Have you ever bought a used car without having it inspected for faults or bought a new car without studying its specifications?
A microwave oven, a camera? Spent money on any of those without asking "someone who knows" – other than the seller or shop assistant?  Well, what about Real Estate such as an apartment, or a home? Purchase of a home is in most cases the largest single deal a person ever makes. The importance of ensuring the best professional advice and back-up is surely paramount.

True, everyone can see what it looks like simply by walking through, but only a qualified, experienced Building Engineer/Surveyor can correctly understand and interpret the findings in a clear, professional manner.

The competent Building Engineer approaches each inspection as a completely separate issue simply because there are no two identical properties, even two adjacent apartments in the same development!

The methodology is implemented in the following manner:
1) the documentation of the property provided by the client, is studied to verify the correct address, ownership, size, and if required, conformity with Building Permits, and, for new construction, the layout and specifications of the property;

2) the Building Engineer then visits the property and applying his expertise, carries out an in-depth inspection of every element of the property such as the structure, windows and doors, piping, waterproofing, electrical installation, heating/cooling systems, etc, to ascertain the condition of each element using the various tools of the trade from something as simple as a tape-measure to specialized electronic tools such as a damp-meter which indicates unacceptable levels of wetness in the walls or floors, and of prime importance his technical knowledge based on training and experience;

3) the Building Engineer then produces a written report of the technical findings presented in a form and terminology which the client can understand to facilitate a clear understanding of the true condition of the property.

This document could have important information which could have a major impact on the negotiation process and the final closing!

The advantages of utilizing the services of a Building Engineer to inspect the property prior to making any firm commitment can be categorized into three major aspects:

1) you, as the potential owner will have a clear understanding of the true condition of the property;

2) you, as the potential buyer, can utilize the information in the Engineer's Report as a valuable negotiating tool potentially saving thousands of dollars for an investment of only a few hundred;

3) you, as the client, has a Professional Engineer whose knowledge you can tap into at any stage of the transaction process to gain clear, detailed technical advice to assist you making the correct decisions.

The critical importance of the Engineer's Report is recognized in many countries and States and has become a legal prerequisite on par with the services of the Lawyer and Realtor. This is not yet the case in Israel but moves are in the process in the correct direction.

The quality of new construction in Israel continues to improve. The specifications of better materials and attention to building details coupled with more stringent control of the qualifications of the tradesmen have been instrumental in constant progress, however there remains a long road ahead. The presence of a qualified Building Engineer implementing the final inspection prior to receiving the keys has both immediate and long term advantages – the Developer affords more respect to the contents of the snagging list and in the unfortunate event of litigation against the Developer at a later stage, the report has infinitely greater value as a court document.

There are no guarantees provided with used construction as there are with new buildings. The concept of buying "as-is" is widespread but the seller has the responsibility according to the "Chok HaMecher" (Real Estate Sales Law) to provide the buyer information as to any major defects which may exist but, this also applies to Second Hand Car Salesmen, that's why there are authorized Car Testing Shops and professional Engineering Surveyors.