To be considered a suitably qualified inspector you have to meet  the following criteria:

• Be a member of a recognised professional association experienced in surveying residential properties (e.g., RICS,RPSA,etc.)
• Hold relevant and adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance Only work within their competency
• Use the agreed checklist for the inspection

Under the New Homes Quality Code, homeowners are entitled to a Pre-Completion Inspection before Legal Completion takes place. Developers who have signed up to the Code must inform their customers of this right and allow for an independent, third-party inspection to ensure that their home meets acceptable standards. This change is a positive step towards providing customers with greater protection and ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly.

The developer must provide a window of at least five calendar days for the independent inspector to conduct the inspection after the Notice to Complete has been served. If both parties agree, this can occur sooner. When agreeing to the Legal Completion Notice Period, enough time should be allocated for the inspection and necessary legal work to occur. Typically, the notice period is at least fourteen calendar days, but a different schedule may be agreed upon. However, it is not advisable to agree to a shorter period as this limits the ability to conduct a Pre-Completion Inspection.

It is important to note that the Pre-Completion Inspection should not delay or prevent Legal Completion in line with the Notice to Complete. The Developer must adhere to the provisions of part three of the New Homes Quality Code to ensure that customers are treated fairly. This includes providing updates on the expected schedule to completion in a timely manner.

The Developer is responsible for ensuring that their sites comply with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance appropriate for inspectors conducting the Pre-Completion Inspection. Customers must also be informed of the necessary health and safety precautions when visiting the construction site, and access may be refused if these precautions are not followed.