NHBC Standards general requirements

    General Quality Inspection Checklist

    The checks that apply at every key stage — workmanship and tolerances, materials, weather protection, concealed-work evidence and close-out of previous items.

    20 checks · Reviewed by the ProPlot site team · How we write these guides

    In short

    General quality checks apply at every visit rather than a single stage. They cover workmanship and tolerances against the scoring standard, materials matching the specification, weather protection of exposed work, photographic evidence of concealed elements before covering, and the close-out of Reportable Items raised at earlier visits.

    Use it on site
    Quality cycle diagram — set out, build, protect, recordSet outBuildProtectRecordthe same four moves repeat at every key stageGeneral quality — the cycle behind every visit
    The same four moves repeat at every key stage. Sites that score well are not doing different things, they are doing these four consistently. ProPlot original drawing, prepared from the Building Regulations Approved Documents and British Standards. Indicative only — build to the approved drawings for the plot.

    Not every Reportable Item belongs to a stage. A large share of what gets written up on a UK housing site is general: workmanship that falls below the scoring standard, materials that do not match what was specified, work left exposed to frost, or previous items quietly left open. These are the ones that shape how an inspector scores the site as a whole, and site scoring affects inspection frequency.

    This list is deliberately stage-agnostic. Use it as a weekly quality walk rather than a pre-inspection check — one pass around the plots with these twenty items catches most of what would otherwise turn up on an inspection report. It is also the list to hand a new assistant site manager, because it teaches the habits that keep the other checklists short.

    Two items on it matter more than the rest. First, photographic evidence of concealed work before it is covered: it is the only defence you have when someone questions a buried detail months later. Second, closing out previous items with a date and an image. Open RIs carried between visits are the fastest way to a poor score.

    What happens at this visit

    When it happens

    Weekly, and immediately before any booked key stage inspection. It costs half an hour and consistently removes items from the inspector's report.

    Who inspects

    You. The warranty inspector applies the same standards during any visit, and your score is partly a judgement on general site management rather than a single stage.

    If it fails

    Poor general quality raises inspection frequency, invites closer scrutiny of everything else, and produces the reputational damage of a low site score in front of your technical team and your buyers.

    How this visit is booked and recorded

    Inspection type
    Not a booked visit. These are the cross-stage items that appear in Construction Quality Reviews, Quality Common Scoring and unannounced site visits.
    Notice required
    No notice — site condition, storage and safety are assessed whenever an inspector is on site, including on visits booked for something else.
    What it signs off
    Feeds Quality Common Scoring and the Construction Quality Review, which is visible to your construction director in the NHBC Portal.

    What the inspector will ask for

    • Site Record Book with the Bespoke Technical Risk Management Plan in it
    • Construction phase plan and current risk assessments
    • Material delivery and storage records
    • Previous inspection reports and RI close-out evidence
    • Training and competence records for key trades

    Photograph these moments in time

    • Materials stored off the ground and protected from weather
    • Plot protection and temporary works in good order
    • Housekeeping and safe access routes around the plot
    • Signage, welfare and edge protection
    • Progress photographs filed against the right plot and date

    Concealed work cannot be re-photographed later. Take these before the element is covered and file them against the plot.

    Reportable Item hotspots at this stage

    A Reportable Item (RI) is a defect the inspector records against the plot. NHBC weigh each one by its Damage Potential, and the score feeds your site's Construction Quality Review. These are the ones raised most often here:

    • Materials stored badly and damaged before use
    • Poor housekeeping preventing a proper inspection
    • Missing or out-of-date records in the Site Record Book
    How Reportable Items and Quality Common Scoring work

    The numbers for this stage

    The measurable values most often argued about at the general quality visit, each traced to an openly published source. Take a tape to the ones that apply before you book.

    Critical dimensions that apply at the general quality inspection
    WhatValueType
    Flatness of a finished plasterboard surfaceMeasured on the finished surface in any direction, away from internal cornersCheck with a raking light before decoration — paint makes deviations more obvious, not less.Within 3 mm under a 1.8 m straightedgetolerance
    Floor deck fixing centresBoards laid with the long edge across the joists and joints staggeredCheck fixings land on joist centres and that expansion gaps at the perimeter have been left.300 mm at supported edges, 500 mm at intermediate joistsMaximum
    Floor joist end bearing on masonryBearing directly onto masonry or a wall plate; joist hangers follow the hanger manufacturer's seating insteadCheck the joist is fully seated and not packed up on slate or offcuts.90 mmMinimum
    Joist bearing and pointingTimber joists require a minimum bearing surface, typically 90mm, on supporting masonry or timber to ensure stable load transferCheck that all joists have the specified minimum bearing and that their ends in masonry are correctly pointed or protected.90 mmMinimum
    Lateral restraint for concrete floorsConcrete floors offer lateral restraint to walls when they bear a minimum of 90mm onto the masonryCheck the bearing of concrete floor slabs onto walls; where insufficient, confirm presence, length, and spacing of restraint straps.90 mmMinimum
    Lateral restraint for timber floorsTimber floors can provide lateral restraint to masonry walls if joists have a minimum 90mm bearing onto the wallVerify joist bearing width or the correct installation and specification of restraint straps or hangers where joist bearing is insufficient.90 mmMinimum
    Light steel floor joist spacing and designLight steel floor joists should typically be installed at a maximum spacing of 600mm centre-to-centre, although wider spacings may be permitted if specifically engineeredCheck joist spacing, type, and location against design drawings and ensure all floor openings have appropriately sized trimmers.600 mmMaximum
    Plasterboard fixing centresFixings kept at least 10 mm from cut edges and 13 mm from bound edgesCheck a bay per plot before jointing, including the fixing depth — screws must dimple, not tear the paper.200 mm to ceilings, 300 mm to walls, and 150 mm at board endsMaximum
    Strutting rows by joist spanHerringbone or solid strutting, tight between joists and restrained at the endsCheck strutting is fitted before decking goes down — retrofitting it through a finished floor is impractical.One row over 2.5 m span; two rows over 4.5 mMinimum
    Browse the full critical dimensions library

    The general quality checklist

    0 of 20 ticked — saved on this device

    Workmanship and tolerances

    • Check workmanship standard meets NHBC Quality Common Scoring requirements

      NHBC 1.1
    • Verify construction tolerances are within acceptable limits per NHBC Standards

      NHBC 1.1
    • Confirm correct mortar mix and specification is being used across all trades

      BS EN 1996
    • Check all trade interface details are coordinated and correctly sequenced

      NHBC 1.1

    Materials and specification

    • Verify materials on site match specification and approved product datasheets

      NHBC 1.1
    • Check that work complies with current Building Regulations and approved drawings

      Building Regs
    • Confirm structural elements match engineer specification (steel, timber, masonry)

      AD A
    • Verify site is tidy and well-managed with materials stored correctly

      NHBC 1.1

    Protection of the works

    • Check weather protection measures are in place for exposed work

      NHBC 1.1
    • Confirm drainage and service runs are protected from construction traffic damage

      AD H
    • Check DPC and damp-proofing details are continuous and undamaged

      AD C
    • Check waterproofing details at all vulnerable junctions (abutments, thresholds, window cills)

      AD C

    Fire, thermal and ventilation continuity

    • Verify fire stopping and cavity barrier installations are complete at all required positions

      AD B
    • Verify insulation continuity with no thermal bridging at junctions

      AD L1A
    • Verify ventilation provisions meet Part F requirements at all locations

      AD F

    Records, evidence and close-out

    • Confirm all previous Reportable Items (RIs) from prior inspections have been closed out

      NHBC 1.4
    • Check photographic evidence has been captured for concealed elements before covering

      BREL
    • Verify building control / warranty provider notifications are up to date for stage sign-off

      NHBC 1.4
    • Confirm all safety-critical items are flagged and resolved before next stage

      CDM 2015
    • Confirm Health & Safety provisions are adequate for the work in progress

      CDM 2015

    Above and beyond: site standards that lift every inspection

    These apply on every visit at every stage. They are also the things an inspector notices in the first thirty seconds and that colour everything else they look at. No inspector will fail the visit on these — they are the difference between a plot that passes and a plot that hands over clean.

    • Store materials undercover and off the ground from the moment they land

      Wet plasterboard, warped timber and contaminated aggregate are pure waste, and damaged materials build defects into the plot.

      When: On delivery, every delivery.

    • Keep a clean, safe route into and through every plot

      An inspector picking their way over debris starts the visit already looking for problems, and the trades work slower.

      When: Daily.

    • Protect finished work at every trade handover, and make it somebody's job

      Most damage happens between trades, when nobody owns the plot. Name the person who checks it in and out.

      When: At every trade change.

    • Photograph everything before it is covered up, with the plot number in shot

      Photographic evidence is now expected by warranty providers and it is your entire defence in a dispute.

      When: Continuously.

    • Keep a live record of what has been inspected, what was raised and what closed it out

      A plot with a clean, current record gets an easier visit than one where the answers have to be found.

      When: After every visit.

    • Brief the next trade on what they must not damage or cut

      Airtightness tapes, fire stopping, insulation and labelled services all get destroyed by people who did not know they mattered.

      When: At the start of each trade's work.

    Full inspection point register

    55 inspection points that apply at the general quality stage, each written in our own words from openly published guidance, with how to check it on site and what counts as acceptable. Use the checklist above on the day and this register when you need to settle a detail.

    1. Acceptable Construction Tolerances

      How to check
      Visually inspect finishes for consistency and use measuring tools where necessary to check dimensional accuracy against design tolerances.
      Acceptable when
      All construction work must be completed within acceptable tolerances to ensure satisfactory performance and appearance. Where specific guidance on tolerances is not provided, industry-accepted levels of accuracy for house-building finishes should be followed.
    2. Background dry before plastering

      How to check
      Take moisture readings in the timber and check the plot has been ventilated and heated before boarding and skimming.
      Acceptable when
      Background dry and the plot ventilated, with timber moisture content recorded before boards are fixed
    3. Basic Ground Investigation Requirements

      How to check
      Ensure the Basic Investigation report confirms geotechnical suitability and absence of contamination risks for the proposed development.
      Acceptable when
      For sites where initial assessments indicate no suspected hazards, a Basic Investigation, including both geotechnical and contamination aspects, is the minimum requirement. This investigation, carried out by a competent person, aims to provide assurance and must be recorded appropriately.
    4. Cold weather planning considerations

      How to check
      When planning construction activities in cold weather, external environmental factors such as wind, shade from surrounding structures or topography (e.g., valleys), and their potential to reduce temperatures, must be taken into account.
      Acceptable when
      When planning construction activities in cold weather, external environmental factors such as wind, shade from surrounding structures or topography (e.g., valleys), and their potential to reduce temperatures, must be taken into account. These conditions can affect the curing of materials like concrete and mortar, as well as increase the risk of frost.
    5. Cold Weather Site Management

      How to check
      Verify that site management is actively monitoring weather conditions and implementing appropriate measures (e.g., stopping work or applying protection) when cold weather risks arise.
      Acceptable when
      During cold weather, construction work must be carefully managed with consideration for climatic conditions. This requires advance planning to either temporarily halt operations or implement specific precautions to protect ongoing work and materials. Site management is responsible for deciding appropriate actions to prevent damage and ensure safety.
    6. Cold Weather Working Compliance

      How to check
      Confirm that all cold weather working procedures, as specified in the project documentation, are being rigorously followed on site.
      Acceptable when
      Construction activities undertaken during cold weather must strictly adhere to specified technical requirements and safety protocols. These requirements are in place to safeguard material quality, ensure structural integrity, and protect the health and safety of site personnel. Non-compliance can lead to significant defects and project delays.
    7. Concrete floor restraint strap fixing

      How to check
      Visually check that restraint straps are properly bent into joints or securely fixed with appropriate fastenings into the concrete slab.
      Acceptable when
      When using restraint straps with concrete floors, the end of the strap must be securely anchored. This is achieved by turning the end down into a concrete floor joint or by fixing it effectively with screws into the concrete, ensuring robust connection.
    8. Construction information provision

      How to check
      Confirm that up-to-date and complete design and specification documents are available on site and understood by relevant teams.
      Acceptable when
      Comprehensive design and specification information must be provided in an understandable format and distributed to all relevant personnel, including site managers, subcontractors, and suppliers. This information should include plan dimensions, levels, service routes, and details of service penetrations to ensure correct construction.
    9. Coordination of landscape and foundation designs

      How to check
      Verify that landscape planting plans have been approved by the planning authority and are consistent with the foundation design, especially regarding tree locations.
      Acceptable when
      Effective coordination between landscape and foundation designs is crucial, particularly concerning tree and shrub planting. A qualified landscape architect or similar professional should produce planting schedules, which must be agreed upon with the local planning authority before any site works commence, to ensure compatibility with structural integrity.
    10. Design information for garages

      How to check
      Confirm that all site personnel and subcontractors possess and understand the current, approved design drawings and specifications for garage construction.
      Acceptable when
      Detailed design information and specifications for garages, including construction methods and finishes, must be clearly presented and issued to all relevant parties. This ensures that the construction team, subcontractors, and suppliers have access to all necessary data to execute the work correctly and in accordance with the design intent.
    11. Desk Study for Site Assessment

      How to check
      Verify the desk study report is comprehensive, covers all relevant historical and geological data, and has been reviewed by a qualified professional.
      Acceptable when
      An essential initial step in any site investigation is a desk study, conducted by a competent person, to gather and review existing information about the site and its surroundings. This includes historical and current land uses, geological data, and hydrological conditions, to identify potential hazards early in the project lifecycle.
    12. Documentation of Initial Ground Investigation

      How to check
      Verify that all required documentation for the initial ground investigation is present, legible, and includes all specified elements like site plans, photographs, and source lists.
      Acceptable when
      The results of initial ground investigations must be comprehensively recorded, detailing any suspected hazards and including relevant information such as site plans with historical and proposed layouts, geological data, and photographic records. A clear list of all information sources consulted should also be provided.
    13. Evaluation of Initial Ground Assessment

      How to check
      Confirm that the evaluation report clearly synthesises findings from the desk study and walkover, identifying any potential hazards and recommending next steps.
      Acceptable when
      The findings from both the desk study and the walkover survey must be thoroughly evaluated and documented by a competent individual. This evaluation forms the basis for deciding whether further, more detailed ground investigations are necessary.
    14. Flatness of the finished surface

      How to check
      Run a 1.8 m straightedge over walls and ceilings under a raking light once the finish is dry.
      Acceptable when
      Within 3 mm under a 1.8 m straightedge, with true angles and reveals
      See the measured value
    15. Floor deck fixing and jointing

      How to check
      Check fixing centres, joint stagger and the perimeter expansion gap before the deck is covered or partitions are built off it.
      Acceptable when
      300 mm at supported edges and 500 mm at intermediate joists, joints staggered and glued, with a perimeter expansion gap
      See the measured value
    16. Floor deflection considerations

      How to check
      Verify that the structural design specifies deflection limits for floor areas, particularly around openings and supports for partitions.
      Acceptable when
      When designing and constructing floor structures, especially around openings, careful consideration must be given to deflection. This includes ensuring that deflections of trimming joists are consistent with main joists and managing overall floor deflection to prevent adverse impacts on adjacent elements.
    17. Geotechnical and Contamination Site Assessment

      How to check
      Ensure that a current and complete site investigation report, including a contamination risk assessment if applicable, is available on site.
      Acceptable when
      Prior to construction, a comprehensive site assessment must be conducted to identify both geotechnical characteristics and potential contamination. Where contamination is suspected, a 'Source-Pathway-Receptor' framework, often represented by a Conceptual Model, is used to assess the pollutant linkage, as all three elements must be present for contamination to be active.
    18. Geotechnical site investigation standards

      How to check
      Confirm that the site investigation contractor is accredited and that their report references BS EN 1997-2.
      Acceptable when
      Geotechnical site investigations for building projects in the UK must adhere to BS EN 1997-2 and recognised industry best practices. This includes careful consideration of the investigation techniques employed, the methods for sampling ground materials, and the types of laboratory and in-situ testing conducted to characterise the site.
    19. Geotechnical testing standards

      How to check
      Confirm that all laboratory test reports specify accreditation details and relevant test standards.
      Acceptable when
      Geotechnical testing can be performed in-situ or in a laboratory, covering a range of properties such as strength, deformation, settlement, and permeability. Laboratory tests should be conducted by UKAS or MCERTS accredited facilities that participate in quality assurance programmes. These tests provide essential data for foundation design and ground engineering.
    20. Ground Investigation Procedure

      How to check
      Verify that all stages of ground investigation have been completed and documented according to the identified site hazards.
      Acceptable when
      The initial phase of ground investigation for any construction project in the UK begins with an Initial Assessment, comprising a desk study and a walkover survey. If these indicate no suspected hazards, a Basic Investigation is then conducted; however, if hazards are suspected, a more detailed investigation is required.
    21. Handling and lifting of offsite manufactured systems

      How to check
      Confirm that lifting plans are followed, appropriate lifting equipment is used, and units are handled carefully to prevent damage.
      Acceptable when
      Offsite manufactured systems and units must be handled strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This includes adhering to specified lifting methods, using designated lifting points, and taking precautions to minimise the risk of damage during transport and placement on site.
    22. Indirect site investigation techniques

      How to check
      N/A
      Acceptable when
      Site investigations can utilise indirect geophysical techniques, such as electromagnetic or seismic surveys, to interpret subsurface conditions without intrusive excavation. These methods measure variations in physical properties of the ground to map features like soil strata, rockhead, or potential anomalies, providing a preliminary overview of the site.
    23. Information provision for fitments

      How to check
      Verify that the site team and subcontractors have received and understood the latest relevant specifications and drawings for all fitments.
      Acceptable when
      Clear and comprehensive designs and specifications for finishings and fitments are essential. These documents must be readily understandable, contain all necessary information, and be distributed to all relevant personnel, including site supervisors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers. Effective information flow prevents errors and ensures correct installation.
    24. Joist end bearing on masonry

      How to check
      Measure the actual bearing at a sample of joists on each wall before decking, and check hangers are fully seated with every hole nailed.
      Acceptable when
      At least 90 mm bearing on masonry, or hangers fully seated with all fixing holes filled
      See the measured value
    25. Joist end cap sealing

      How to check
      Inspect all joist end caps to ensure they are properly fitted and fully sealed with adhesive, without gaps.
      Acceptable when
      Where joist end caps are used, they must be fully sealed with an appropriate adhesive, such as D4 glue, to provide a continuous moisture barrier. This prevents moisture ingress into the timber and protects the joist ends from degradation.
    26. Joist support cleat installation

      How to check
      Verify that joist cleats match the design, are correctly positioned, and use the specified fasteners.
      Acceptable when
      Joist support cleats must be of the correct type as specified in the structural design and be accurately fitted in their designated locations. All fixings used for cleats must comply with the design specifications to ensure a robust connection.
    27. Ladder positioning for safety

      How to check
      Verify that ladders are securely footed on stable ground, correctly angled (approximately 75 degrees), and adequately secured to prevent movement, while being clear of adjacent hazards.
      Acceptable when
      Ladders used on construction sites must be securely placed on a firm, level surface and angled correctly to prevent movement. Their base should also be positioned safely away from areas with high activity or potential hazards, such as loading bays.
    28. Lateral restraint with upper floors

      How to check
      Review structural drawings and onsite installation to ensure compatibility between wall and floor restraint systems.
      Acceptable when
      The provision of lateral restraint to masonry walls is integrally linked with the design and construction of upper floor structures. The methods and details for achieving adequate restraint must comply with established standards for timber and concrete floors.
    29. LSF Design Information Provision

      How to check
      Ensure that the site has a full, current set of approved design drawings and specifications, including specific fire stopping details.
      Acceptable when
      Comprehensive and clearly understandable designs and specifications for light steel frame construction must be provided to all relevant personnel, including site supervisors and specialist subcontractors. This documentation should detail drawings, material specifications, wall build-ups, and the precise locations and types of fire stops and cavity barriers.
    30. Managing Identified Ground Hazards

      How to check
      Check that all ground remediation works are being carried out in strict accordance with the approved method statements and design drawings.
      Acceptable when
      Where ground hazards are identified during site investigation, specific design precautions or remediation measures must be implemented to mitigate their potential impacts. Should unforeseen hazards be discovered during the construction phase, further investigation is mandated to reassess risks and determine appropriate actions.
    31. Material conformity check for delivered steelwork

      How to check
      Compare delivered steelwork against the project's structural drawings and specifications to confirm correct section sizes and grades.
      Acceptable when
      Upon delivery to site, all steelwork must be carefully checked to ensure it conforms to the engineer's design specifications. This includes verifying the correct section sizes and grades as detailed in the structural drawings or relevant technical chapters.
    32. Materials stored off the ground and covered

      How to check
      Inspect the compound weekly: bagged goods, boards, insulation and joinery raised on a level base and sheeted, with stock rotated.
      Acceptable when
      No material in standing water or in direct ground contact; moisture-sensitive goods covered and on a raised level base
    33. Minimum bolt dimensions for joists

      How to check
      Check that the bolt type, diameter, and edge distances conform to the structural engineer's specifications for bolted connections in timber.
      Acceptable when
      When fixing timber members with bolts, specific minimum dimensions relative to the bolt diameter (d) are required for effective load transfer and to prevent timber failure. This includes minimum edge distances and spacing between bolts.
    34. Notching/drilling of trimmers

      How to check
      Visually inspect all trimmers and trimming joists for unauthorised notching or drilling during the floor framing stage.
      Acceptable when
      Trimmers and trimming joists should not be notched or drilled unless explicitly designed and verified by structural calculations. Altering these critical members can significantly reduce their load-bearing capacity and compromise the floor structure.
    35. Percolation Test Procedure

      How to check
      Review recorded percolation test results to ensure the correct procedure was followed and the data supports the chosen drainage solution.
      Acceptable when
      A percolation test assesses the soil's ability to absorb water, which is critical for designing foul water drainage systems like septic tank soakaways. The procedure involves excavating a test hole, pre-soaking it, then refilling it and timing how long the water takes to drain, repeating this to calculate an average percolation value.
    36. Planning for Cold Weather Conditions

      How to check
      Ensure that the site has a documented plan for managing cold weather impacts on construction activities and material storage.
      Acceptable when
      Effective planning must account for potential cold weather conditions throughout the construction period. This includes anticipating freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, and incorporating measures to mitigate their impact on materials, plant, and personnel. Proactive strategies minimise disruption and maintain quality standards.
    37. Plasterboard fixing centres

      How to check
      Spot check fixings on ceilings, walls and board ends before skimming, and look for overdriven heads breaking the paper.
      Acceptable when
      200 mm to ceilings, 300 mm to walls and 150 mm at board ends, held clear of board edges and not overdriven
      See the measured value
    38. Proper Storage of Concrete Materials

      How to check
      Check that cement is stored in dry conditions, off the ground, and aggregates are clean and free from contamination.
      Acceptable when
      All materials intended for use in concrete, such as cement and aggregates, must be stored correctly to prevent any degradation of their performance. Improper storage can compromise the final quality and properties of the cured concrete.
    39. Protecting construction materials from weather

      How to check
      Verify that all susceptible materials, such as insulation, timber, or bagged goods, are stored in dry, sheltered conditions.
      Acceptable when
      Construction materials should be protected from adverse weather conditions to prevent damage, degradation, and waste. Materials should be stored undercover or inside appropriate facilities as soon as they are delivered to site.
    40. Protection and storage of roof trusses

      How to check
      Before lifting, check stored trusses for signs of distortion, timber deterioration, or corrosion on metal plate fasteners.
      Acceptable when
      Trussed rafters must be protected from damage, deterioration, and distortion prior to and during installation. They should be stored clear of the ground, vertically and propped, with level bearers, and protected from weathering to prevent plate corrosion and timber degradation. Proper ventilation during storage is also essential.

    Most common reasons this visit fails

    Substituted products

    A merchant supplies an equivalent and nobody checks it against the specification or the SAP inputs. Record every substitution and get it approved.

    Medium — but it depresses the site’s Quality Common Score.

    Masonry built in frost

    Unprotected work in cold or wet weather produces damage that appears weeks later. Cover the work and record that you did.

    Medium — inspectors abandon visits they cannot carry out safely.

    RIs carried forward

    Items that "will be done with the next lift" appear on the next report as repeats, which carry more weight than a first mention.

    Medium — records are the cheapest thing on site to get right.

    No photographs of buried work

    Reinforcement, trays, barriers and insulation are all invisible within days. A dated, plot-tagged image takes seconds and settles arguments.

    Low to medium — quick to fix, quick to recur.

    General Quality inspection FAQs

    Store materials undercover, cover finished work at every trade handover, and make the plot somebody's responsibility between trades. Most damage happens in the gap when nobody owns the plot.

    A defect or omission the inspector considers a departure from the standards, recorded on the inspection report and required to be corrected. Repeated or unresolved items influence the site's score and how frequently it gets inspected.

    Inspectors score the quality of what they see against the standards at each visit. Consistently clean visits produce a high score; repeated or unresolved items pull it down and can trigger additional inspections.

    Weekly as a minimum, and always the day before a booked inspection. Most sites find that a single structured walk removes the majority of what would otherwise be written up.

    A dated photograph per plot and per element, with something in the frame that identifies the location. Reinforcement, cavity trays, wall ties, insulation, cavity barriers and drainage before backfill are the priorities.

    It influences them. Providers weight inspection frequency towards sites with a poor record, so a consistently clean site is generally left to get on with it.

    Run this checklist live on site

    ProPlot's audit tool includes these general quality checks as interactive helpers — tick items off, attach GPS-stamped photos, and share the report with your inspector in one tap. Free while in beta.

    Go deeper: Quality Intelligence

    Our free, cited reference library — critical dimensions, build stage guidance, common defects and plain-English guides.