How should I define the scope of an independent property inspection?

Start with the property and your concerns

Provide plans, the listing reference and any known repair history. Explain whether you are buying an older village house, a completed villa or unfinished construction, and flag issues such as cracking, damp, roof condition, drainage or retaining walls. Let the professional advise which expertise is appropriate.

Agree whether the instruction covers visible building condition, services, external structures, pools or comparison with building documentation. These are not automatically the same service. Ask whether specialist electrical, plumbing or other inspections should be commissioned separately.

Make limitations explicit

Confirm access arrangements, safety restrictions and whether the inspection is visual or includes agreed testing. Occupied rooms, locked areas and concealed construction may restrict conclusions. Establish what happens if further investigation is recommended.

Request a written report distinguishing observations, significance, limitations and suggested actions. Clarify whether repair costing or a follow-up visit is included. Your lawyer should handle title and transaction matters, with the engineer providing technical findings and any agreed documentary review. Resolve who will coordinate overlapping issues before relying on either report.