New-build snagging inspection in Porto
Before you accept the keys, a licensed engineer checks workmanship, finishes, building systems and waterproofing, and gives you a photographed defect list to send to the developer.
What we check
- Workmanship and finishes: paint, plaster, tiling, flooring, joinery and fitted kitchens
- Waterproofing: bathrooms, balconies, terraces, window and door junctions
- Windows and doors: operation, seals, alignment, locks
- Electrics: sockets, switches, boards, earthing and RCD protection
- Plumbing: pressure, hot water, drainage, visible leaks
- Ventilation and condensation risk
- Thermal imaging where hidden moisture is suspected
Why it matters
Developers are liable for defects for five years, but that protection is only useful if the defects are documented before you accept the property. A dated, photographed list is what turns “it was like that when I moved in” into a claim the developer has to answer.
Do it before you take the keys. Problems found at handover get fixed under warranty while the builder is still on site, not after months of emails.
The report flagged poor waterproofing in the bathroom, a faulty electrical connection, and finishing work that simply wasn’t up to standard. I went back to the developer with the report, and after 6 long weeks, everything was fixed.
How we rank what we find
The same four levels run through every OHI report, so you always know what to deal with first.
- Immediate
Safety issues
Faulty electrical connections, missing earthing, anything unsafe to use.
- Urgent
Water risks
Poor waterproofing in wet rooms and on balconies. Expensive if left.
- Recommended
Workmanship defects
Misaligned doors, cracked tiles, poor sealing, uneven plaster.
- Monitor
Settlement items
Minor hairline cracks that new buildings commonly show while they settle.
How it works
Send us the listing
A link or the address, plus your phone number. Email, WhatsApp or the form, whichever is easier.
We send your quote
You get a clear quote and a date. We reply within one business day.
Inspection day
A licensed civil engineer inspects the property, photographs every finding and measures what can be measured.
Report in 48 hours
Your report arrives in English and Portuguese, findings ranked by priority. You decide what to do before the CPCV.
Questions about this service
When should I book a snagging inspection?
Before you accept the keys and sign the deed. Once the property is accepted, the developer has less reason to move quickly.
Does it work for off-plan purchases?
Yes. We inspect once the property is finished and before handover.
Can I send the report to the developer?
Yes. The report is written so it can be sent to the developer as a list of defects to correct, with photographs.
What does the developer’s five-year liability cover?
Construction defects in the building. Your lawyer can advise on the exact scope for your purchase. What matters for you is having the defects documented early.
Does it include thermal imaging?
Where hidden moisture is suspected, yes. For a dedicated damp investigation see our moisture inspection.
Ready when you are.
Send us the listing, the address or a short description. You get a quote and a date within one business day.