Frequently asked questions about CheckSure inspections

1. Choosing the right inspection

Which inspection do I need?

A Pre-Completion Inspection is carried out before legal completion within the applicable access arrangements. A New-home Snagging Inspection is a detailed post-completion review. An End-of-Defects Inspection is arranged before the developer’s initial defects period ends. A Re-snag Inspection is a targeted return visit to selected items from an earlier report. See the inspection services overview or ask CheckSure if you are unsure.

Can I arrange an inspection after I have moved in?

Yes. For most homeowners, a New-home Snagging Inspection is the preferred choice after legal completion. It has a wider scope than a Pre-Completion Inspection and, because you own the property, the visit can usually be arranged at a more relaxed time to suit you and with fewer site-access restrictions. You do not need to be at home, provided suitable access is arranged. Normal furniture and possessions are not a problem; we simply ask that key areas are reasonably accessible. Large furniture, fitted coverings or stored items may occasionally limit visibility, and any material limitation will be recorded clearly.

What is a Re-snag Inspection?

A Re-snag Inspection is a targeted return visit to review selected accessible items from an earlier snagging report after remedial work has been attempted. It is not a repeat whole-home inspection. The booking form allows you to upload a previous report, notes or other supporting documents so CheckSure can review them and agree a bespoke inspection scope before confirming the service and price. If CheckSure prepared the earlier report, simply identify the findings you want revisited. See the Re-snag Inspection service.

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2. Booking and preparing

When should I book?

Contact CheckSure as soon as you have a likely inspection window. Developer programmes can move, so a provisional date can be discussed and the appointment confirmed when access is sufficiently certain. You can also arrange a New-home Snagging Inspection after completion, including after you have moved in. You do not need to be at home during the visit, provided suitable access has been arranged.

What information do you need?

Please provide the development and postcode, property type, number of bedrooms, expected completion or inspection date, the service you are considering, and any access instructions or developer deadline. If available, relevant plans, specifications, options or upgrade schedules, or an earlier report can be helpful, but they are not required for most bookings.

Can I prepare my own snag list before the inspection?

Yes—please share it with us. The booking form allows you to upload your list or other supporting information as part of your enquiry. We will review the points you have raised and include those that fall within the agreed inspection scope, while still carrying out our own structured inspection independently. If an item sits outside the visible, accessible and non-invasive scope, we will explain this and, where appropriate, suggest the type of specialist or further information that may help.

Who arranges access to the property?

Before legal completion, the developer normally controls and authorises access. After completion, you usually arrange access. Please confirm keys, parking, site procedures and any restrictions before the appointment.

Can I attend the inspection?

You are welcome to attend where the developer, site rules and access arrangements allow it; please agree this with CheckSure in advance so the inspection can be completed safely and methodically. You do not need to attend or remain at home during the inspection, provided suitable access has been arranged.

How long does an inspection normally take?

As a general guide, a standard whole-home inspection normally takes around four to six hours. The actual time depends on the service, property size and type, access, condition and any limitations found. A targeted Re-snag Inspection may take less time, while a larger or more complex home may take longer. CheckSure will not rush an inspection to meet an arbitrary duration.

What should I do to prepare the property?

Make all agreed areas safely accessible, provide the required keys, clear avoidable obstructions, keep pets and children safely supervised, and have relevant plans or option schedules available. Where systems are within scope, make sure the necessary services are operating if it is safe and permitted to do so.

Do electricity, water and heating need to be operating?

Where observations depend on a service or system operating, electricity, water and heating should be available and switched on if safe and permitted. CheckSure does not activate unsafe or isolated systems. Any resulting limitation will be recorded in the report.

Do you inspect occupied or furnished homes?

Yes. New-home Snagging and other suitable post-completion inspections can be carried out in occupied or furnished homes. Normal furniture and possessions are not a problem, and you do not need to clear the whole property. We simply ask that key areas are reasonably accessible. Large furniture, fitted floor coverings, stored items or personal possessions may occasionally conceal an area or restrict access; any material limitation will be recorded clearly.

What happens if the developer changes the inspection date?

CheckSure will transfer the booking without charge when notice is provided by 5:00pm two working days before the confirmed inspection. Later changes may incur the charges described in the Terms of Business. Please contact us as soon as the developer tells you of a change.

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3. What the inspection covers

What does CheckSure inspect?

CheckSure follows the agreed service scope and inspects the parts of the home that are safely visible and accessible at the time. The inspection is visual and non-invasive. The exact scope differs between Pre-Completion, New-home Snagging, End-of-Defects and Re-snag services; see Services and open the Inspection Key Facts PDF in a new tab.

Does CheckSure work on behalf of the developer, house builder or warranty company?

No. CheckSure acts independently for the customer named in the booking. CheckSure is not employed by, affiliated with or endorsed by the property developer, the New Homes Quality Board, NHBC, LABC Warranty, Premier Guarantee or any other warranty provider.

Will every defect be found?

No visual inspection can guarantee that every defect will be found. Concealed construction, inaccessible areas, finishes, stored items, weather, lighting, services that are not operating and conditions at the time can all limit observations. CheckSure records material limitations rather than guessing.

Is this a structural survey?

No. A CheckSure inspection is not a structural survey, building survey, valuation or invasive investigation. Suspected structural movement or another specialist concern may require advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

Does CheckSure confirm planning or Building Control matters, or certify gas or electrical safety?

CheckSure records only visible, accessible observations within the agreed inspection scope. It does not act as Building Control, make statutory decisions, confirm approvals or determine regulatory compliance. Formal compliance matters must be referred to the relevant authority or an appropriately qualified specialist. CheckSure may record visible conditions or apparent differences within the agreed inspection scope, but does not determine planning status or compliance, confirm planning approvals, or provide planning or legal advice. Planning matters must be referred to the relevant local planning authority or an appropriately qualified planning professional. CheckSure may record visible, accessible observations within the agreed inspection scope, but does not carry out gas-safety inspections, testing or certification. Gas-safety concerns must be referred to a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. CheckSure may record visible, accessible observations within the agreed inspection scope, but does not carry out electrical-safety inspections, testing or certification. Electrical-safety concerns must be referred to a suitably qualified electrician. See the Terms of Business for the complete scope boundaries.

Does CheckSure check or certify fire safety?

CheckSure may record visible conditions relevant to a fire-related component, such as visible damage, missing identification, apparent gaps or observed operation. CheckSure does not assess or certify fire safety, fire risk, combustibility, fire resistance, fire protection, compartmentation, EWS1 status or regulatory compliance. Fire-related concerns should be referred to an appropriately competent specialist. See the Terms of Business for the complete scope boundaries.

Is thermal imaging included?

A thermal imaging camera radiator check is included with New-home Snagging and End-of-Defects Inspections where conditions allow. Thermal imaging is an observational aid, not a full heat-loss survey or a substitute for specialist testing.

What equipment may be used?

Depending on the service and conditions, CheckSure may use inspection lighting, moisture or electrical indication tools, levels, ladders within the agreed safe limits, and a thermal imaging camera. Equipment supports observations but does not turn the inspection into destructive or specialist testing.

Are apartment communal areas included?

For post-completion inspections, communal or managed areas outside the customer’s ownership or leasehold demise are excluded unless separately agreed and access is authorised. The applicable NHQB apartment checklist defines the more limited common-parts observations for a Pre-Completion Inspection.

Are lawns, gardens and external areas included?

Accessible areas within the agreed property boundary may be observed where the service scope and conditions allow. Landscaping is assessed visually at the time; seasonal performance, concealed ground conditions and future establishment cannot be guaranteed. Newly laid turf may be too soft or insufficiently rooted to walk on without causing damage or heavy impressions, so CheckSure will not walk over it when conditions are unsuitable. The limitation will be recorded and the area may need to be considered later. See how to look after a brand-new lawn.

What happens if rooms, lofts, garages or external areas cannot be accessed?

CheckSure will inspect what can be reached safely and record material access limitations in the report. Inaccessible areas are not assumed to be satisfactory. Unless a different safe arrangement is expressly agreed, a loft is inspected from a safely positioned ladder through the hatch. The inspector may step onto a fixed access platform provided as part of the build where it is safe and suitable, but will not traverse unboarded joists or insulation, crawl into restricted spaces or disturb the construction. A later visit may be considered only if separately agreed and booked.

What happens if weather or unfinished work limits the inspection?

The inspection will proceed so far as it is safe and useful. Weather, wet surfaces, incomplete construction, temporary protection or active work may restrict observations. Material limitations will be recorded, and any later review would need to be separately agreed.

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4. Reports, sharing and next steps

When will I receive my report?

CheckSure normally issues the electronic reporting pack within 24 hours after the inspection has been completed and the undisputed balance has cleared. This is a service target, not a guaranteed deadline. CheckSure will tell you if a material delay is expected.

What documents are included in the reporting pack?

The reporting pack can include a Full Report, an Action Required Report containing Red and Amber findings, and a Developer Response Schedule that can be completed electronically or printed.

What do Red, Amber and Green classifications mean?

Red identifies an observation requiring prompt attention or involving a potentially serious concern. Amber identifies an observation requiring attention, clarification, monitoring or remedial action. Green records an item observed as satisfactory within the inspection scope and conditions at the time. The classifications help prioritise action; they do not determine legal liability.

How do I access the report securely?

By default, CheckSure emails the three reporting documents as PDF attachments: the Full Report, Action Required Report and Developer Response Schedule. If the attachments are too large or you ask for a download link, CheckSure can instead provide a password-protected secure link that is normally valid for seven days. The password is supplied separately. Contact CheckSure promptly if you need the link renewed.

Can I send the report to the developer?

Yes. The Action Required Report and Developer Response Schedule are designed for sharing with the developer and are de-personalised as far as reasonably practicable compared with the Full Report. They normally contain less customer-identifying information, but you should still review the documents before forwarding them. The report records CheckSure’s observations; it does not require the developer or warranty provider to accept every item.

Who may I share the report with?

You may share it for your own property-related purposes with relevant parties such as the developer, contractor, conveyancer or solicitor, warranty provider, insurer, mortgage adviser or another professional adviser. The report is prepared for the named customer and must not be presented as creating a duty of care to third parties. See the Terms of Business.

Must the developer accept every item?

No. Acceptance and responsibility are matters for the developer, warranty provider or other responsible party. CheckSure provides independent observations and clear evidence but does not determine contractual or legal liability.

Can I ask questions after receiving the report?

Yes. Reasonable questions about the report are welcome. If you later want selected completed remedial work checked, a separate Re-snag Inspection can be arranged.

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5. Pricing, payments, changes and cancellations

Do I pay anything when I make the booking?

Nothing is payable merely because you make an enquiry or submit a booking request. Payment becomes due only after CheckSure sends the Booking Confirmation, in accordance with the confirmed payment arrangement. A £100 part-payment is due by 5:00pm two working days before the confirmed inspection and is credited against the total price. If the booking is confirmed after that deadline, the £100 part-payment is due on confirmation by the deadline stated in the booking confirmation. See Pricing and the Terms of Business.

When is the remaining balance due?

The remaining balance is due on the inspection day. The report is normally released after cleared payment has been received.

How can I pay?

Payment-request emails provide secure links for supported credit-card, debit-card and digital-wallet payments, together with CheckSure’s bank-transfer details and the reference to use. The remaining balance may be paid through a new secure payment link or by bank transfer. It may also be paid by contactless card or supported wallet directly to the inspector while the inspector is still at the property. Never send payment-card details by email.

Is VAT added to the published price?

No VAT is added to the published prices. If CheckSure becomes required to charge VAT, any change affecting your booking will be explained before you commit.

What if I need to cancel an inspection?

Tell CheckSure as soon as possible. Any refund or charge depends on when notice is received and on costs or time already committed under the Terms of Business. Use the cancellation form so the request is recorded promptly.

How much does a Re-snag Inspection cost?

Pricing depends on who prepared the earlier report and the number of selected items to be reviewed. See the Re-snag pricing section and the service details. The agreed items and price are confirmed before booking.

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6. Coverage, privacy and complaints

Which areas does CheckSure cover, and can you travel outside them?

The main service area is West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey. Enquiries outside this area may be considered subject to location, availability and any travel charge agreed before booking. See Areas We Cover.

Is CheckSure insured?

Yes. CheckSure maintains Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance for its business activities, subject to the applicable policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and excesses. Insurance does not expand the agreed inspection scope or create a guarantee that every defect will be identified.

How are inspection photographs used and protected?

Photographs are used to document observations, prepare and support the report, answer reasonable report questions and maintain appropriate business records. CheckSure handles personal data in accordance with its Privacy Notice. Property images are not used publicly for promotional purposes without separate express permission.

Is CheckSure registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office?

Yes. CheckSure Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office under registration number ZC240599. The Privacy Notice explains how CheckSure collects, uses, protects and retains personal information and how you can exercise your data-protection rights.

What should I do if I am dissatisfied?

Please raise the concern with CheckSure promptly and provide the booking or report reference and relevant details. The formal Complaints Procedure explains how the complaint will be acknowledged, investigated and answered. Complaints are normally acknowledged within two working days and a substantive response is normally provided within 15 working days.

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