New build inspections
                FAQs

If you are yet to move into your new build property, the best time would be around 1 week before completion as it gives the site time to address any issues before you move in. The Pre Completion Checklist is the most common way to get your property surveyed before completion, but it has to follow the specific checklist provided by the NHQB.

Otherwise a post completion "Snagging Survey"   is more suitable & you can book this when you have moved in.

The latest timescale we recommend booking a snagging survey is either soon after occupation or towards the end of your builders warranty which is normally around 2 years. You can choose both with the "re-inspection" service at the just prior to 2 year warranty cut off.

Please ensure you have the developers permission if you are booking us pre completion and we are provided with these details when booking. Contact us first we will provide you with the required information pack to seek the developers permission for access. Its free, we wont charge anything until permission is agreed and an appointment confirmed by all. Then its the deposit to pay and the remainder in full 48hrs prior to our survey date.

Your inspector will contact you the day before your inspection with your estimated arrival time, or if it is access via Site or Estate Agent then we will will contact them to confirm if required (please ensure you provide their contact information).

If you need to change the date you can do so free of charge up to three times,  as long as you give us 2 working days notice. More than three times we can mutually agree a cancellation with a new booking to suit.

For both the PCI and Snagging Survey we send the report within 48 hours (weekends excluded). During particularly busy periods this turnaround may increase, in which circumstances our surveyor will notify you.

No, a Snagging Survey is a specialist process that focuses on the quality of workmanship and issues with non compliance of the approved documents (building regulations) / Tolerances set by new build warranty's (NHBC etc). A structural survey is more suited to an older house experiencing serious issues. If we see a structural issue visible we will certainly highlight it on the report, but its unlikely.

It depends on the size and condition of the property, but generally we spend around 2 hours in an apartment, 2- 3 for small house, and between 3-5 hours in larger houses. Our time is then spent writing up the report which is why we allow 2-3 days there after. 

​

We do not chase up the builder as it is simply not practical to offer. It is not possible to quality-control sat behind a computer at a desk and the Site Manager will need to know suitable access arrangements. They are also unlikely to agree to deal directly with a snagging company after the inspection as there's no contract between us & the developer. We act for the homeowner/purchaser. We can re-inspect the works for a fee and this falls under a bespoke survey service, please call to discuss.

Call or e-mail us, just have the postcode of your new build property / sales office ready so we can allocate a surveyor. Once we agree a date pay the deposit via BACS or card, with the remainder 48hrs prior to the survey date. Some post completion inspections may be done by a newhouseinspector associate. This person will be qualified & experienced in new house construction (CSCS card etc) but not necessarily chartered. We will of course advise you prior to accepting your booking.

Full details of T&Cs here 

​

In 2022 the New Build Ombudsman elected a board called the NHQB -  New Homes Quality Board  -  who created a checklist for us to follow. This PCI - pre completion Inspection - cannot deviate from the standards the NHQB has set.

The NHBC is a warranty company that signs-off properties throughout the construction process at certain build stages, it just isnt possible to monitor every aspect of build, this is for the builder to do. The NHBC provides a 10 year warranty (and can also arbitrate on issues between developer & homeowner on non structural issues) for any structural issues but also provides a detailed guide of how to achieve its standards (known as "tolerances"). These tolerances are the benchmark to how we raise snags in our Snagging Survey, but for the most part are too detailed to raise in the NHQB's checklist.

We charge depending on the size of your property and it depends whether you are having the Pre Completion Inspection or Snagging Survey. See our pricing page 

We certainly can!! As long as our inspector is able to inspect 2 properties (yours and the neighbour) on the same day and the properties are located nearby, we are happy to pass on the saving to both parties!. Please email us at the foot of the page

We charge a £99 deposit when you book and the remainder 48hrs prior to the inspection. Via BACS or card. full T&Cs here

We really hope our surveys run smoothly for you. If you do have a complaint about a particular issue please contact us in the first instance. You can also find our complaints procedure here

​