The BuildScan methodology Property inspections
BuildScan inspections are primarily visual, non-invasive and non-destructive, cover the areas accessible at the time of the visit, are supplemented with measurements when the service includes them, and are documented photographically.
Our working principle
Every inspection follows the same sequence: we observe, measure where possible non-invasively, document, interpret carefully and recommend in proportion to what was found. The sequence is the same regardless of the service; only the included modules differ.
We observe
We systematically go through the accessible areas and record what is visible at the time of the visit, without interpretation at the field stage.
We measure
Where the service includes measurement modules, we obtain values at relevant points and reference areas, non-invasively.
We document
Every finding receives a location, a context photo and a detail photo, plus the measured values where they exist.
We interpret carefully
We separate the observed fact from the hypothesis. When several causes are compatible with the data, we say so explicitly.
We recommend proportionally
The recommendation matches the finding: remediation where the data supports it, further clarification where it doesn't.
The BuildScan inspection
The inspection is mainly visual. We check the visible and accessible elements of the property, without dismantling, breaking or altering anything. We do not remove finishes, open up utility lines, or move heavy furniture.
Where the service includes additional modules, we supplement the observation with measurements: dimensions and 2D floor plans, air and material moisture, thermographic images, drone inspection for high areas, visual inspection at height with a 360° camera on a telescopic extension up to 3 m, 360° virtual tour. These modules apply only when included in the contracted package.
All data is usually collected in a single visit, and the report is delivered digitally, as a PDF and, where applicable, as a web link, within the timeframe confirmed when the order is placed. We do not issue DWG files.
How we word our observations
In the report, information is split into four levels, so the reader knows exactly what is fact and what is interpretation.
- What was observed: a factual description of what was visible, with location and photos.
- What was measured: the values obtained, the point and time of measurement, plus the reference area where it exists.
- What it may indicate: carefully worded hypotheses, ordered by plausibility based on the data.
- What requires further investigation: situations where the cause cannot be established through the current inspection.
The evidence we use
- Photos: at least one context photo and one detail photo for each relevant finding.
- Dimensional measurements: where the service includes floor plans or dimensional checks.
- Moisture: air and material values, obtained non-invasively, compared to reference areas, where the module is included.
- Thermography: temperature differences on the checked surfaces, of an indicative nature, where the module is included.
- Acoustic comfort: an indicative capture of ambient noise in dB, in the centre of each room, under the conditions of the visit. It is not a sound insulation test and does not certify acoustic compliance.
- Mobile signal: GSM/4G/5G capture on the Orange and Vodafone networks at the time of the inspection, with no guarantee regarding future coverage.
- 2D floor plan: an informative representation of the existing state, not cadastral documentation; we do not issue DWG files.
- Visual inspection at height: a 360° camera on a telescopic extension up to 3 m, distinct from the 360° virtual tour, where the module is included.
- Other checks: only when explicitly included in the contracted service.
Limits of the inspection
A visual, non-invasive inspection covers only what is visible and accessible at the time of the visit. Limits are recorded in the report for every situation where the check was restricted.
- Hidden elements: structure behind finishes, the interior layers of walls, inaccessible waterproofing.
- Furniture and objects: covered surfaces cannot be checked and remain undocumented.
- Recent finishes: may mask previous work or deterioration, without visible traces.
- Inaccessible utilities: buried or hidden lines, elements that cannot be safely operated.
- Diagnosis: certain causes cannot be established without investigations that go beyond a non-invasive inspection.
- Endoscopy: we use the endoscopic camera exclusively through openings or access points that already exist, without any cutting, drilling or dismantling. Fully closed cavities remain outside the inspection and are handled by dedicated specialists.
- Drone: the flight is carried out only where weather, access, safety and the applicable rules allow it. If the module cannot be performed, we record the limit in the report and agree the next step with the client.
Escalation to specialists
When findings point to a situation that cannot be clarified through the current inspection, the report explicitly recommends verification by a specialist, chosen based on the nature of the situation.
- Licensed electrician: for checks and tests of the electrical installation.
- Licensed installer: for sanitary, heating or gas installations.
- Designer/engineer: for intervention solutions or modifications to the construction.
- A specialist in the relevant field: for specific situations such as ventilation, joinery or roofing.
- Certified technical expert: for situations requiring an assessment with official technical standing.
The difference from a technical expert assessment
BuildScan services are private inspection and technical documentation services. They do not constitute a certified technical expert assessment, project review, official handover/reception of works, site supervision, or authorized cadastral documentation.
The practical difference lies in scope and effect: the BuildScan report documents the visible condition and provides an informed basis for a decision or a discussion with the other party, whereas a certified technical expert assessment is carried out by a certified expert and produces a document with a distinct technical/legal standing.
When a situation calls for such an assessment, we state this in the report and point to the appropriate direction, without presenting the inspection as something it is not.
The methodology applied to real situations
- What to check on an apartment before buying it
- What to check on a house before buying it
- Handover and move-in for a rented property
- Dampness, condensation or infiltration: what an inspection can indicate
Details about services on the Services page and about the process on How we work. For a specific situation, you can write to us via the contact form or at contact@buildscan.ro.