Step 4: Inspections
Inspections are integral to preventing defects and maintaining focus on quality
Key Stage Inspections
Once work starts on site we aim to inspect every plot at key stages of construction and need at least 24 hours’ notice of when a Key Stage Inspection is required.
Housing (plot) inspections
- excavation
- basement (where applicable)
- superstructure
- pre-plaster
- pre-handover
- drainage.*
* sites where NHBC is carrying out Building Control only.
Block inspections
- excavation
- basement (where applicable)
- plot pre-plaster / fire safety inspection
- block (common parts)
- means of escape (per core)
- plot pre-handover
- drainage.*
* sites where NHBC is carrying out Building Control only.
PLEASE NOTE - Apartments will require additional inspections – pre-plaster as an extra key stage and regular inspections on the façade and common areas.
Risk-based inspections
If parts of the construction present additional risks of defects e.g. bay windows, render, cavity trays or dummy chimneys, we will carry out extra risk-based inspections. If a risk-based inspection is required it will be recorded in the site record book (in the Bespoke Technical Risk Management plan). We need at least 24 hours' notice ahead of any inspection.
Site Record Book
Your inspector will record their findings in the site record book along with a note of which key stages have been passed.
Reportable Items
All defects found during any type of inspection (key stage, risk-based or intermediate) will be recorded as Reportable Items. This will enable Quality Common Scoring to be applied to all inspections.
Inspection tools used in this step
Quality Common Scoring
Applied to all Key Stage and Risk Based inspections, this is the same scoring we use for Pride in the Job and Construction Quality Reviews. Scores are 1-6 where 4 indicates compliance with NHBC Standards, 1 is very poor and 6 is outstanding work.
Quality Benchmark Report
Produced for each Key Stage Inspection and where required, any additional Risk Based Inspection stages, this report will provide photos and commentary, a score of 1-6 and will highlight good practice and defects.
Technology Assisted Inspection (TAI)
This functionality allows you to upload photographs for online inspection or re-inspection by our team, sometimes avoiding the need for an inspection visit.
