Home Inspection in Costa Rica: What do they do?

In the United States, one of the most common processes prior to buying or renting a property is a home inspection, a process in which a real estate professional inspects the property to verify that it is in optimal condition for a move.

By Master Rodrigo Altman, Director of Synergy Construction Consulting. Discover some of the characteristics, recommendations and work of a home inspector.

The work of a home inspector

In Costa Rica, the work of a home inspector has gained popularity, especially in coastal areas with high foreign investment. In the United States, obtaining a home inspector’s report is in some cases a legal requirement. Therefore, foreigners purchasing property in Costa Rica often expect a similar inspection.

During the inspection, all accessible areas of the property are checked, including the condition of the roof (using drones if necessary) and some electrical installations. It is important to note that the home inspector will only inspect accessible areas; he will not force open doors or move furniture, especially in rented and furnished properties.

Why is it important?

The home inspector’s work provides peace of mind to buyers and renters by ensuring that the property is free of significant defects that could cause unexpected expenses in the future.

For example, the inspector will check for the presence of mold and mildew, the condition of locks on doors and hinges, the closing of windows and, during the rainy season, possible leaks.

Issues considered in an inspection

Paint Condition: Worn, moldy or brittle paint may require additional investment to repaint the walls.
Condition of lights and bulbs: Check the operation of switches and the condition of installed light bulbs.
Cracks in walls: Look for damage from natural disasters or erosion that could compromise the integrity of the material.
Exposed wiring or poor wiring: Cables in poor condition, with home repairs or exposed copper are also evaluated.

It is important to clarify that items nearing the end of their useful life are not considered major defects; however, it should be noted that they may require early replacement. In addition, the work of a home inspector differs from that of a real estate loan appraiser.

Home Inspector limitations

The home inspector has limitations in his inspection, such as not being able to force or create access to inaccessible areas of the property, such as sealed roofs. Nor will he move furniture to avoid damage; any rearrangement is the responsibility of the new tenants.

In addition, the home inspector does not determine the cause of any damage found. For example, if he detects leaks, his job is to report their existence without identifying the causes, although he may suggest possible solutions.

So, if you want to receive personalized attention throughout your property buying process; at Nativu our advisors can help you through the entire process, including finding experts for home reviews. Do not hesitate to contact our advisors and invest wisely.