Many transactions require a "technical report" or "certified engineering report" on a building: applying for an occupancy certificate, correcting an existing building's status, licensing a commercial activity, or even a dispute between landlord and tenant. Many owners do not know exactly what is meant, who issues it, and what it must contain to be accepted. This guide explains what a certified architectural technical report is, how it is issued via Balady, when it is required, how it differs from other reports, and what a good report contains.
What Is a Building Technical Report?
A document prepared by an accredited engineering office describing the building's condition and components and how far it complies with, or is ready for, a specific purpose. Balady has an issue technical report service, and according to the construction permits procedures guide its steps include: choosing the technical report service, selecting the building permit or survey decision, choosing the engineering office, after which the office completes the data and prepares the report.
When Is It Usually Required?
- The occupancy certificate: the ministry's FAQs refer to attaching a technical report from the office on the building's condition and readiness for occupancy. Read: The completion certificate.
- Status correction and determining whether the code can be applied to an existing building. Read: Status correction for commercial buildings.
- Commercial and safety licences for some activities.
- Before purchase to assess the property. Read: Pre-purchase building inspection.
- Property disputes. Read: Engineering reports in disputes.
Types of Engineering Report
| Report | Focus | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural technical report | The building's condition, components and match to the drawings | Occupancy, status correction, licences |
| Structural inspection report | Safety of the frame and structural elements | Cracks, additions, old buildings |
| Safety systems compliance report | Alarm and fire-fighting systems and exits | Civil defense licences and the safety certificate |
| As-built report | Surveying the building as constructed | Comparison with the permit or modification |
Read: The safety systems compliance report and As-built drawings.
What a Good Report Contains
- Property, permit and survey decision details.
- A description of the building, its components and uses.
- Site observations with photographs.
- Comparison with the approved drawings where needed.
- Clear recommendations and conclusion.
- The accredited office's signature and stamp.
How to Prepare for the Office's Visit
- Have the deed, permit, survey decision and approved drawings ready.
- Provide access to all parts of the building, including the roof and basement.
- Tell the office the purpose of the report and the authority that will receive it.
Common Mistakes
- Requesting a general report without stating the purpose.
- A report without photographs or specific observations.
- Confusing the architectural and structural reports.
- A report from a non-accredited party that the requesting authority will not accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any engineer issue the report?
It must be issued by an accredited engineering office, and through Balady when the service requires it.
Does the architectural report include the structural?
It depends on the purpose; structural cases need a structural inspection report.
How long is the report valid?
It depends on the requesting authority and purpose, as the building's actual condition may change over time.
How long does it take to prepare?
It depends on the building's size, the complexity of the case and the availability of documents.
Does the report reveal violations?
Yes, if there are differences from the permit it sets them out and suggests the route. Read: Unapproved changes.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that prepares architectural and structural technical reports and safety compliance reports, with clarity and detail suited to the requesting authority, and issues them via Balady where needed. Learn about our structural inspection services, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.