The technical visit: in-person inspection of the case

The technical visit is the in-person inspection that allows the expert to directly examine the subject of the report: a property, a vehicle, the scene of a loss or the remains of a fire. It is the phase where the objective data that will support the conclusions is obtained.

Pre-visit preparation

Before coming, the visit is prepared so that it is effective.

Access confirmation

The day, time and meeting point is agreed with the client. If access to common areas, garages, decks or third-party homes is necessary, it should be arranged in advance.

Reference documentation

Previous documentation is reviewed: deeds, plans, contracts, previous reports, police reports or loss reports. This guides the inspection and avoids omissions.

Technical means

Depending on the case, the necessary means are prepared: camera, laser meter, hygrometer, thermal imaging camera, drone for roof inspection, specific measuring equipment or others depending on the specialty.

How the visit develops

The visit is organized in a logical order: general inspection, detailed inspection, measurements and sampling if applicable.

General inspection

The whole is reviewed to have a global vision of the matter. It is the moment when the client can explain how he detected the problem and what manifestations he has observed.

Detailed inspection

Specific points are examined: cracks, humidity, construction defects, mechanical damage, traces of loss. They are documented with photography and, when it provides value, with video or diagram.

Measurements and tests

When the case requires it, measurements are made (humidity, flatness, temperature, distances) or samples are taken. Some tests require an external laboratory and are communicated separately.

Exploratory openings or interventions

In hidden defects or building defects it may be necessary to open targeted exploratory openings to access hidden elements. It is agreed with the client before intervening and is documented in detail.

Indicative duration

The duration depends on the type of case. As a general reference and as a guide:

• Home inspection for hidden defects or defective work: between 1 and 3 hours.
• Vehicle inspection: between 1 and 2 hours.
• Inspection of loss for fire: variable, depending on extension and accessibility.
• Accident reconstruction on public roads: according to measurement needs.

The final times depend on the specific case and are discussed during the organization of the visit.

Role of the client during the inspection

Your presence at the visit is useful, although not always mandatory. Helps:

• Explain when and how the damage appeared.
• Locate affected areas that may not be evident.
• Provide details of the usual use of the property or vehicle.

If you cannot be present, it is possible to designate a trusted person to facilitate access.

After the visit

With the information collected, we move on to the analysis and drafting phase, which is explained in Drafting and delivery. If you have questions about how to prepare your visit, you can consult them from the contact page.