The Technical Building Inspection (ITE)is currently a mandatory requirement in Spain to ensure that buildings comply with the minimum safety, habitability, and accessibility standards. This procedure is essential for maintaining the housing stock in good condition and preventing all types of risks.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about this topic. We will analyze what the ITE is, which aspects it reviews, when it is necessary to carry it out, how it differs from the IEE, its cost, and the consequences of not performing it.
The ITE (Technical Building Inspection) is a mandatory report that assesses the condition of a building, particularly in terms of its structure and foundation, façades and roofs, basic installations, and accessibility.
Its purpose is to detect possible deficiencies that may affect the safety of occupants or the urban environment. Depending on the municipality, it may be required once the building reaches 30, 40, or 50 years of age.
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The ITE is a comprehensive inspection that analyzes various critical aspects of the building to ensure its safety and habitability. The inspection is carried out by a licensed architect or technical architect, who performs a visual assessment and, in some cases, complementary tests to evaluate the following parameters.
The condition of the structural elements that support the building, such as load-bearing walls, columns, beams, and slabs, is examined. Signs of deterioration such as cracks, fissures, structural dampness, or deformations that may compromise stability are assessed. Possible ground movements or differential settlement affecting the foundation are also reviewed.
Exterior walls are inspected for chips, cracks, or risk of detachment, especially on cornices and balconies. On roofs and flat roofs, the condition of tiles, waterproofing, gutters, and downspouts must be checked for leaks or blockages.
Although no exhaustive analysis of the installations is performed, it is verified that they do not present obvious risks. The general condition of plumbing, drainage systems, and visible electrical wiring is reviewed (without issuing specific certificates). In buildings with central heating systems, it is also checked that there are no leaks or serious defects.
An assessment is carried out to determine whether there are architectural barriers that hinder access for people with reduced mobility, especially in common areas such as entrances, stairways, or hallways. Although full adaptation is not always required, critical points are identified.
The maintenance of common elements such as dampness in garages or storage rooms, the condition of access doors, lighting in common areas, and the cleaning of courtyards or stairways is analyzed.
The ITE is mandatory for buildings that exceed a certain age, although the deadlines vary depending on the location. In general, it is required for residential buildings over 30 years old.
Most city councils (Madrid, Valencia, etc.) require it at 40 to 50 years of age, with subsequent inspections every 10 years. To apply for subsidies, many public renovation programs require a valid ITE.
In the case of sales or rentals, some autonomous communities require the ITE to be submitted in notarial procedures. In addition, many municipalities have replaced the ITE with the Building Evaluation Report (IEE), which also includes energy efficiency and accessibility.
The main difference is their scope. The ITE (Technical Building Inspection) only assesses the safety and condition of the property, focusing on the structure, façades, and basic installations. The IEE (Building Evaluation Report), on the other hand, which is mandatory in some municipalities, expands the analysis to include an energy efficiency certificate (energy consumption rating), accessibility report, and the identification of architectural barriers and priority rehabilitation requirements, if any.
While the ITE is a simpler procedure, the IEE is more comprehensive and is usually required for buildings applying for public subsidies.
After the inspection, the building may receive one of these ratings.
This occurs when there are no serious deficiencies and the building meets the minimum requirements.
This occurs when there are defects, but these do not compromise safety and must be corrected within a specified period.
This classification is given when there are structural or safety deficiencies. The work must be carried out within a short period of time, from 6 months to 2 years, and failure to act may result in fines or a ban on use.
In the case of single-family homes, the applicant is the property owner. In apartment buildings, the application must be submitted by the homeowners’ association, as agreed upon in a meeting.
The professional who performs it must be a licensed architect or technical architect, with legal authority to issue technical reports. In some cases, engineers specializing in building construction may also carry it out.
The report is officially valid and must be submitted to the relevant local council.
The price varies depending on the size of the building, its location (with higher prices in large cities), and the complexity of the inspection.
The price range is usually between €150 and €400 for a single-family home, and between €500 and €1,500 for an entire building.
If the building receives an unfavorable rating, the consequences may be serious. Repairs are mandatory, and a period of between 6 months and 2 years is granted to correct the deficiencies. Technical projects must be submitted and the work justified.
Local councils may also impose fines, which vary depending on the severity of the offense (from €300 to €6,000). Administrative restrictions may also be imposed, such as blocking building or renovation permits. In addition, it may become more difficult to sell or rent the property.
In extreme cases, such as when there is a risk of collapse, the city council may order temporary evacuation or even demolition.
Failure to carry out the ITE when it is mandatory has legal and practical consequences, such as financial penalties, as local councils can fine property owners for non-compliance; problems in legal procedures, such as difficulty selling or mortgaging the property, as notaries and banks usually require the ITE; and even the inability to access public subsidies for renovations. In addition, there is civil liability involved, and if an accident occurs due to lack of maintenance (e.g., a collapse), owners may face lawsuits.
An unfavorable ITE requires action. Deficiencies can be classified as minor, which require simple repairs (e.g., surface cracks); serious, such as structural or safety issues like dampness in foundations; or very serious, if they involve an imminent risk (e.g., corrosion of beams).
The deadlines for correcting defects are 1 to 2 years for minor defects. For serious defects, 6 months to 1 year; and for very serious defects, action must be immediate and may require evacuation.
The consequences of not taking action may be that the city council carries out the work on its own initiative and passes the cost on to the owners. In extreme cases, the building may even be declared uninhabitable.
You may be interested in: hidden defects in real estate.
Local councils, as established in the Urban Rehabilitation, Regeneration, and Renewal Act.
The description of the building, the deficiencies that have been found, and the deadline for correcting them are detailed.
The community can compel you to do so by a majority vote.
All owners pay for it through community funds.
Yes, but the buyer assumes the obligation to renovate. This may make the sale more difficult and reduce the price.
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The ITE (Building Technical Inspection) is a mandatory procedure that ensures the safety and structural integrity of older properties. Failure to comply may result in fines, usage restrictions, and legal consequences.
If your property is between 30 and 50 years old, it is essential to verify whether this inspection is required and, if so, to complete it in a timely manner to avoid penalties and maintain the property in optimal condition.
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