Scottish Home Inspections

Independent Home Inspections in Scotland

Scottish Home Inspections is a Scottish company dedicated to independent property inspection, with a particular focus on snagging for new-build homes and recently completed properties. Its work centres on identifying defects, unfinished work and workmanship issues before the buyer takes ownership, and documenting them in a photographic report delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

The service is led by a qualified civil engineer (BSc), supported by a multidisciplinary team. The company emphasises that it applies structural and building knowledge to every finding, rather than relying on a generic checklist. All members of the inspection team hold enhanced Disclosure Scotland (PVG) checks, confirming their suitability to enter homes, including those with children or vulnerable occupants.

What a snagging inspection covers

The purpose of these inspections is to identify defects, incomplete works and poor finishes, both in new builds and existing homes. Among the issues the company reports finding regularly in new homes are:

• Doors and windows that do not close properly or seal correctly.
• Uneven paintwork, plaster cracks or visible surface defects.
• Loose fittings, poorly fitted skirting boards and unfinished joinery.
• Scratched floors or poor finishes.
• Missing tiles, uneven grout lines or poorly applied sealant.
• Items not installed or finished incorrectly.

Defect report and standards references

Each inspection generates a digital report with photographic evidence, clear explanations and references to recognised standards. Findings are photographed and classified by severity, and safety-critical items are flagged for priority action. The document includes a structured list of defects ready to share with the builder.

Where an applicable standard exists, each finding is cross-referenced to the relevant clause of NHBC 2026, Scottish Building Standards or BS 7671, so the builder cannot dispute a mere opinion. The sample report published by the company illustrates this format: 50 items in total, of which 13 are category 3 (urgent), 36 category 2 (future) and 1 category 1 (note). Examples cited include a displaced tile on the rear roof slope, an excessive gap in the landing balustrade and an open joint in the kitchen worktop.

Inspection services

The company offers three types of service:

• New-build snagging inspection: a detailed review of a newly built home shortly after completion, to identify defects, incomplete works or finishing issues that the builder must correct. From £219.
• Pre-purchase inspection of an existing property: an independent review before purchase, aimed at identifying defects, maintenance needs or concerns about workmanship, so the buyer can make an informed decision. From £219.
• Re-inspection or defect verification: a follow-up visit after the builder's repairs to confirm that previously identified defects have been corrected. It is limited to reviewing the defects already reported and does not constitute a full inspection. From £149.

The company states that it does not apply hidden charges and that travel is included in all quotes. Booking is done online in a few minutes by selecting the property type and number of rooms, the location to calculate travel, the available date and time, and confirming details with secure payment and immediate confirmation.

Geographical coverage

Scottish Home Inspections works throughout mainland Scotland, from the Borders and Ayrshire up to Aberdeen and the Highlands, with the possibility of covering islands and remote areas by prior arrangement. The company expressly mentions the west of Scotland —Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire— as well as Edinburgh, Stirling, Dundee and the wider Central Belt.

Team profile and working approach

The inspection is led by a qualified civil engineer, supported by a multidisciplinary team and, according to the company itself, more than 50 years of accumulated experience in UK construction. The process is described as methodical and room by room. Reports are written in plain language so the client can understand each issue and pass it on to their builder.

The company presents itself as independent and impartial: it states that it works for the homeowner and not for the builder. It also recommends requesting the inspection before handover of keys, so that it can be carried out on the day of completion or shortly after moving in. It further notes that NHBC warranties usually cover only major structural defects, while snagging defects —painting, tiling, joinery, flooring or poorly installed fixtures— are normally the builder's responsibility during the initial defect period.

Location and contact

Phone: 0131 381 7729 · Email: info@scottishhomeinspections.co.uk · Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00