New home inspections
what we check:
We undertake two types of new home inspections. Post- completion inspection & Pre-legal completion inspection as set out by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB)
Please see opposite some of the checks we undertake. Our pricing page also offers further guidance on this.
Not all new "home inspectors" qualify for early pre- legal completion site access due to professional membership requirements. (Please check your inspector meets the requirements of the NHQB code, otherwise the developer can refuse pre-completion access.) This earlier access gives the builder more opportunity to rectify any potentially overlooked breaches of building standards or regulations prior to occupation. We can of course inspect your home after occupation at a time to suit you. Please click on our "About us" page to find out more.
​
The NHQB pre completion inspection is a prescribed checklist and may differ slightly from the items on the right. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact us. Our inspections look for breaches of building standards / regulations & workmanship. We may note items requiring further investigation by the builder if we are unable to fully access an area or have a query relating to a builders specification. We issue an electronic PDF / Word report emailed generally within 48hrs but often sooner if we are able to (and coming soon: our drone survey via a link to download). Please also familiarise yourself with our T&Cs
New Build inspection prices click here
​
New Build inspection FAQs click here
​
Internal walls & fixtures
Visible checks of walls, floors and ceilings including accessible from the floor checks of tolerances against NHBC standards. Checks of kitchen units, work surfaces, wardrobes, vanity units etc (where applicable). Their operation if level, plumb and any damages. Window operation, lock mechanisms, damages, along with compliance with building control regulations. Painting defects to wall & woodwork surfaces. Staircase finish, damage, compliance with standards & building control regulations
Internal services
End user operational checks of heating and electrical fittings. All radiator temperature controls (TRVs) taps & showers for temperature & flow rate observation. Electrical switches, consumer unit, smoke alarms, CO2, fans operational checks. Visual inspection of boiler operation and flue positioning. Check of electrical equipment and plumbing sanitary- ware/chrome-ware for damages etc. Inspection on site of statutory certification where available, eg Electrical installation certificates (NICEIC/ECA) and gas compliance certificates (Gas safe register/Benchmark)
Roof space
Visible inspection from the loft access area only of roof trusses, loft insulation, felt, extractor flexible hoses, restraint straps, gables, spandrel panels, flues. Checks include correct thickness of loft quilt, truss damage, bracing compliance, fire spread (semi detached/terraced units in particular) restraint strap type & fixings, fan flexis connected/undamaged. Due to health and safety and insurances we are not able to fully access the loft space. If we see something wrong we will advise on access arrangements.
External house structure
Visible checks from the ground of elevations masonry standards. Chimneys/flue terminations, windows, doors , porches, gutters, meter boxes & roof tiles. Including breaches of standards &/or building control requirements. Damages, cracks, evidence of leaks, mastic seals missing/inadequate, weep / perp vents in place & correctly spaced, DPCs & air bricks provided & not bridged, Ramped & stepped approach compliance,, etc
Boundary treatments & Garden areas
Fence lines level/plumb/secure. Boundary wall expansion joints/pier distances. Damaged panels, masonry, slabs etc. Patio areas and path falls. Standard of turf & laying. Inspection chamber lids secured to prevent easy access. Decking areas & railings/guarding sufficiently fixed/compliance with building control and building standards.
Garages
Checks from ground level : Of roof structure, lateral restraint straps & holding down straps fixings & distances. Garage door/s operation. Mastic seals. Masonry standards. Concrete base finish / standards. DPCs locations
Driveways
Checks of surface finish, drainage, falls, adjacent paving slabs, railings, to building control and building standards.
​
New Build inspection prices click here
drone surveys tbc
Drone survey of roof , chimney and gutters. Using DJI drone & app. Certified CAA operator. With link to download video and inspection report.
Coming soon.......
Bespoke services
We offer re-inspections generally after a year of occupation, this will ensure items from original list haven't re-occurred or new items haven't surfaced. We also offer inspections on new build extensions, renovations. Surveys for the buy to let industry, fire door inspections & expert witness services available. And collaborate with specialist designers, engineers, contractors and building control inspectors. Please contact us below for free no obligation advice.