Precautionary report on neighboring properties

The precautionary report on neighboring properties is a technical snapshot of the properties next to a construction project, made before it starts. The engineer or architect inspects each property, outside and, with permission, inside, and records the type, construction standard, state of repair and the existing hairline cracks, cracks, leaks and defects, with photos of each room. Under ABNT NBR 13752:2024, it is a fact-finding inspection: it describes what exists, without determining causes.

Demolition, excavation, foundations and lowering of the water table can affect those next door. The Civil Code prohibits construction that compromises the safety of the neighboring building without protective works and, in art. 1.311, gives the neighbor the right to compensation for damage even when such works were carried out. Without a record of the before, every crack becomes an argument: the neighbor says it came from the construction, and the builder says it was already there.

What most often gets in the way is access: without the occupant's permission, only what can be seen from outside can be recorded, and the refusal must be documented. MTC's engineers and architects help define which properties to inspect, carry out the inspections, record the access attempts and deliver the report with photos and a sketch, signed with an ART or RRT, ready for the conversation between the parties or for the lawyer.