Rob van den Boetzelaer of building survey firm Qkeur answers our questions on building matters and explains the most common structural defects.
Subsidised housing
In the 1980s, demand for owner-occupied homes came to a standstill. As a result, almost only subsidised homes were built. Homes in which construction costs and housing costs were kept as low as possible. Energy saving was central in this period.
Homes from these years have little glazing and good insulation. So it's no surprise that attention was paid to double glazing and roof and cavity wall insulation in these homes. A lot of plastic was used, which means the homes are often low-maintenance.
Other points to watch in homes from the 1980–1990 construction period
- Roofing on flat roofs
- Lead flashing
- Condition of zinc gutters
- Condition of the chimneys
- (Sanded-out) pointing
- Asbestos (until the 1993 asbestos ban)
Built after 1990
In homes built after 1990, major maintenance problems are no longer to be expected. This is partly due to the introduction of the Bouwbesluit (the Dutch Building Decree). The Bouwbesluit sets out building standards, building quality and building regulations. This benefits the quality and comfort of the homes. The homes are mostly low-maintenance and energy-efficient. Building mistakes are made in newer homes too. This is often due to the use of new materials. Mistakes are also made because of the high demand for homes, the shortage of well-trained staff and the new requirements a home has to meet. Because materials keep getting more expensive and house prices are rising, cheaper substitutes are sometimes chosen.
Building surveyor
Rob completed his building engineering training at the MTS (technical secondary school). He has been surveying houses for more than 25 years, has worked for housing associations and the municipality, worked at an engineering firm in the field of asbestos removal and asbestos surveys, and has supervised many building projects. Rob has already surveyed many houses in Utrecht. Q-keur is a building consultancy specialising in building surveys, multi-year maintenance plans and building advice. Q-keur works mainly in and around Utrecht.
