What it is
Also called a snagging inspection, it is a systematic check of a newly built condo or villa against a written checklist: finishes, structure, waterproofing, plumbing, electrics, air conditioning, doors and windows, and for villas the roof, drainage, pool and external works. Every defect is photographed, located and classified, and the result is a report the developer can work from.
When to book it
Book it as soon as the developer gives you a handover date, and schedule the inspection a few days before you are asked to sign. That leaves time for the report to reach the developer while they still need your signature. If you have already taken the keys, it is not too late: an inspection within your warranty period still works — see the defects-liability period.
What it covers
Every inspection follows our published inspection checklist, so you can see exactly what will be checked. In outline:
- Around 100 checks for a condo and 130–150+ for a pool villa
- Every tap, drain, socket, RCD and air conditioner tested in operation
- Wet areas and ceilings below terraces checked, with moisture and thermal testing wherever problems are suspected
- Falls checked with a laser level and floor tiles percussion-tested
- Roof, gutters, external walls, pool plant and bonding on villas
- Doors, windows, locks and sliding tracks operated and checked
On the day
Expect three to six hours on site, depending on the property. You are welcome to attend, but most clients are overseas and do not. We need power and water connected, access to every room and the roof where possible, and ideally the developer’s representative on site. If you want to walk the property yourself as well, our walkthrough guide and the free inspection sheets will help.
What you get afterwards
Within 48 hours you receive a photographed report with every item classified by severity and a remedy written for the builder, plus a schedule the developer can sign against. You can see the format in the sample report. Our guide on dealing with your developer explains how to present it, and our project management service can see the repairs through.