Buying a new-build property creates a natural sense of confidence. Everything looks clean, unused, and finished. However, visual appearance rarely reflects the true technical condition of a building. Tight construction schedules, multiple subcontractors, and pressure to deliver on time often result in defects that are not immediately visible.

A professional new home inspection, often referred to as a snagging or pre-handover inspection, provides an objective technical assessment of the property before you sign final documents or accept handover from the developer. This step allows buyers to identify risks early, demand corrections, and protect their investment.

Why should you trust us with your new build inspection?

Choosing the right inspector directly affects the outcome of the inspection. At PKB, new build inspection is not a formal checklist exercise. It is a detailed technical evaluation carried out by experienced construction inspectors who work exclusively in the buyer’s interest.

Independent inspection focused on the buyer

PKB operates as a fully independent inspection company. We are not connected to developers, contractors, or real estate agencies. Our conclusions are based solely on technical findings.

According to guidance from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), independence is a key factor in ensuring that inspection results are objective and defensible. This principle forms the foundation of every new build inspection we perform.

Experience with real construction defects

Our inspectors work daily with new residential developments and understand where problems typically occur. We do not rely on theory alone. We recognize patterns, recurring mistakes, and weak points specific to modern new-build construction.

This experience allows us to detect issues that are often missed during standard handovers or superficial checks.

What a professional new home inspection covers

A new home inspection evaluates much more than visible finishes. It focuses on the technical quality of construction and compliance with accepted building practices.

The inspection includes assessment of

Walls, ceilings, and structural geometry

• Cracks, uneven surfaces, and alignment issues
• Quality of workmanship in load-bearing and non-load-bearing elements

Industry inspection guidance that new homes can contain defects caused by rushed construction timelines rather than material failure. These defects often become costly after occupancy.

Installations, moisture, insulation, and finishes

Special attention is paid to

• Moisture levels in walls, floors, and ceilings
• Thermal insulation continuity
• Ventilation and air circulation
• Electrical and plumbing installations
• Windows, doors, and sealing details

You receive a clear summary of what was checked, what was found, and what should be addressed before acceptance.

Common problems found during new build inspection

Even high-end developments often show similar types of defects during inspection.

The most common issues in new builds

Based on industry data and PKB inspection practice, typical problems include

• Uneven floors and walls
• Poorly sealed windows and balconies
• Incorrect slopes in wet areas
• Inadequate ventilation
• Elevated moisture levels hidden behind finishes

In many cases, these issues are treated as minor at handover, but if they are not documented and corrected, they can lead to higher repair costs, comfort problems, and recurring moisture-related damage after you move in.

Red flags buyers usually overlook

Many buyers focus on visible aesthetics and miss technical warning signs such as

• Hairline cracks indicating structural movement
• Condensation points suggesting ventilation errors
• Temperature differences revealing insulation failures

In practice, buyers who skip an independent inspection often discover that getting defects fixed becomes harder after acceptance, when priorities shift and the developer’s response slows down.

Frequently asked questions about new build inspection

When is the best time to book a new build inspection?

The best time is the handover date, before you sign the handover protocol or acceptance documents. If possible, book in advance so there is time for any additional measurements and to discuss findings calmly on site. An early inspection increases the chance that the developer records defects and fixes them before you accept the property.

Can your inspector attend the official handover with the developer?

Yes, our inspector can be present during the official handover and perform the inspection directly on site. This allows defects to be documented immediately in the handover protocol and helps prevent disputes about whether they appeared before or after acceptance. You also gain technical support during communication with the developer.

What if the developer disagrees with the defects?

Our report with photos provides a clear technical basis for further discussion and a formal complaint. If needed, we recommend additional evidence or more precise measurements so conclusions are unambiguous. In practice, well-documented findings significantly increase the likelihood that defects are acknowledged and corrected.

Does inspection still make sense for a brand-new property?

Yes. New builds often include hidden defects that are not obvious at first glance, for example in insulation layers, window sealing, ventilation, or installations. Some problems only show up after the first weeks of use, but their cause usually comes from the construction stage. A new build inspection helps identify these risk areas early.

Expert opinion from PKB inspectors

In practice, the most serious problems are rarely obvious. They are hidden in construction details, installation layers, and tolerances that only a trained inspector evaluates correctly.

We repeatedly see situations where early inspection prevents expensive post-handover disputes. A professional new home inspection either confirms that the property meets quality expectations or provides clear technical evidence to support corrective action.

If you want a clear, factual assessment rather than a formal handover, PKB provides reliable new build inspection services based on real construction expertise.