FAQ - Home inspection FAQ - Hausinspektion Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below. If you don’t see your query listed, feel free to contact our friendly team. We’re always happy to help. There are no risks in Switzerland; people are trustworthy, so why conduct a property inspection? Switzerland has a strong reputation for quality, but this does not eliminate risk. I have seen hidden structural defects, water infiltration, poorly executed renovations, and installations that do not meet standards even in relatively recent buildings. A property inspection is not about distrust; it is about verifying the true condition of a building and avoiding costly surprises. In many cases, it can save you money by identifying issues before purchase. The average cost of a legal claim for property defects after purchase starts at around CHF 35’000.-- and can take 6 to 15 months or more to resolve. Some legal cases are still ongoing even after 10 years. Would you rather take that risk or carry out a property inspection? What Is a property survey in Switzerland? A property survey also known as a house, apartment, or building inspection is a detailed technical evaluation of a property's condition, structure, and, where relevant, its compliance with Swiss regulations. It is most commonly carried out before purchasing a property or planning renovation work. While not mandatory, an inspection is highly recommended, especially for older buildings, properties requiring renovation, or new constructions. Our professional assessments help you identify potential issues early, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed investment decisions, saving you time, money, and stress in the long term. As part of the inspection, we evaluate the property’s energy efficiency rating (A–G) and provide practical advice on possible improvements, such as upgrading insulation, modernizing the heating system, or installing solar panels. All inspections are conducted in full compliance with Swiss standards. Our reports are clear, precise, and easily understood by property owners, buyers, and contractors alike. We stand firmly behind the quality and reliability of our work. How long does a property survey take? The duration of a property survey depends on the type of survey and the size and complexity of the property. On average, our surveys take 3 to 5 hours to complete on-site. However a large luxury house can take more time. You can expect the final report to be delivered within 2 to 3 business days after the survey. Do I need a survey for a new build? Yes, you need absolutely a survey and there are many good reasons. Newly constructed homes are expected to meet modern standards and comply with Swiss norms, but in practice, this is not always the case. The level of perfection presented in plans or sales brochures does not always reflect the finished building. Even new properties can have construction defects or incomplete work, some of which may remain unresolved long after handover. A professional inspection helps identify these issues early and ensures they are properly addressed. Our inspections are known as snagging surveys, and they help to identify issues such as poor workmanship, incomplete finishes, or non-compliance with building plans before you move in or sign off on the final payment. In recent years, the quality of construction work has declined compared to 30 years ago. From a professional surveying perspective, the level of workmanship is often no longer acceptable. The construction sector in Switzerland faces a significant shortage of locally trained professionals with Swiss apprenticeships. As a result, many workers have limited technical training, which can affect the overall quality of workmanship. This issue is widespread across all cantons. There is a clear shortage of skilled labour in construction, and this is an important factor to consider when purchasing a new property. Project timelines are frequently delayed, and delivery dates for new builds are not always met. Do I need a survey for an apartment in PPE /STWe in Switzerland ? Yes, an inspection is strongly recommended, even for co-owned apartments (PPE / STWE). It identifies defects in both the private unit and shared areas, helping you anticipate costs and renovation needs. A professional survey also gives you solid, objective arguments to negotiate the purchase price or request repairs at owner expenses. Do you have specific concerns you’d like us to check ? You’re welcome to share any concerns or areas you want us to focus on before the inspection. Our surveyor will review them in advance and make sure they are carefully assessed during the visit. What do I do If the property survey reveals problems? Discovering issues during a property survey isn’t bad news. It is a smart move. It means you’re avoiding unexpected costs, risky investments, and future stress. If problems are found, we’re here to help you take control of the situation with expert advice and clear next steps: • Dig deeper with targeted investigations from trusted specialists • Renegotiate the price based on the real condition of the property • Request repairs before finalizing the purchase • Or, if necessary, walk away from a bad deal The survey gives you the facts and with facts, you gain leverage, transparency, and peace of mind in the negotiation process. Do I need a surveyor for a property valuation? Property valuations and surveys serve different purposes: A property valuation estimates the market value of a property. It is commonly used by banks or mortgage brokers for financing purposes. A valuation is not an exact figure. Two independent assessments can result in different values, sometimes with variations of up to 20%. Some real estate agents market standard properties as “luxury” even when this does not reflect the actual quality or condition of the building. As a result, asking prices can be significantly overestimated compared to the true market value. A property survey assesses the physical condition and structural integrity of the building. This is performed by a chartered surveyor or building expert. Depending on your needs, whether you want to know the price or the condition—you may require one or both services. How much does a property survey cost? Costs vary based on the type of survey and property size. You can request a quote through our website or contact our friendly team for personalised information. Does the owner of the property need to be present? The owner doesn't need to be present. We’re happy to meet buyers or agents instead, or collect keys by prior agreement. Please let us know about any alarms in advance. Appointments can be arranged to suit. Does the purchaser need to be present during the property inspection? No, your presence is not required during the inspection. You can be abroad or in another location while the survey is carried out and throughout the purchase process. Until when can I negotiate the price after a house inspection? You can negotiate the purchase price up until the final contract is signed with the notary. The inspection gives you clear, objective findings that can support price discussions or requests for repairs. No property is perfect. Identifying issues early helps you negotiate realistically and avoid costly surprises after purchase. After inspection the seller chose another buyer. What should I do? If a seller prefers a buyer who skips the inspection or pay overestimated price, it’s usually best to move on without regret. Buying without a proper assessment increases the risk of unexpected defects and costs. We recommend continuing your search and prioritising properties that are suitable for your needs. As a gesture of support, our company offers a reduced fee for your next inspection on a new property. Can you help us find an independent mortgage financing provider? Absolutely. Through our trusted network of financial partners, we connect you with experienced specialists in mortgages, pensions, and real estate taxation. They provide tailored advice to secure the best financing solution for your project saving you time, optimizing your costs, and supporting you at every step. Can you help us find companies to renovate our future home before we move in? Absolutely. Thanks to our carefully selected network of trusted partners, we provide access to top quality specialists in renovation, relocation, and energy performance. This allows you to prepare your home efficiently, optimize its value, and move in with complete peace of mind. How can I pay? Payment is required in full before the inspection. If that’s not possible, it must be made as soon as possible. Reports are only released once payment is received. We also accept bitcoin as payment. Top 10 Ways to Spend Bitcoin (BTC) in Switzerland After Converting CHF I have a question about my report. What is the best way to get in touch? We welcome any questions you have once you have received your report. Please feel free to email info@generalservices.ch or by phone or whatsapp.

FAQ House inspection / GS-Surveys For English speaking customers