Pre-purchase Property Inspection in Bordeaux
Buy with confidence: an independent expert examines the property before your purchase and delivers a detailed observation report of all defects found.
A Professional Eye Before You Buy
Buying a property is one of the most significant financial commitments in a lifetime. Yet most buyers view properties alone, without the technical knowledge to distinguish a cosmetic blemish from a costly structural problem. A freshly repainted wall can hide damp, a waxed parquet can conceal warped boards, a recently repointed facade can mask deep cracks.
The EDL 33 pre-purchase inspection gives you the benefit of a building professional's eye, experienced from inspecting hundreds of properties every year. We spot the signs that sellers forget to mention and that listing photos never show. We help you buy at the right price, with a full understanding of the property's true condition.
What We Look For
Damp and Water Ingress
Damp marks at the base of walls, tide marks on ceilings, blistering paint, musty smell, excessive condensation on windows. We examine high-risk areas: bathroom, kitchen, basement, ground-floor rooms, walls exposed to the elements.
Cracks and Structural Movement
Stair-step cracks in masonry, cracks at the sides of openings, distorted door frames (doors that stick), uneven tiling. These signs can reveal ground movement or foundation problems requiring major works.
Roof and Structure
For houses: visible condition of the roof covering (broken tiles, damaged ridge), guttering (gutters, downpipes), visible roof timbers (distortion, woodworm signs). For top-floor flats: leak marks under the roof, ceiling condition.
General State of Installations
Consumer unit (age, apparent compliance), visible plumbing (materials, condition of pipework), hot water and heating production (age of equipment, functioning), windows and doors (insulation, sealing, operation).
Houses, Flats and Commercial Premises
Our expertise covers the three main categories of property on the Bordeaux market. Each type has specific issues that we know well:
Houses
Bordeaux houses — whether traditional single-storey échoppes or recent builds — have particular points to watch: condition of the roof and rainwater drainage, ground drainage, facade condition (render needed?), thermal insulation, functioning of gates and garage. We also inspect external areas: fencing, terraces, paths, automatic irrigation.
Flats
In a co-ownership building, the condition of the property does not stop at the individual flat. We also observe the accessible communal areas (lobby, stairwell, lift, bin store) which indicate the general upkeep of the building. Where available, the minutes of general meetings are reviewed to identify approved or planned works.
Commercial Premises
Visiting a commercial premises incorporates additional criteria: compliance with ERP standards (accessibility, fire safety), condition of shopfronts and signage, available electrical capacity, air extraction (critical for catering), air conditioning compliance. These items can represent considerable investment if they need to be brought up to standard after purchase.
The Observation Report
At the end of the inspection, you receive a structured observation report covering all findings. Each observation is classified at one of three severity levels: point of note (minor or cosmetic defect), point of concern (defect to monitor or address in the medium term), and alert (significant defect requiring prompt action or specialist further advice).
The report includes a budget estimate for any works required, ranked by priority. This estimate allows you to factor the true cost of remediation into your purchase budget and, where appropriate, negotiate the sale price accordingly.
All observations are documented with captioned, location-tagged HD photos. The report is delivered by email within 48 hours, a timescale compatible with the tight schedule of property transactions.
Property Inspection Pricing
All prices excl. VAT (20% VAT applicable) — Key collection included — Volume discounts available
Frequently asked questions
No. Mandatory statutory surveys (Energy Performance Certificate, asbestos, lead, termites, electricity, gas) must be carried out by certified diagnosticians and remain essential. Our inspection is complementary: it provides a broad, pragmatic assessment of the property, focused on works to budget for and defects not covered by statutory diagnostics.
Ideally before signing the preliminary sale agreement, or during the 10-day cooling-off period that follows. This is when you still have the option to withdraw at no cost, or to renegotiate the price if significant defects are discovered.
Absolutely. We can join you during a viewing arranged by the estate agent or seller. Our discreet presence allows us to assess the property professionally while you focus on your personal impressions. A trained eye picks up defects in minutes that a private buyer would not notice.
The observation report is a factual document that lists the defects found and the works required with a budget estimate. It is an objective tool you can present to the seller or estate agent to justify a request for a price reduction. Many buyers have saved thousands of euros using this negotiating lever.
Related Services
HD & 360° Photos
Exhaustive visual documentation of the property to keep an accurate record of its condition before purchase.
Technical Survey
In-depth equipment check to complement the general observation.
Commercial Premises Inspection
Specialist expertise for commercial leases if you are buying to let.
Certifications & guarantees
ALUR Act
Reports fully compliant with French tenancy law of 24 March 2014
eIDAS certification
Qualified electronic signature for legally enforceable documents
Professional indemnity insurance
Full professional indemnity cover for your peace of mind
Independence
No affiliation with any estate agency or landlord
Buy with Confidence
A professional assessment of your future property in Bordeaux. Observation report delivered within 48 hours.