Independent new-build inspections before and after completion
Professional NHQB Pre-Completion Inspections and detailed new-build snagging surveys for homebuyers across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the wider North West.
An independent inspection before you accept the finished property
A new home should be completed to the appropriate standards, but defects, incomplete work and poor finishes can still occur.
Williams Survey & Design provides independent inspections for buyers who want the property checked by an experienced building professional rather than relying solely on the developer's own quality-control process.
We act for you, the homebuyer — not the developer. The inspection, observations and report are prepared independently within the agreed scope of service.
Choose the service that fits the stage of your purchase
NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection
For qualifying homes covered by the New Homes Quality Code. The inspection follows the official NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist and is carried out before legal completion.
- Official NHQB checklist followed
- Visual, non-invasive inspection
- Visible finish and completion issues recorded
- Photographic evidence and explanatory notes
- Completed inspection suitable for the buyer and developer
Full New-Build Snagging Survey
A broader Williams Survey & Design inspection for buyers who want the property reviewed for visible defects, workmanship issues, incomplete items and matters requiring attention.
- Room-by-room inspection
- Internal and external accessible areas
- Defects and workmanship issues recorded
- Photographic evidence
- Clear professional snagging report
Reinspection following remedial works is available from £195. No VAT is currently added to Williams Survey & Design professional fees. Final fees are confirmed by fixed quotation before the inspection is arranged.
A pre-completion inspection available to buyers of qualifying new homes
The New Homes Quality Code gives customers of registered developers the right to ask for an independent pre-completion inspection before completion takes place.
Check that your home is covered
The New Homes Quality Code applies to homes sold by developers with active NHQB registration, subject to the relevant registration and reservation dates. We can check the developer and basic eligibility before confirming the instruction.
You can appoint a qualified inspector
If you do not want to carry out the inspection yourself, the Code allows you to appoint a suitably qualified third-party inspector. Recognised professional associations listed by NHQB include CABE.
The official checklist must be used
A professional NHQB inspection is not an open-ended building survey. The prescribed Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist must be followed and the required checks cannot be replaced with a different checklist.
Issues are documented before completion
The purpose is to record visible matters requiring attention so that the buyer and developer have a clear inspection record. Where applicable, the developer responds in accordance with its obligations under the Code.
They are related services, but they are not the same inspection
If you are unsure which one you need, tell us your developer, development and expected completion date and we can establish the appropriate route before you book.
| NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection | Full New-Build Snagging Survey | |
|---|---|---|
| When? | Before legal completion, within the developer's pre-completion process. | Depending on access and circumstances, typically around completion or after handover. |
| Scope | Prescribed NHQB checklist. | Broader Williams Survey & Design snagging scope agreed with the client. |
| Inspection type | Visual, non-disruptive and non-invasive. | Visual inspection with the agreed snagging checks and reporting scope. |
| Best for | Buyers whose home falls within the New Homes Quality Code and who want an independent professional inspection before completion. | Buyers wanting a broader record of visible defects, workmanship issues and incomplete items. |
| Starting fee | From £325 | From £350 |
Qualified, insured and independent
Inspections are undertaken by Luke Haworth ACABE, Associate Member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), combining professional built-environment qualifications with extensive practical construction, surveying and defect-investigation experience.
Williams Survey & Design holds appropriate Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance and carries out inspections within the scope of professional competence.
NHQB lists CABE among the recognised professional associations for suitably qualified third-party inspectors, alongside other built-environment professional bodies.
A clear record you can actually use
Prepared for you as the client rather than as part of the developer's own QA process.
Relevant issues are documented visually where appropriate.
Technical observations are explained clearly so you understand what has been identified.
Findings are organised so they can be reviewed and passed to the developer as appropriate.
From enquiry to inspection
Tell us about the home
Send the property postcode, developer, development, property type and expected completion date.
We confirm the service
For an NHQB inspection we check the relevant Code position and confirm whether the pre-completion route appears appropriate.
Fixed quotation
You receive the confirmed scope and fixed professional fee before an inspection is arranged.
Inspection & report
The property is inspected and the appropriate professional checklist or snagging report is prepared.
New-build inspection FAQs
Who is the client — me or the developer?
You are. Where you appoint Williams Survey & Design, we act independently for you as the homebuyer. For NHQB inspections, the resulting checklist is intended to provide a record for both the customer and developer.
Does every new-build home qualify for an NHQB inspection?
No. The home must fall within the New Homes Quality Code arrangements for the relevant developer and reservation date. We will ask for the developer, development and reservation information before confirming an NHQB instruction.
Is an NHQB inspection the same as a full building survey?
No. The NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection follows a prescribed visual, non-invasive checklist. It is not a structural survey, valuation or open-ended building survey.
Can I have a full snagging survey instead?
Yes, subject to access and timing. Full snagging is a separate Williams Survey & Design service with a broader agreed scope. We can advise which service best fits the stage of your purchase.
Can you return after the developer has carried out repairs?
Yes. Reinspection can be arranged to review agreed remedial items. Reinspection fees start from £195 and depend on the size of the property, location and number of items requiring review.
Do you cover properties outside Lancashire?
Yes. Williams Survey & Design works across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, the Fylde coast, Ribble Valley, Cheshire and other parts of the North West. The guide-price calculator includes a broad location allowance and the final fee is confirmed before booking.
Get an initial guide price, then let us confirm the right inspection.
Use the fee calculator for an initial estimate, or contact us with your developer, development, property type, postcode and expected completion date. We will confirm the appropriate scope and fixed quotation before arranging the inspection.
NHQB eligibility depends on the developer's registration status and the relevant reservation date. An NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection follows the prescribed New Homes Quality Board checklist and is not a structural survey, mortgage valuation or RICS Home Survey. All services are subject to the agreed scope and terms of engagement. No VAT is currently added to Williams Survey & Design professional fees.