Ideally before legal completion or within the first few weeks of moving in. Commissioning your survey early ensures defects are identified and reported to your developer promptly, while your builder remains legally obligated to carry out remedial works.

A typical inspection takes between two and five hours, depending on the size, condition, and complexity of the property. As a general guide: flats up to two bedrooms take around two to two-and-a-half hours; flats with three or more bedrooms around three to three-and-a-half hours; two to three-bedroom houses around three to three-and-a-half hours; and four-bedroom-plus houses around four to four-and-a-half hours. Inspection times can vary based on the standard of workmanship and the number of defects identified.

Your completed snagging report is delivered within 48 hours of the inspection, allowing you to share it with your developer without delay.

Yes. You may change your booking date provided you give a minimum of two working days' notice prior to the scheduled inspection.

No. A snagging survey is a specialist inspection focused on the quality of workmanship in a new-build property, identifying defects, unfinished work, and items that fall outside building regulations or the tolerances set by warranty providers such as NHBC. A structural survey, by contrast, is typically carried out on older properties and assesses the overall structural condition of the building, particularly where there may be significant movement, damage, or other serious concerns.

No. We do not liaise directly with developers following the inspection. Communication and arrangements regarding remedial works are typically managed between the homeowner and the site manager. Developers rarely deal directly with snagging companies once the report has been issued.

A De-Snag is a follow-up inspection carried out after your developer has completed remedial works from the original snagging report. It independently verifies that each defect has been resolved to the required standard and identifies any remaining or newly introduced issues.

A De-Snag should be arranged once your developer has confirmed that all remedial works from the original snagging report are complete. This typically falls within a few weeks of the initial inspection.

Thermal imaging uses infrared camera technology to detect issues that are invisible to the naked eye, including missing or inadequate insulation, cold spots and draughts, damp and moisture ingress, plumbing or heating leaks, and underfloor heating faults. It is strongly recommended for all new-build properties.

Yes. QMQA carries out new-build snagging surveys across London, covering all boroughs including Central London, East London, South London, and the surrounding areas. With a significant volume of new-build developments across the capital, an independent snagging survey is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your investment before or shortly after completion.

Yes. QMQA covers new-build developments throughout Essex, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Southend-on-Sea, and the surrounding areas. Essex continues to see strong new-build activity, and our surveyors are experienced in inspecting properties across the county.

Yes. QMQA operates across Surrey, covering new-build developments in Guildford, Woking, Reigate, Epsom, Camberley, and the wider county. Our NAPSi accredited surveyors are well-versed in the standards expected of new-build properties in this area and are available to inspect your home ahead of or following completion.