What is the BER and why do you need it?
The BER is a technical document that aims to assess the state of conservation, accessibility and energy efficiency of a building.
The Building Evaluation Report is mainly composed of the following pillars:
State of Conservation
Assessment of the structure, foundations, façades, roofs and common facilities of the building.
Universal Accessibility
Analysis of compliance with accessibility regulations and proposal for reasonable adjustments.
Energy Efficiency
Analysis of compliance with accessibility regulations and proposal for reasonable adjustments.
The section on Conservation Status Assessment analyzes the condition of the building structure, the facilities, the foundation, the roof, the facade and other relevant construction elements. Deficiencies are identified and priorities for action are established.
In the Accessibility Conditions Assessment section, it is verified whether the building meets accessibility requirements for people with reduced mobility, such as the presence of ramps, elevators, suitable corridors, etc.
In the Energy Efficiency Assessment section, the building’s energy performance is evaluated.
Following the corresponding assessment, measures are proposed to improve its efficiency, which may include thermal insulation, window replacement, or the renovation of heating and cooling systems.
It is common for homeowners’ associations to commission the BER (Building Evaluation Report) for an entire building; therefore, the scope of this type of report will extend to all the dwellings and premises belonging to that building. building.
Once the main aspects of the building have been assessed, it is important to understand when this report is mandatory and what advantages it offers to submit it on time. Below, we show you the cases in which the BER (Building Evaluation Report) must be submitted and the benefits it provides for the safety, maintenance, and management of the building.
Once the main aspects of the building have been assessed, it is important to understand when this report is mandatory and what advantages it offers to having it submitted on time.
Mandatory for:
- Buildings over 50 years old.
- Applications for renovation grants.
- Compliance with municipal regulations.
Benefits:
- Know the actual condition of the building.
- Prevent costly renovations.
- Avoid fines and penalties.
What can you achieve with the BER?
Knowing the actual status
Comprehensive assessment of the building's condition.
Energy efficiency
Obtain the energy efficiency certificate valid for the entire building.
Accessibility
Regulatory compliance analysis and proposals for improvement.
Access to grants
Requirements for applying for public renovation grants.
Our 4-step process
We prepared the report following the standardised structure
Our role as technicians in issuing Building Evaluation Report involves preparing a report that meets the requirements of the relevant administrative bodies, following the points detailed below:
01
Documentation
We request the necessary documentation and proceed to analyse it.
We carry out an initial study of the construction and functional characteristics of the property.
02
Inspection
We carry out functional inspections of properties:
We focus on the aspects of analysis established by the administration, specific to the BER.
03
Study
We study the structural elements and installations.
We determine their state of repair, accessibility conditions and energy efficiency.
04
Improvements
Preliminary analysis in the event of detected anomalies
Improvement measures within the analysed parameters
Who requires a Building Evaluation Report?
essential tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, as well as for promoting the conservation of built heritage
MANDATORY:
Private or public residential buildings that are more than 50 years old.
(Within 5 years)
REQUIRED:
Buildings whose owners intend to apply for public subsidies for renovation.
POSSIBLE REQUIREMENT:
Buildings with serious structural damage or damage that compromises the safety of the building.
Although mandatory and necessary in certain cases, the EER can be requested by any owner or homeowners’ association that considers it necessary to have this report.
Which buildings are required to undergo an BER?
Buildings required to undergo the BER are those that are over 50 years old, those seeking renovation grants, or those with serious damage, always taking into account local regulations.
Not all buildings are required to undergo an BER (Building Evaluation Report). The regulations establish a series of requirements to determine which buildings must have this report:
- Buildings over 50 years old: Buildings that are more than half a century old are required to have an BER. This applies to both residential and public buildings. From then on, a 5-year period begins during which the owner or owners must contact a qualified technician to prepare the report.
- Buildings whose owners intend to apply for public aid for rehabilitation: If the owners wish to access subsidies or public aid to carry out rehabilitation work, it will be necessary to submit an updated Building Evaluation Report (BER).
- Buildings with serious damage or accidents: In cases of accidents that significantly affect the structure or safety of the building, the authorities may require an BER to assess the situation and determine the necessary measures.
However, it is advisable to find out about the specific regulations in the location where the Building Evaluation Report will be carried out. Remember that local councils and regional governments can ultimately modify the deadlines established by law.
Although mandatory in certain cases, the BER (Building Evaluation Report) can be commissioned by any owner or owners’ association who considers this report important.
Who can carry out the Building Evaluation Report?
The BER can be carried out by duly qualified architects, quantity surveyors or building engineers.
The BER must be prepared by competent professionals, such as architects, quantity surveyors or building engineers, who are duly qualified. These professionals have the necessary training and experience to carry out an accurate assessment of buildings and propose appropriate renovation and improvement measures.
At GLOVAL, we have a highly qualified and experienced team in the preparation of building evaluation report. In addition, we have an extensive network of qualified technicians throughout the country, which allows us to offer wide geographical coverage without limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your questions about the Building Evaluation Report (BER)
Yes, it is mandatory for residential buildings over 50 years old. It is also required if you wish to access public renovation assistance programmes, regardless of the age of the building.
The TBI (Technical Building Inspection) is the previous document. The BER is its evolution, which, in addition to the state of repair, assesses accessibility and energy efficiency. If your building recently passed the TBI, it can be integrated into the BER.
The BER is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. After this period, you must submit a new one if the building is still required to have it.
The responsibility lies with the owners of the building. In the case of residents’ associations, it is the association that must bear the cost of carrying out the work.
You will be committing a planning offence that could result in significant fines. In addition, you will not be eligible for renovation grants and the building may face legal issues.
Request your Building Evaluation Report
Fill in the form and we will contact you within 24 hours.
Contact details
BER managers
Begoña Cabeza
Director of Global Engineering
Daniel Sánchez
Technical Advisory Coordinator