While some defects are obvious, many are not immediately noticeable without a systematic inspection.

A professional survey provides a structured review of the accessible parts of the property, rather than a quick visual check during handover or after moving in. It also gives you an independent record of any issues identified at a specific point in time.

No inspection can guarantee that every defect will be found, particularly where areas are concealed or inaccessible. However, it does significantly improve the chances of identifying issues early, when they are usually easier to resolve.

The timing depends on whether you have completed the purchase and received the keys.

Before completion, a Pre-Completion Inspection may be possible once the property is finished and the developer allows access.

After completion, a Post-Completion Snagging Survey can be arranged once you have taken ownership. In most cases, it is sensible to carry this out soon after moving in so that visible defects can be recorded while they are still within the developer’s responsibility period.

Always refer to your reservation paperwork and warranty documents, as procedures can vary between developers.

A Pre-Completion Inspection (PCI) takes place before legal completion, while the property is still under the developer’s control.

Where the New Homes Quality Code applies, the inspection follows the official NHQB PCI checklist, which focuses on visible defects and the overall standard of finish prior to handover.

A Post-Completion Snagging Survey is carried out after you have received the keys. Because the property is in your possession, the inspection can cover all accessible areas in more detail, including finishes, fittings and the operation of visible services.

Block & Beam will always confirm the correct inspection type before booking.

The scope depends on the property and the type of inspection, but a Post-Completion Snagging Survey will typically review the accessible areas of the home, including:

• external brickwork, render and finishes

• roof edges, gutters and visible roofline elements

• windows and external doors

• internal walls, ceilings and floors

• joinery and decorative finishes

• kitchen units, worktops and fittings

• bathrooms and sanitaryware

• visible plumbing and drainage

• heating controls and accessible services

• loft space, where safe to access

• garages, driveways, paths and gardens (where applicable)

The inspection is non-invasive and visual only. We do not open up structures, remove fittings or carry out destructive testing.

Specialist testing (electrical, gas, drainage or structural) is not included unless specifically agreed in advance.

Fees vary depending on the size, type and location of the property, as well as whether the inspection is pre- or post-completion.

Smaller homes and apartments generally require less time than larger or more complex properties.

Before any booking is confirmed, Block & Beam provides a written quotation outlining the fee, scope and any travel costs. This ensures everything is clear before you proceed.

No additional charges are added unless you later request work outside the agreed scope.

An NHBC warranty and a snagging survey are not the same thing and do not replace each other.

NHBC Buildmark typically provides a two-year builder warranty followed by a longer period of insurance cover for certain structural issues. It does not guarantee that all cosmetic or workmanship defects will be addressed.

Building control inspections are also different. Their role is to confirm compliance with Building Regulations, not to assess finish quality or identify snags for the homeowner.

A snagging survey provides an independent review of the visible condition of the property at a specific point in time.

Block & Beam is based near Towcester and carries out Pre-Completion Inspections and Post-Completion Snagging Surveys across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and parts of Oxfordshire.

Typical coverage includes:

Northamptonshire: Towcester, Northampton, Brackley, Daventry, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough and Raunds.

Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire: Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Wolverton, Newport Pagnell, Olney, Stony Stratford, Woburn Sands, Buckingham, Winslow and Aylesbury.

Bedfordshire: Bedford, Kempston, Cranfield, Marston Moretaine, Ampthill, Flitwick, Leighton Buzzard and Biggleswade.

Oxfordshire: Banbury, Bicester and surrounding areas within reasonable travelling distance.

Coverage is not strictly limited by county boundaries. If you send the postcode and development name, we can confirm availability and any travel costs before booking.