The Technical Inspection of Buildings, in addition to being a mandatory study for many constructions with a considerable age, is a fundamental instrument to guarantee the health and safety of buildings. Throughout this article, we will explain what it is and what typologies exist, as well as when the Technical Building Inspection is passed.
TECHNICAL INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS
What is the ITE?
The Technical Inspection of Buildings (ITE) is a procedure designed to assess the state of conservation of buildings with the aim of guaranteeing the safety of occupants and the urban environment in general by obtaining a certificate of suitability. During the ITE, a team of competent technicians inspects various aspects of the building, such as its structure, foundations, installations, façades, roofs, etc. The aim is to identify possible deficiencies, damage or deterioration that may lead to a risk to the safety or stability of the building, as well as their impact on public health and the urban environment.
The Technical Inspection of Buildings (ITE) is a procedure designed to assess the state of conservation of buildings with the aim of guaranteeing the safety of occupants and the urban environment in general by obtaining a certificate of suitability. During the ITE, a team of competent technicians inspects various aspects of the building, such as its structure, foundations, installations, façades, roofs, etc. The aim is to identify possible deficiencies, damage or deterioration that may lead to a risk to the safety or stability of the building, as well as their impact on public health and the urban environment.
Once the inspection is completed, a technical report detailing the conditions of the building is issued. If it is in good condition, an inspection certificate is issued together with the attached report that certifies that the ITE is favorable. If there is damage or deficiencies that lead to an unfavourable ITE, the owner must carry out the necessary works for recovery or rectification. In some cases, if serious problems are detected, the authorities may even order the closure of the building until the necessary repairs are made. Once they have been carried out, a new certificate of suitability will be submitted, together with the corresponding report, with a favourable ITE.
The price of the ITE may vary depending on the specific characteristics of each building and the thoroughness of the inspection. An inspection as detailed as possible is always recommended in order to ensure that no major pathology goes unnoticed.
When is it mandatory to pass the technical inspection of buildings and homes?
It should be noted that the ITEs depend on the city councils, so each consistory may have specific regulations. As a general rule, the first ITE inspection is mandatory for buildings that are more than 45-50 years old (depending on the municipality) and usually lasts 10 years. Once this period has been reached, buildings must undergo a new inspection within one year of the 10th anniversary of the last inspection.
Be that as it may, it is usually the city council itself that is responsible for notifying the owners of each building that the ITE must be carried out and the deadline established for it. In any case, if you have any doubts, it is best to consult the corresponding municipal service directly.
It is important to pass the ITE within the established deadline, not only as a matter of regulations, but also as a way to ensure the stability, durability and safety of the building. In addition to the serious risk it poses, building owners who refuse to pass the ITE can be sanctioned with a fine of between €1,000 and €6,000. On the other hand, if the administration were to take the case to court, they would also have to bear the legal costs.
ITE
In the ITEs, the following different elements are inspected. However, it should be noted that some of the inspection services may vary depending on different municipal ordinances and the specific characteristics of the building to be inspected. In any case, it is essential to have a team of qualified and certified competent technicians to carry out these inspections and ensure that the building meets the required safety and habitability standards.
Technical inspection of buildings in Madrid? When to pass the ITE in Catalonia? Are they the same?
In Madrid, the ITE is mandatory for buildings over 50 years old. In Catalonia, it is mandatory for constructions that are more than 45 years old. Both autonomies have their own deadlines and procedures for carrying out the inspection.
If you have a building in Madrid, you should check the specific regulations of the Community of Madrid to find out when you must pass the ITE. If it's in Catalonia, you'd have to do the same with the regulations of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Although the general concept of the ITE is similar in both autonomous communities, it is important to follow the specific regulations of each to ensure that you comply with the legal requirements.
How much does a building's ITE cost?
The cost of a Technical Building Inspection (ITE) can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the building, the geographical location, the state of conservation of the building and the fees of the technician competent to carry out the inspection.
In addition to the cost of the inspection itself, it is important to note that if deficiencies are detected during the ITE and repair or maintenance work is required, these will also involve additional costs for the building owner.
Specialists in on-site quality testing and inspections
For more information on the Technical Building Inspection or any other quality inspection that guarantees the safety, durability and sustainability of all types of assets, do not hesitate to contact us. At SOCOTEC, through our technical inspections area, we implement fully customized plans that adjust to the specific needs of each project, based on accurate data and expert analysis.
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