procedure provides a comprehensive assessment of the building’s pressure conditions, which are often problematic even in new buildings and can therefore lead to issues down the line.
- Noise measurements, if noise issues have been identified. This is particularly recommended if the contractor has not had noise measurements conducted.
- 2-year inspection to verify the repairs made by the contractor
Additional Services
- Structural inspections, if there is reason to suspect defects or deficiencies in the structures.
- Moisture measurements, if there is reason to suspect moisture damage in the structures
- Presentation of the audit report at the annual general meeting or at an information session
- Distribution of resident surveys and guidelines
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Yrjö Ahonen