The Technical Building Inspection (ITE) is mandatory in Barcelona for all buildings over 45 years old. If your residents' association has not yet arranged one, it is essential to act as soon as possible to avoid fines of up to 90,000 euros.
What is the ITE?
The ITE is a visual inspection carried out by a qualified professional (an architect or technical architect) to assess the structural and conservation condition of the building. The following elements are examined:
- Structure: foundations, columns, beams, floor slabs, and load-bearing walls
- Façades: condition of cladding, cracks, loose material, and ornamental features
- Roofs: waterproofing, insulation, and drainage elements
- Shared installations: plumbing, drainage, electricity, and gas
- Accessibility: assessment of access conditions to the building
When is it mandatory?
In Barcelona, the ITE is mandatory within the following timeframes:
- Buildings over 45 years old: must have already undergone the ITE
- Buildings between 40 and 45 years old: have a deadline to complete it before reaching 45 years
- Renewal: every 10 years after the first inspection has been completed
At national level, Royal Decree-Law 7/2015 also establishes the mandatory Building Evaluation Report (IEE) for buildings over 50 years old, which includes the ITE along with an assessment of energy efficiency and accessibility.
What does the process involve?
- Appointing a professional: the residents' association must engage a registered architect or technical architect
- Visual inspection: the professional visits the building and carries out a visual inspection of all shared elements, including access to a representative selection of individual properties
- Report: the professional prepares a detailed report with the findings of the inspection
- Rating: the building is assigned one of the following ratings:
- Satisfactory: the building is in good condition
- Satisfactory with minor deficiencies: minor repairs are required
- Unsatisfactory: serious deficiencies exist that must be rectified
- Highly unsatisfactory: very serious deficiencies requiring urgent intervention
- Registration: the report is submitted to Barcelona City Council
- Repairs: where deficiencies are identified, the residents' association is given a deadline to carry out the necessary works
How much does the ITE cost?
The cost of the ITE depends on the size of the building and the complexity of the inspection:
- Small building (up to 8 properties): 800 - 1,200 euros
- Medium building (8–20 properties): 1,200 - 2,000 euros
- Large building (over 20 properties): 2,000 - 4,000 euros
Any repair costs must be added on top of this, should deficiencies be identified. These can vary considerably depending on the severity and extent of the works required.
Penalties for failing to undergo the ITE
Failing to complete the ITE within the required timeframe can result in significant financial penalties:
- Minor infringement: fines of up to 3,000 euros
- Serious infringement: fines of up to 30,000 euros
- Very serious infringement: fines of up to 90,000 euros
Furthermore, in the event of an accident caused by the poor condition of the building, the residents' association could face civil and criminal liability.
How can we help your residents' association?
At Fincas Caseuro, as property managers specialising in Barcelona, we handle the entire ITE process on your behalf:
- We check whether your building is subject to the requirement and what deadlines apply
- We engage trusted registered professionals at competitive rates
- We coordinate inspections to minimise disruption to residents
- We manage any repair works that may be required
- We handle all the paperwork with Barcelona City Council
Do not wait until you receive a fine. Get in touch with us and we will assess the situation of your building with no obligation.