Expert reports (informes periciales) for homes

A dictamen pericial is the written report explaining what the expert examined, the method used, findings and conclusions, so that the judge can assess them. For housing matters, it usually describes each defect with photographs, its probable origin, whether it is a hidden defect or faulty workmanship, and the economic valuation of repair. It must be clear, organised and verifiable because the other party will attempt to challenge it.

As a general rule, it accompanies the claim or defence. If it cannot be ready in time, the Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil, Spain's civil procedure law, allows it to be announced in that document and submitted later within the statutory deadlines, normally before the preliminary hearing or trial hearing. These periods are short, so commission the report when deciding to claim, allowing your solicitor to receive it before preparing the case.

No. Reports are assessed under sana crítica, reasoned evaluation considering rigour, method, the expert's qualifications and consistency with the other evidence. If two reports conflict, the judge examines which is better supported. A good report therefore explains how every conclusion was reached, includes measurements and photographs, and provides detailed, verifiable damage valuations. Its value depends on that reasoning rather than the mere fact that an expert signed it.

Ratificación is the expert's attendance at trial to confirm and explain the report and answer questions from the judge and the parties' legal representatives. This tests the report because the opposing party will try to identify contradictions. An expert who knows the case through carrying out the inspection and valuation personally can explain it more convincingly. Court attendance is commissioned separately from preparation of the report.

A contraperitaje is an expert report that analyses and challenges another report, for example one from an insurer, developer or opposing party in proceedings. It examines the method, measurements and conclusions and, where appropriate, offers a reasoned alternative valuation. This is useful where a report understates defects or damage. Preparing it properly requires inspecting the home rather than simply reading the opposing report.

This depends on complexity, the number of defects and the documents requiring study. A report on a home with a few issues may be ready within a few days after inspection. Numerous defects or an abandoned renovation take longer because each item must be measured and valued. The quote sets the delivery period. If you have a procedural deadline, include it when requesting a quote.

This depends on the number of defects, documents requiring study, how many items need measuring and valuing, and the report's purpose. Converting one of our existing technical inspection reports into an informe pericial, an expert report, costs €199 + VAT. New assignments involving hidden defects, construction defects, renovations or insurance damage receive a fixed quote after we understand the case. Court attendance is quoted separately.

The report is provided digitally as a PDF with integrated photographs and numbered issues, making it easy to send to the developer, seller, solicitor or insurer. It is delivered through a private channel. If you need a signed paper copy, for example for proceedings, request it and we will prepare one. Keep the original file unchanged because that is the version with value as the document.