Daily Telegraph - Private-sector Inspectors

The next charge – using private-sector inspectors to check new homes.

The article has a quote from a Local Authority employee saying ‘private inspectors used by the main housebuilders are undercutting the costs of local authority ones, leading to the danger of lowering standards’.

Why do builders use private-sector inspectors?

Is it to save money on fees?

If so and the local authority cannot provide a competitive service they should look to their own department’s efficiency rather than complain about the removal of their potential abuse of previous monopoly advantages.

Is it to enable the cutting of corners and failure to meet safe standards?

I doubt that is true although it is the scare tactic being offered by the article. The private-sector inspectors come from NHBC, Zurich Insurance or a similar organisation and they are backing up the quality of the inspections with a financial guarantee.

This is the reason they are used. Buyers look for a 10 year or longer guarantee on a new property and the developers are going to use organisations that will provide this.

There is no lowering of standards. The same building regulations are imposed by both the private and public sectors, although the private sector will be even more cautious when it comes to use of untested materials or new building techniques.

Stay tuned to Property Fortunes...