Questions.

A snag is a fault in a new home that should have been put right before you were handed the keys. Most are cosmetic, things like poor plasterwork, paint runs, badly fitted doors or chipped tiles. Some are not, and those are the ones worth finding early.

Ideally before you complete, while you still hold the most leverage with the developer. That is not always possible, and in our experience most customers book within one to five days of completion, while the site team is still on the development. If you have already moved in it makes little difference to the inspection itself.

We take as long as the house needs. That depends on how it has been built, so it varies from one property to the next.

If your home came with a new build warranty, and most do, the first two years after legal completion are the builder's responsibility. NHBC's Buildmark is the most common, with Premier Guarantee and LABC working in a similar way. During that period the builder, not the warranty provider, is responsible for putting right anything that fails to meet the warranty standards. Report problems to your builder in writing and keep a record of everything.

If you do not get a response within 30 days, or you are not happy with the builder's decision, you can ask NHBC for their resolution service. After two years the cover narrows to structural defects only, so it is worth checking your own policy documents.

Yes. We are instructed by you, paid by you, and we report to you. Nobody else in the handover process is, which is the whole reason for having your own inspection.

Every inspection covers the property inside and out. Thermal imaging and a drone survey can be added, and a re-snag can be booked separately once your builder says the work is finished.

When your builder has completed our list, we make an appointment and come back to check every item has been done, done to a decent standard, and that nothing else was damaged along the way.

A thermal imaging camera shows what the eye cannot: cold spots, and areas behind walls and ceilings where insulation is missing or inadequate. Not every home needs it. It is worth considering if you have noticed cold areas, or if you want the insulation checked before the two year warranty period runs out.

The next day, in clear words the builder can act on.

Yes. Once we confirm your booking, we ask for a £50 deposit to secure the date. The deposit is non-refundable and is taken off the final price. Bank transfer or cash preferred.