Evaluate the object correctly - the right strategy

What would you pay attention to when inspecting newly built houses (1-2 years old)? There can’t be much wrong with them, unless there are structural defects - I think having an expert for the second visit is a must. On the first visit, my focus would be solely on living quality, less on construction issues (which I unfortunately don’t know much about yet - it takes a few months to get familiar with that).

Depending on possible competitors, there might not be much time even then. Therefore, I’m trying to prepare a list of questions for the first inspection of such house types.

Is a short expert report sufficient regarding the expert? What has been your experience?

Is a short expert report sufficient regarding the appraiser? What is your experience with that?

We did it so that we went through the property together with the appraiser. Wherever he noticed something, he commented on it. We did not get anything in writing because we did not need it and it was cheaper that way. We only wanted a professional opinion, not a novel.

What would you pay attention to when inspecting newly built houses (1-2 years old)?

The best thing is to look at the lists of what you can expect to pay for the individual components of the house. That already gives you an idea of what is expensive. Then you look at the things that wear out quickly. I would head out and if the house makes a good structural impression at first (no joke, we have had chicken coops here too), then I first look at: - the roof: worm infestation? Is it watertight? How old is it? Finished? Are all the beams still straight? Has it been repaired anywhere? If yes, why? - the basement: any moisture rising? Mold? - the heating: how old? What kind of system? Can it be modernized easily or with difficulty? - the windows: how old? Are they in good shape? Are all the shutters functional? - floors all level? Ceiling heights sufficient? - doors all in good condition? - outdated electrical system? - bathrooms in need of renovation? Mold? (which is not a decisive factor for me) - exterior facilities completely finished? - noise level of the surroundings Of course, the layout or obvious weak points, like plaster crumbling somewhere, are also important. But even a layperson can see that.

Your list is more suitable for an old building, not for a house that is 1 to 2 years old.

Your list is more fitting for an old building, not for a 1 to 2 year old house.

Oh, sorry. I hadn't seen that. You're right.

With such a young house, it's mainly about the location and the layout of the rooms. And whether everything you'd want is included. Nasty neighbors and noise are also criteria.

I bought such a young house: In fact, I was less looking for "problems" there and more focused on ensuring the overall package fits.

In my opinion, it is still important to pay attention to which work is not yet completed ([Arbeiten des GU/BT ausstehend], own contributions, warranty, etc.). In the euphoria of buying a house, these may seem like minor details, but they can add up and for small tasks you pay the craftsman double (if you can even get one).