Case Study:
Technical inspection and reporting for
planned residential development

EnviroSustain was commissioned by an investment management company based in Hamburg, acting on behalf of the special fund, to carry out a Technical Due Diligence (TDD) for the Leimen site.

The project involves the new construction of 3 apartment buildings. The three apartment buildings are to contain 33 residential units (house 1 with 15 flats for senior citizens, house 2 with 10 and house 3 with 8 flats). 

The open spaces include the private access roads, parking spaces and playground areas, walkways, the generally used green spaces and the tenants' terraces of the ground-floor flats. Some of the green areas are located on the roof of the underground car park.

The aim of the inspection and report: 

• documenting and monetarily classifying the value retention of the property 
• identifying any recognisable defects, damage and functional impairments that could have a significant influence

The objective of the technical due diligence is to evaluate the future standard and the development of the building, the building services and the outdoor facilities of the property.

A thorough investigation of the site was carried out and a report submitted with recommendations on the following:

• Construction 
• Building cover (façade, windows and doors, shading and roofs)
• Foundations and structure
• Development (floor plans, finishings and furnishings, storage)
• Area calculations
• Fire protection
• Building services (heating, ventilation, sanitary fittings, lifts)
• Electrical installations
• Sound insulation
• External areas
• Building law and permits
• Accessibility
• Energy efficiency and sustainability
• Operation of the property (maintenance and service inspections, guarantees)
• Environment (site history, contaminated land, soil and groundwater)
  

The TEDD did not find any significant issues with the building, and risks identified were not considered critical.

Recommendations made include:

• Specifications for the purchase agreement including guided site inspections and provision of detailed schedules for construction 
• Reviews building descriptions to define the building model comprehensively
• Improved access to the underground bicycle storage areas
• All doors and windows on the ground floor to be safe against burglary and floor-to-ceiling window and French door elements must be fitted with laminated safety glass.
• To have an expert carry out a preservation of evidence on the neighbouring buildings and the public paths and roads.
• To install washing machines or washer-dryers in the flats suitable for senior citizens
• Sufficient ventilation of the underground car park should be ensured in the further course of planning.