Buying a house is the largest purchase most people make, and it is the one where you are given the least independent information. An inspection puts that right before you are committed.
The developer’s site manager works for the developer. The estate agent works for the seller. The mortgage valuation works for the lender. An independent inspection is the only report in the process that is produced for you.
It is written to be understood without a construction background: what was found, where it is, what caused it, what it means, and what to do about it — in priority order, with photographs.
A firm that inspects and also carries out the remedial work has an interest in what the report says. An installer photographing his own work only ever photographs what suits him. This practice has no installation arm and no remedial supply chain, so there is nothing to upsell and no stake in the outcome. The finding is the product.
Before legal completion if you possibly can — that is when you hold the strongest position. If you have already moved in it is still worth doing: the builder remains responsible for defects in workmanship and materials for the first two years.
Practice varies. Some developers welcome it, some restrict access before completion. It is worth asking early, and I can attend with you if that is the condition they set.
No. A mortgage valuation is produced for the lender and tells you what the property is worth to them. A condition inspection is produced for you and tells you what condition the building is in.
The report says so, states what further investigation would settle it, and refers it on. That is more useful than a confident guess, and considerably safer.
An independent, room-by-room inspection of your new home before you complete — or while the developer is still obliged to put things right.
Read more →The last point at which your developer is obliged to fix defects under the initial warranty period. Most people let it pass without using it.
Read more →An independent view of what you are actually buying, written so you can understand it without a construction background.
Read more →Damp, cracking, condensation, mould, cold bridging, water ingress and failed detailing — investigated properly and reported with the reasoning shown.
Read more →I'll tell you what it costs and when I can be there. No call-out charge and no travel charge within the coverage area.