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Tell Nick the address, your concerns and your decision deadline.
New build and new home inspections in Auckland & Waikato
New doesn’t mean
nothing to question.
Independent new build and new home inspections in Auckland and Waikato, so you can raise visible defects with your builder before handover or settlement.
Discuss your property
CASTLEBRIDGE Independent building intelligence
What it is
Confidence at completion starts with careful scrutiny.
Nick Roberts · Professional memberships
FRICSChartered Building Surveyor · RICS Fellow
MNZIBSNew Zealand Institute of Building SurveyorsService led by Nick Roberts, FRICS · MNZIBS.
A new construction inspection, often called a new build or handover inspection, is an independent check of a newly built home, carried out for you rather than for the builder or developer. It looks at the visible condition and workmanship of the accessible parts of the building before you take it over.
Visible defects in framing, drainage, the building envelope or finishing can be difficult to recognise when your attention is on moving in. Nick records what he finds, so you have a clear list of matters to raise with your builder or developer before handover or settlement.
Each engagement is tailored to the stage of the project and your requirements. Agree the scope and access with Nick so the review addresses the questions that matter before handover or settlement.
Who it’s for
- Buyers of a newly built home before settlement
- Owners preparing for handover from their builder
- Buyers in new developments across Auckland and Waikato, including South Auckland and Franklin
- Anyone who wants an independent record before raising issues with a builder
What Nick inspects
- Exterior cladding, junctions and flashings
- Roofing, spouting and downpipes
- Windows, doors and the seals around them
- Interior linings, finishing and workmanship
- Ground clearances and visible site drainage
Always within the agreed scope and safe, reasonable access.
What you receive
Clear scope.
Useful answers.
- 01Independent review of accessible new construction
- 02Visible defects and workmanship concerns
- 03A clear record of matters to discuss before handover
- 04Practical next steps and a personal report briefing
Limitations
What it can’t
tell you.
A new construction inspection reports on the visible, accessible parts of the building on the day. It doesn’t replace council inspections or the code compliance certificate, and it can’t confirm what’s concealed behind finished linings. Where the evidence warrants it, Nick will recommend further investigation.
Next step
Personally inspected. Personally explained.
Clarity in three steps.
Agree the right scope
Confirm the inspection, access, fee and reporting timeframe before work begins.
Understand the findings
Receive your report and discuss the priorities with the person who inspected the property.
Before you book
New Construction Inspections:
your questions answered.
When should I arrange an inspection?
Contact Nick as early as possible with the anticipated completion or handover date. He will advise on timing and confirm the appropriate scope.
Is this the same as a handover inspection?
Yes. Many people call it a handover, new build or pre-settlement inspection. It gives you an independent record of visible defects and workmanship concerns to raise with your builder or developer before you take over the home.
Does this replace a council inspection?
This is an independent building condition assessment. Statutory inspections, approvals and certification remain separate from the agreed Castlebridge inspection.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. You receive a written new build inspection report of the findings, with an opportunity to discuss the issues and priorities directly.
A conversation first
Make your next decision
an informed one.
Share the property and the questions that matter to you.