Amsterdam • Pre-purchase • Technical & legal

Purchase Renovation Audit: certainty about your renovation before you buy.

A technical shield for homebuyers in Amsterdam and the surrounding region. We assess what sits behind the plaster before you sign — focused on structural integrity, buildability, and permit feasibility.

48–72 hours after inspection • Load-bearing walls • Extensions • Roof additions • Permit strategy

Purchase renovation audit Amsterdam — technical and legal feasibility before purchase

1) Structural feasibility

Clear answers on what is load-bearing and what is not — not guesswork, but based on structural logic, available records, and an on-site inspection.

  • Load-bearing wall check + stability function (bracing / diaphragm action)
  • Impact assessment on upper floors and roof (superstructures)
  • Indication of required steelwork (RSJ / beams / columns)

2) “Permit-free” potential

In the Amsterdam market, many things are called “permit-free”. We verify this precisely per plot, so you know what is realistic and defensible.

  • Check rear-yard area and practical extension options
  • Risk flags for roof terraces / roof additions and neighbor context
  • Quick scan of local planning rules and constraints (district/plot specific)

3) Cost estimate 2.0 + legality

No generic allowances. We provide an estimate grounded in technical reality and legal feasibility.

  • Estimate aligned with structural requirements (steel, foundations, key details)
  • Check for existing alterations and potential illegal situations
  • Route to legalization or a permit strategy before purchase

Regulatory context: Environmental Act (Omgevingswet) & Bbl

Since the Dutch Omgevingswet came into force, renovation feasibility depends more strongly on local rules per plot and on how you substantiate the plan. Aboss navigates this with you so that, before purchase, you understand whether your renovation ambitions are legally achievable.

  • Omgevingsplan check: we verify your concept against the local plan rules (Amsterdam varies by area).
  • National baseline requirements (Bbl): we review core topics around safety, health and usability, and translate them into a practical dossier.
  • Permit strategy: permit-free where possible; permit-required where necessary — with risk control.

Process: from intake to report

  1. Forensic intake: your renovation goals, timeline, and review of available archive drawings.
  2. On-site inspection: our architects/engineers assess the property in Amsterdam/region.
  3. Technical report: you receive feasibility checks, risk analysis, a cost indication, and next steps.

The report is structured for practical decision-making with your agent, contractor, VvE, and—if needed—the municipality.

Local context: Amsterdam & the Randstad

Every municipality has its own nuances. In Amsterdam we frequently focus on foundation risk, existing-build complexity (timber/concrete/steel), and the impact of aesthetics/heritage constraints. In Haarlem and Utrecht we pay extra attention to protected cityscapes and specific rules for roof terraces and roof additions (superstructures).

  • Amsterdam: foundations (settlement/piles), wall removals, heritage constraints.
  • Randstad overall: neighbor sensitivities, permit risk, and build logistics.
  • VvE-sensitive projects: substantiation and documentation that accelerates decision-making.

Typical cases: risks and opportunities

The “hidden” load-bearing wall

In Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, an apparently light partition turned out to support the main structure. Early detection prevented a high-impact safety and cost failure.

  • Fast verification of the load path
  • Alternative design with a steel solution
  • Evidence-based risk and cost framing

Illegal extension: legalization before or after purchase

A property had an extension without a permit. We mapped the situation technically and advised a realistic route: legalization with additional investigation and a retroactive permit dossier, including structural substantiation.

  • Inspection + measurements
  • Risk profile: structure, safety, and permit exposure
  • Legalization plan (submission-ready package)

Foundation synergy

A planned extension revealed inadequate foundations. We combined foundation repair with the new build plan to reduce double work and avoidable costs.

  • Repair strategy + phasing
  • Integration with extension structure
  • Reduced rework during execution

Buying under time pressure

In Amsterdam, purchases often happen under time pressure. Our audit delivers clear go/no-go insights quickly, helping you negotiate with facts or proceed with confidence.

  • Focus on core risks: structure, foundations, legality
  • Practical report for decision-making
  • Clear route to drawings and calculations

FAQ

Can I remove this wall without a permit?

Even if a wall seems non-load-bearing, it may provide stability. We confirm this based on inspection, structural logic, and—where needed—engineering calculations.

How far can I extend “permit-free” in Amsterdam?

This depends on the plot, rear-yard conditions, and the local planning rules (Omgevingsplan). We calculate this precisely for your specific property.

What if the seller has no archive drawings?

We conduct on-site measurements and inspection to reconstruct the structure. If required, we advise targeted additional investigation to reduce uncertainty.

Is this the same as a standard building inspection?

No. Standard inspections focus on maintenance condition. Our audit focuses on the potential and feasibility of your future renovation plans, including structural and permit implications.

Are structural engineering costs included in the estimate?

Yes. Our estimate includes the technical necessities for structural interventions, including indicative scope for calculations, drawings, and—where relevant—foundation aspects.

How fast do I receive the report?

For the Amsterdam market we typically deliver within 48–72 hours after inspection, depending on complexity and data availability.

Request a quickscan

Planning to buy in Amsterdam or the Randstad but unsure whether your renovation is technically feasible? Avoid regret with a purchase renovation audit that combines structure, cost reality, and permit risk.

Related services

Explore the services that typically follow after a feasibility decision.