Frequently Asked Questions:
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A home inspection evaluates the property you intend to purchase to ensure it meets all Israeli building standards, identifies existing construction defects, and provides guidance on how to fix them. The inspection is especially important for new apartments, as the contractor is required to address the defects listed in the report. These defects can include issues with walls, flooring, insulation, plumbing, kitchen cabinets, drainage systems, slopes, and more.
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With a new apartment, it’s very likely that the contractor missed or did not complete several tasks, and damage that occurred during construction might be overlooked. Without an inspection, there is a high likelihood that the contractor may not fix these issues, and if they do, it might only be after you've moved in, causing significant inconvenience.
For second-hand apartments, it’s also advisable to conduct an inspection to better understand the property's condition, evaluate the investment's worth, and identify issues that may need attention after purchase.
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Yes, you can conduct a home inspection yourself, but without the proper knowledge and equipment that an engineer has, it can be very challenging to identify all the issues. Additionally, a professional inspection provides a detailed report with required repairs and standards, which is legally binding. If you want to conduct a simple inspection on your own, here is a checklist of things to look for. While this isn't a full inspection, it can help you identify some issues.
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The cost depends on the property. For apartments, the price ranges between $400 and $700, depending on the size and condition.
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The report categorizes each issue, listing the defect, location, the legal building standard, recommendations for fixing, a photo of the problem, and repair costs.
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It depends on the property's condition; for apartments, it usually takes 3-4 hours.
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It’s recommended to send the inspector the sales specifications and sales plan a few days before the inspection.
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It is best to do it during the first delivery of the apartment, as the contractor is still on-site and can make repairs quickly before the resident moves in. In any case, it is better to do it as early as possible due to the warranty.
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To ensure the contractor can address and follow the report's findings, I prepare the detailed report in Hebrew and provide the client with a detailed summary of all findings in English, along with a follow-up call explaining the issues. Depending on the client's needs, I can also provide the full report in English for an additional cost.
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Yes, according to the Sale Law of 1968, every contractor or developer who sells an apartment is obligated to fix any construction defects found after the apartment is handed over to the buyer. The developer must repair the defects within a reasonable period, which varies depending on the severity of the defects.
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No, it is not too late to conduct an inspection. Here are the inspection periods according to the Sale Law:
Defects in frames and carpentry, including aluminum and plastic, and defects in flooring and internal wall cladding, including subsidence and wear – two years.
Malfunctions in the operation and durability of machines and boilers – three years.
Malfunctions in the operation and durability of components of thermal insulation systems – three years.
Malfunctions (leaks) in the plumbing system, including water, heating system, gutters, wastewater, and sewage – four years.
Sealing failure of the building, including underground spaces, walls, ceilings, and roofs – four years.
Cracks wider than 1.5 mm in non-load-bearing components – five years.
Detachment, peeling, or disintegration of external cladding – seven years.
Any other non-fundamental defect – one year.
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The contractor is required to fix the problem within a reasonable period, typically three months, depending on the defect.
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The contractor is obligated to fix the issues. If he refuses, you can consult a lawyer and take legal action according to the Sale Law.
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