If you're buying a new home from a developer registered with the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), you can ask for an independent pre-completion inspection: a professional check of the home before you legally complete.
Why before completion matters
Until completion, the developer is still waiting for your money. That's the strongest position you'll ever be in to get defects put right quickly. After you move in, fixes go into the developer's aftercare queue.
What the Code says
- It applies to homes bought from NHQB-registered developers. Most large national housebuilders are registered, but check yours.
- Version 2 of the Code applies to homes reserved from 2 March 2026. Homes reserved earlier fall under Version 1, which also included pre-completion inspections.
- The inspection takes place after the Notice to Complete is served and before the completion date, or earlier if you and the developer both agree. The notice period is normally at least 14 calendar days.
- The inspector must be suitably qualified: a member of a recognised professional body for surveying (such as RICS, CIOB or CABE), with professional indemnity insurance. The inspection uses the NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist.
- Issues that breach the warranty provider's technical standards should be fixed before completion, or within 30 days if that isn't possible.
How to arrange it
- Tell the developer's sales team, in writing, that you want a pre-completion inspection.
- When the Notice to Complete arrives, check your inspection window.
- Book the inspector for a date in that window. We confirm the access arrangements with the site team.
- Send the report to the developer and keep a copy for your records.
This guide summarises the Code for buyers. It isn't legal advice. Your conveyancer can confirm the dates in your contract.