Zoning and Construction
The Construction Supervision System
What do construction-supervision firms do, who appoints them, and which stages do they inspect? How to use construction-supervision information when buying a unit in a new building.
2 min read
Whether buildings in Turkey are constructed in line with their project, applicable standards and regulations is inspected by construction-supervision firms (yapı denetim kuruluşları) under Law No. 4708. The system was established after the 1999 earthquakes and has been amended several times since.
What does a construction-supervision firm do?
- Checks that the plans comply with regulations.
- Inspects stages such as the soil survey, foundation, reinforced concrete and building services on site.
- Has concrete and rebar samples tested in a laboratory.
- Approves progress payments and completion of work, and issues a report during the occupancy-permit process.
How is the firm assigned?
Having the construction-supervision firm chosen by the contractor drew criticism over independence. Under the current system, firms are assigned through the relevant ministry's electronic system according to set rules, and fees are collected through the public system.
How can you use this as a buyer?
- Find out the building's construction-supervision firm and permit details from the municipality or e-Devlet.
- Ask whether a soil survey report exists and what soil class the building's footprint sits on.
- Check the concrete class and which earthquake-code period applies from the project and occupancy-permit documents.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal, financial or tax advice. Rates, amounts and legislation can change over time. Confirm current information with the relevant authority or a professional before proceeding with a transaction.