What we do

Property surveys

Our comprehensive condition surveys provide you with detailed and indispensable information on the quality of structure and construction techniques, highlighting any defects and including rebuilding costs for insurance, access to water, drainage and other services. Using the latest technology, such as thermal cameras, damp detecting devices and aerial imaging, this survey is key in helping buyers decide on purchase.

It can also prevent expensive "surprises" and aid in the planning of future alterations. And let's not forget that owners can use surveys to verify the condition and worth of their property, a useful tool in securing a sale in a challenging market.

Each building survey is a bespoke and detailed report and will include a detailed conclusion/summary highlighting the issues that require attention or further investigation.

Our standard Portugal Survey includes:

• A visual inspection of all accessible areas to assess the condition of the building
• Description of the finishes of the property
• General condition of the property, including Insulation, condensation and dampness
• Identifies issues that require repair or further investigations
• Outside areas and outbuildings
• Visible parts of the available services, such as electricity, gas, water, heating and drainage. A separate drain survey with a CCTV camera is available by request.
• Energy efficiency and environmental issues
• Legal issues and identification of any non-conformities relating to planning issues
• Free expert verbal advice and after-care following the survey
• Provide estimated repair cost and advice on significant issues

For any issues that are discovered, the Portugal Survey report will include photos of the defects and, if necessary, explain repair options and costs.

If you have any specific concerns about a property, you can also discuss them with your surveyor to ensure we thoroughly investigate them for added peace of mind.

Equipment used in the Portugal Survey:

• Thermal Imaging Cameras
• Humidity detection equipment
• Laser levels

Types of inspections:

• Property surveys
• Home surveys
• Building surveys

Project Management

From inspecting or surveying a house that a client is thinking of buying, provide useful information in regards to structure, quality and finish, or assuming full responsibility for project managing the construction or renovation of an individual villa or building, our competent and highly qualified project management team will provide the appropriate technical, planning and contract advise to provide peace of mind to the client.

We supply the required information in a timely matter to proceed with the job, including analysing tenders, overview the construction process, supplying technical advice to the parties involved and obtain all the certificates and documentation for the habitation licence.

So whether you are buying, selling or renovating you can trust the Portugal Surveys team to deliver.

The project management process will include the following:

• Assist with the appointment of an architect and design engineers
• Liaison with the architects and design engineers
• Preparation of the building specifications and bill of quantities
• Preparation of the tender documents and manage the tender process
• Assist in choice of main contractor and contract signing
• Regular site visits with supply of reports
• Manage the project construction programme
• Financial reporting and quantity surveying
• Liaison with other specialist contractors and professionals
• Regular inspection of quality and craftmanship
• Final inspection and snagging list

Application for and obtaining of the habitation licence

Energy certificates

If you intend to sell a house or apartment in Portugal, you will need an Energy Performance Certificate. The energy certificate is mandatory by law in Portugal.

We will inspect your property and prepare this certificate for you.

The certificate is valid for 10 years and evaluates the existing energy efficiency of the building on a scale from A+ (very efficient) to F (low efficiency). It also provides improvement suggestions with budget costs to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

The certificate is issued by authorised technicians by ADENE

We can also provide acoustic certificates

Acoustic certification is mandatory for new properties and renovations in Portugal.
We can carry out an acoustic inspection of your home to check that it complies with legislation. 

Quality control

We accompany the construction works and assure that the building specification is respected by the contractors, and that the quality of the materials and craftmanship of the labour is of the highest standard.

It is extremely important to the construction phase that the Portuguese and European construction norms and regulation are being complied and respected at all times.

In Portugal it is required by the majority of councils an approved and qualified engineer to inspect the quality of work.

We guarantee the quality of the project. 

Health & safety Plan

The Portugal Surveys health and safety plan will focus on health and safety risks, arrangements and control measures to keep workers, site visitors and members of the public safe from harm.

According to Portuguese law no. 273/2003, the site owner and stakeholders are responsible for the supply of the health and safety plan, along with the appointment of a health and safety officer that will be responsible of implementing and maintaining the health and safety plan.

With a zero-accident policy, our health and safety plan help prevent accidents or incidents onsite, which can represent delays, cost and problems. A correct health and safety plan developed during the construction phase is essential.

We can provide you with the health and safety plan, and with the health and safety officer during the construction phase.

Snagging lists

A new-build home should be in immaculate condition when you move in, but this isn't always the case.

A snagging list is a detailed report undertaken by our specialist snagging inspector, that highlights the problems your builder is responsible for addressing before you move in. This can then be used as evidence to negotiate with your builder to have them rectify the issues. A snagging list provides a record of any small defect or problem so they can be addressed by your house builder.

We will provide you with a photographic report that contains all the evidence you need to force your builder into making amends.

What is included:

• A comprehensive schedule report which includes photographs
• Covers internal and external snags for houses, and internal snags for flats
• Undertaken by our expert snagging specialist
• Identifies any issues or snags to be addressed by your builder
• Snags include: decorative defects, kitchen and bathroom issues, poorly fitting joinery, etc.

Use of technology such as socket testers and thermal imaging cameras to check underfloor heating and air conditioning units