Construction period of houses

Navigating the complexities of purchasing an older home requires keen attention to the myriad modifications and structural changes that may have occurred over the decades. Whether you're dealing with insulation issues, outdated building codes, or the potential presence of asbestos, a thorough inspection is crucial to ensure your investment is sound and meets current safety and efficiency standards.

Before 1950

Homes built before 1950 were poorly insulated, if at all, during construction. Saving energy wasn't a concern at all back then, nor were fire safety and a healthy indoor climate. In most cases, these older homes didn't originally have a bathroom. Over the years, these homes have often undergone significant modifications and improvements! While this offers many advantages, it's also a reason to be vigilant! Many old and new techniques and methods are interwoven and now form the home. During an inspection, extra attention is paid to all these modifications that have been implemented, and special attention is also paid to structural changes! A home from this period obviously won't comply with building regulations issued 50 years later.

1950-1975

Homes built before 1975 were poorly insulated, if at all, during construction. Saving energy wasn't an issue at all back then. Neither were fire safety or a healthy indoor climate. Over the years, a lot has been modified and improved in a home built before 1975! While this offers many advantages, it's also a reason to be vigilant! Many old and new techniques and methods are interwoven and now form this home. During an inspection, extra attention is paid to all these modifications that have been implemented, and special attention will also be paid to structural changes! Note: asbestos was also used in residential construction during this period! A home from this period cannot comply with building regulations issued 25 years later.

1975-1995

Homes built before 1995 offer a reasonable standard of living quality. Regulations and technical quality have improved even further. Increasing attention is being paid not only to energy quality but also to noise pollution, for example. The construction methods also conformed to the Building Decree. The use of asbestos was still permitted during that construction period. A home built before that date will automatically not comply with a Building Decree issued 15 years later.

1995-2010

Homes built between 1995 and 2010 have undergone further improvements. This means they are considered current homes, built in accordance with the then-current laws and regulations (building code). A home from this period cannot comply with the current building code.

after 2010

Homes built even more recently, from 2010 onwards. This means that these are modern homes that have been built in accordance with current laws and regulations (building regulations).

Standard questions that may be relevant for all homes

Functioning of sewers and drains
Are all installations and kitchen equipment functioning?
Are there any known minor defects that a current owner is accustomed to, but which nevertheless constitute a defect?
Is there asbestos present (only relevant in older homes)?
Are there any known problems with neighbors, property boundaries or adjacent properties?
Has any work been carried out on the property recently, either regular or repairs to defects?
Are there any known leaks?
Have any structural changes been made or applied to the home in the past?
Overall, are there any matters that need to be reported and/or that a new homeowner would be interested in?

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

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