Property Inspection & Snagging on the Costa Blanca

Straight technical advice from Reinhard Schäppi, Swiss site manager, in Spain since 1997.

I inspect villas, reforms and pools on the Costa Blanca for people who are about to buy, take over or build. I tell you what I see, what it is likely to cost to put right, and what to ask before you sign. In plain language, with photos.

How I can help

Pre-Purchase Inspection

A visual inspection before you buy. Structure, roof, damp, cracks, electrics, pool . You receive a written report with photos and a realistic cost estimate for repairs.

Snagging and Handover Inspection

Inspection at handover of a new build or reform. A defects list with photos and a priority list for the builder to correct.

Build Monitoring

Quality control, quote review and schedule monitoring on behalf of the owner while you build or renovate with your chosen contractors.

Buyer's Guide (PDF)

A practical guide to permits, damp, pools, solar and running costs when buying a villa on the Costa Blanca.

Why work with me

• In Spain since 1997. Almost 30 years of building experience on the Costa Blanca.

• Swiss standards. Clear, structured reports.

• Local knowledge. Rock, pools, septic tanks, damp, permits and typical problems in La Marina, San Fulgencio and the surrounding area.

• Plain language. Reports in English,Spanish and German.

• Realistic cost guidance. You get market-based estimates, so you can ask for quotes with confidence.

How it works

1. Send your request. Property address or listing link, and your preferred date.

2. Receive a quote within 24 hours.

3. On-site inspection.

4. Receive your report with photos and findings.

This service is technical advice based on a visual inspection. It does not replace an architect's report, an engineer's assessment, legal advice or an official inspection. Cost figures are guidance only and are not a quotation. Please obtain at least two quotes from contractors for any work

Legal matters such as the purchase contract, land registry and taxes should be handled by your lawyer or gestor. If you need a formal technical report, I can call our architect.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pre-purchase inspection in Spain

A visual technical check of a property before you buy. I look at structure, roof, damp, cracks, electrics and pool, and report what I find with photos and a cost estimate.

Is this a formal survey?

No. It is technical advice based on a visual inspection. It does not replace an architect's report, an engineer's assessment, legal advice or an official inspection. If you need a formal report, I can put you in touch with our architect.

Can you build my villa or pool?

Not at the moment. My construction company is fully booked until May 2027 (as of September 2026). This service is technical advice only.

Can you find a contractor for me?

Yes, as part of build monitoring. On your behalf I shortlist qualified local contractors by clear criteria, hold the first talks, collect and compare the quotes, and then monitor the work. I charge you a fee for my time and take no commission from contractors.

Can you help with the purchase contract?

No. Legal matters such as the contract, land registry and taxes belong with your lawyer or gestor.

Which areas do you cover?

La Marina, San Fulgencio, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, Guardamar, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa. Other areas on request.

What languages do you work in?

English, German and Spanish

What does it cost?

It depends on the property and the scope. After your request I reply within 1 working day and send you a quote.

Good to know

This service is technical advice based on a visual inspection. It does not replace an architect's report, an engineer's assessment, legal advice or an official inspection. Cost figures are guidance only and are not a quotation. Please obtain at least two quotes from contractors for any work.

The building contract is between you and the contractor. I advise and monitor, but I do not guarantee the contractor's work.

A note before you write to me

I am not taking on new construction projects at the moment. My construction company is fully booked until May 2027 (as of September 2026), and more enquiries keep coming in.

This page is not a way to find building work. It exists for one reason: to help buyers and owners on the Costa Blanca avoid expensive mistakes, using the experience I have gathered since 1997.

Please use the form only for a pre-purchase inspection, a handover inspection (snagging) or build monitoring. Building quotes cannot be answered through this form.

If you are looking for a builder, I can help. On your behalf as the owner, I shortlist qualified local contractors, hold the first talks, collect and compare the quotes, and then monitor the work on site. So you know, wherever you live, that everything is going to plan.

I charge a fee for my time. I take no commission from contractors.

Footer note: Consulting and the construction business are organisationally separate. The consulting service does not refer work to the construction company.

Last updated: September 22th. 2026

PROPERTY BUYER’S PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION GUIDE

Invest wisely today to protect your investment for years to come.

1. Essential Preparation & Equipment

Inspection Tools:

• [ ] Smartphone (for photos & documentation)

• [ ] Measuring tape

• [ ] High-output flashlight

• [ ] Spirit level (optional)

Key Questions Before Touring:

• [ ] What is the exact year of construction?

• [ ] Have any structural or major renovations been carried out?

• [ ] What is the primary reason the owner is selling?

• [ ] Can the vendor provide complete maintenance and service records?

• [ ] Were all structural or spatial changes officially licensed and legal?

2. On-Site Evaluation Checklist

A. Exterior & Grounds

• [ ] Retaining walls are structurally sound, straight, and free of cracking.

• [ ] Ground slopes properly away from the building foundations.

• [ ] Drainage is clear with no standing water pooling nearby.

• [ ] Driveways and paved areas show no major soil settlement.

• [ ] Paving substrates are stable with no widespread sinking or wide gaps.

• [ ] Outdoor tiling is intact, unchipped, and securely bonded.

B. Structural & Facade

• [ ] Exterior walls and foundation show no active cracking.

• [ ] Walls are perfectly plumb with no bowing, blistering render, or peeling paint.

• [ ] No white mineral efflorescence (salt deposits) on masonry.

• [ ] No suspicious localized patchwork or spot repairs.

C. Roof & Drainage

• [ ] Roof tiles are complete, uncracked, and properly aligned.

• [ ] Roof structure is level with no visible sagging lines.

• [ ] Roof surfaces are clear of heavy moss or dense vegetation.

• [ ] Eaves and overhangs show no water staining or dampness.

D. Interior Rooms

• [ ] Air quality is fresh, with no damp smells or heavy masking fragrances.

• [ ] Ceilings and walls are free from structural cracks, mold, or deflection.

• [ ] All doors and windows operate smoothly and close tightly.

• [ ] No visible water damage, active leaks, or interior staining.

• [ ] Floors are level and solid with no hollow sounds underfoot.

E. Kitchen Systems

• [ ] All taps function properly with steady water pressure.

• [ ] Flow rate test: Fills a 1-liter bucket in approximately 6 seconds.

• [ ] Sink retention: Holds 5–7 liters without leaks; drains rapidly; under-sink plumbing is bone dry.

• [ ] Electric stove and kettle operate correctly, verifying power capacity.

• [ ] Ventilation and extractor fans function properly.

F. Bathrooms & Wet Areas

• [ ] All fixtures operate correctly with proper pressure and temperature control.

• [ ] Shower test: Fills a 1-liter container efficiently.

• [ ] Tub/basin retention: Holds 20–30 liters securely; drains fast; no leaks underneath.

• [ ] Wet areas are completely free of mold or silicone breakdown.

• [ ] Water shut-off valves operate smoothly.

• [ ] Toilet flush mechanisms and fill valves function correctly.

G. Electrical Installation

• [ ] Power supply meets minimum standards (5.5 kW+ ).

• [ ] Distribution board is modern and features at least 4+ circuits.

• [ ] RCD/GFCI safety breakers are installed and fully operational.

• [ ] All sockets and wall switches are secure and undamaged.

• [ ] No exposed or amateur wiring visible.

H. HVAC & Climate Control

• [ ] Heating system functions, and radiators warm up evenly.

• [ ] Mechanical ventilation systems move air effectively (tested with paper sheet).

• [ ] Air conditioning units run smoothly across all zones.

• [ ] AC capacity lowers ambient temperature effectively within 20 minutes.

I. Safety & Security

• [ ] Staircases are structurally sound with secure handrails.

• [ ] Balconies feel solid with no structural movement.

• [ ] Smoke, fire, and CO detectors are in place.

• [ ] Doors and windows offer robust security (including window grilles/screens where fitted).

• [ ] Property is adequately protected against surface water ingress.

J. Swimming Pool (If Applicable)

• [ ] Water level sits correctly above skimmer and inlet nozzles.

• [ ] Filtration pump runs smoothly with visible return flow.

• [ ] Pool water is clear and chemically balanced.

• [ ] Interior pool surface and tiling are intact without cracks or missing pieces.

⚠️ Critical Warning Signs (Red Flags)

• [ ] Fresh paint applied selectively to cover single walls or isolated spots.

• [ ] Heavy artificial air fresheners masking underlying damp or musty odors.

• [ ] Large diagonal structural cracks visible inside or outside.

• [ ] Major soil subsidence or severely compromised retaining structures.

• [ ] Unexplained water stains or bubbling on ceilings and walls.

• [ ] Persistent damp smells or visible fungal growth.

• [ ] Clear evidence of unpermitted structural additions or alterations.

• [ ] Property situated in a designated high-risk flood or wildfire zone.

Since 1997, Aurea Luxe General Construction has specialized in [construction and villa renovation in La Marina]

and [swimming pool building in La Marina],

including [pool leak detection and repair in San Fulgencio].

Our clients' experiences speak for themselves — read our [5-star reviews]

or see a [completed villa renovation project in La Marina].

Every project is personally overseen by [Reinhard Schäppi, our Swiss project manager].

Curious about pricing? Check our [construction and pool cost FAQ].

Before you hire anyone, read our [FAQ on hiring a builder in Spain].

See our work in the [pool gallery],

the [renovation gallery]

or the [villa facade transformation in La Marina].

Planning a project? Try our [AI-assisted villa planning in La Marina].

Buying a property or taking handover? Our [property inspection and snagging service]covers the Costa Blanca.

We work in [San Fulgencio];

learn more about [Aurea Luxe General Construction in Spain].

Also available in [German] and [Spanish].

If you have any other question use our AI ( blue Button ) or message Reinhard Schäppi by WhatsApp ( green Button)