A new flat is not a free warranty — inspection is your insurance

An inspection (also called snagging) is, before handover or during the defects liability period, hiring a professional surveyor to check the unit’s structure and finishing — walls and tiling, doors and windows, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing — and produce a defects list for the developer or seller to fix.

For a new flat, inspection is your last gate before signing the "satisfaction note"; for a resale, it is how you confirm the condition within the "inspection period" and avoid nasty surprises after completion.

New flats in Hong Kong typically carry a defects liability period (commonly about 12 months), during which the developer fixes defects free of charge; after it lapses, repairs are the owner’s cost. Inspection’s job is to record every defect within that window and push for fixes.

Inspection fees commonly run about HK$3,000–8,000 (depending on size and scope), very light against repair bills that can run into the tens of thousands later.

Common checks: hollow tiles and cracks on walls and floors; door/window operation and water-tightness; drainage flow; sockets and wiring; waterproofing tests in bathroom and kitchen; and whether the unit dimensions match the plan.

Surveyors differ widely in checklist and depth. Before engaging, confirm the scope and report format rather than comparing fee alone.

Hong Kong has surveyors and firms with professional qualifications (e.g. RPS, MRICS). You can book a surveyor directly, or use a referral platform to collect several quotes at once and compare fee and scope.

When choosing, confirm whether they provide a written report, whether they advise on defects-period follow-up, and whether they are licensed or members of a professional body.