About Us

Impartiality: We work on behalf of our clients and have no affiliation with the developer or builder. This impartiality ensures that they have no vested interest in downplaying or overlooking defects. We are solely focused on identifying and documenting any problems in the property.

Comprehensive Inspections: Our team conduct thorough and comprehensive inspections of the entire property, including structural elements, finishes, fixtures, and systems. They create a detailed report that lists all identified snags, complete with descriptions and photographs.

Peace of Mind: You can have greater peace of mind knowing that your new home will be thoroughly checked for defects. This can help prevent potential issues from escalating into costly problems after you've moved in.

Timely Resolution: Identifying defects early allows for timely resolution. When issues are documented in a professional snagging report, the developer is typically obligated to rectify them within a reasonable timeframe, often within the defects liability period.

Quality Assurance: A professional snagging inspection helps ensure that your new build property meets the expected standards of quality, safety, and workmanship. It can help hold the developer accountable for delivering a high-quality product.

Documentation: The snagging report created serves as valuable documentation of the property's condition at the time of handover. This documentation can be essential if disputes or disagreements with the developer arise in the future.

Protection for Your Investment: Purchasing a new home is a significant financial investment. A professional snagging inspection helps protect that investment by ensuring that you receive a property free of significant defects and issues.

Time Savings: While you may be capable of identifying some snags on your own, we can save you time and effort by conducting a thorough inspection and preparing a comprehensive report. This allows you to focus on other aspects of the home-buying process.

Negotiation Leverage: If the snagging report reveals significant issues, you may have a stronger position for negotiating with the developer for necessary repairs or compensation.

In summary, hiring a professional inspector when purchasing a new build property is a prudent investment that can help you avoid potential headaches and costly repairs down the line. It provides you with an extra layer of assurance that your new home will be delivered in the best possible condition, meeting the quality and safety standards you expect.

NHBC Explained

The NHBC (National House-Building Council) warranty is a type of warranty provided to new build buyers in the UK. It is designed to offer protection and peace of mind to homeowners purchasing newly constructed properties. The NHBC is the largest provider of this type of warranty in the UK and operates as an independent, non-profit organization.

Here's how the NHBC warranty works for new build buyers in the UK:

1. Registration: The builder of the new home is responsible for registering the property with the NHBC. This usually happens before or shortly after the completion of the construction.

2. Warranty Period: The NHBC warranty typically lasts for ten years from the date of completion of the property. During this period, the warranty covers various aspects of the property, providing protection against potential issues.

3. First Two Years: During the first two years of the warranty, the builder is responsible for rectifying any defects in workmanship or materials that arise. These issues are usually addressed by the builder directly.

4. Years Three to Ten: From year three to year ten, the warranty primarily covers the property's structural elements. This includes the foundation, load-bearing walls, roof, and other essential components. If any structural issues arise during this period, the NHBC will be involved in resolving the matter.

5. Claims Process: If a new build homeowner discovers any defects covered by the NHBC warranty, they need to report them to the NHBC within the specified timeframes. The claims process involves contacting NHBC and providing details of the issue. NHBC will then assess the claim and arrange for necessary repairs if the issue is covered by the warranty.

6. Exclusions: It's essential for new build buyers to understand the limitations and exclusions of the NHBC warranty. The warranty does not cover general wear and tear, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by the homeowner. Additionally, if the builder goes out of business, the NHBC will not be able to intervene in rectifying defects after the first two years.

7. Insurance Backed: The NHBC warranty is insurance-backed, which means that even if the builder becomes insolvent within the first ten years, the warranty remains valid, and homeowners can still make claims for covered issues.

8. Additional Cover: Apart from the basic ten-year warranty, the NHBC also offers additional warranties for certain elements such as electrical and heating systems. These additional covers may have different timeframes and terms.

It's important for new build buyers to read and understand the specific details of their NHBC warranty, including what is covered and what isn't. The NHBC website and documentation provided by the builder are valuable resources to learn more about the warranty and its coverage.

Building Regulations Explained

Building regulations in the UK can affect first-time buyers in several ways, especially when purchasing a new build property. Here's how these regulations can impact first-time buyers:

1. Quality Assurance: Building regulations ensure that new build properties are constructed to high standards of safety, energy efficiency, and quality. This can be an advantage for first-time buyers, as they are less likely to encounter immediate structural or safety issues with their new home.

2. Energy Efficiency: New build houses are required to meet stringent energy efficiency standards. This can result in lower utility bills for first-time buyers, as newer homes are generally more energy-efficient and cost-effective to run.

3. Warranty and Guarantees. Many new build properties come with warranties and guarantees, such as the NHBC (National House Building Council) warranty, which covers structural defects for a specified period. This provides peace of mind for first-time buyers, as they have protection against major structural issues.

4. Accessibility: New build properties must adhere to accessibility standards, making them more accommodating for individuals with disabilities. This can be beneficial for first-time buyers who may have family members with accessibility needs or plan to age in place.

5. Safety: Building regulations include strict safety requirements, such as fire safety measures and safe electrical and gas installations. First-time buyers can feel confident that their new home is designed to protect their safety and well-being.

6. Resale Value: Over time, as building regulations evolve and become more stringent, older properties may require costly renovations to meet current standards. New build properties, however, already comply with the latest regulations, potentially enhancing their resale value.

7. Long-Term Savings: Energy-efficient features required by building regulations, such as improved insulation and heating systems, can lead to long-term cost savings for first-time buyers in terms of lower heating and maintenance costs.

8. Aesthetic Considerations: Building regulations may also influence the design and appearance of new build houses, ensuring they fit within the local environment. Some first-time buyers may appreciate this consistency in architectural style.