PIDS specialised inspections are designed to verify that your new build is in strict adherence to all Portuguese building standards, embodying a solid foundation of quality, safety, and compliance.
Ensure your newly constructed property in Portugal surpasses all quality and compliance benchmarks with our comprehensive new construction inspections. From the structural integrity of the foundation to the installation of fixtures, our expert team meticulously examines every detail.
A snagging inspection differs from a general pre-purchase inspection in one critical respect: it identifies workmanship defects, installation errors and unfinished items the builder must rectify before you accept the apartment. We follow the PIDS Snagging Checklist - 17 inspection areas, 150+ checkpoints, and a 4-tier severity rating applied to every snag.
Addressing issues before handover means the developer - not you - is responsible for fixing them. Once you accept the property, any defects become your problem to prove were pre-existing.
Specific checkpoints across 17 inspection areas, room by room
On-site snagging inspection - thorough and systematic
Bilingual snag report delivered within 2 working days
Independent of the developer - we work for you
Every snag we identify is recorded for the builder to rectify. Severity ratings indicate urgency and how strongly to push for rectification before signing - they don't designate any defect as acceptable.
Aesthetic imperfections — paint drips, light scuffs, small surface scratches. Builder must rectify as part of the snag list, typically batched into the post-handover punch list agreed in writing. Buyer's discretion on handover.
Workmanship issues affecting finish quality — misaligned door, grout gap, loose handle, kickboard chip. Builder must rectify as part of the snag list, before handover or via written punch-list agreement. Buyer's discretion on handover.
Significant defects affecting function, finish quality, or durability — leak under a sink, cracked tile, faulty appliance, HVAC not cooling. We strongly recommend the buyer does not sign until the builder has rectified these.
Serious defects affecting safety, structural integrity, or essential services — electrical fault, major water ingress, gas leak. Do not accept handover until resolved.
A systematic, room-by-room assessment of every accessible element of your new apartment, building common areas, and the systems that serve them.
Even brand-new properties in Portugal regularly have defects. Here are the most common issues our inspectors identify before handover.
Uneven finishes, gaps in tiling, incorrectly fitted fixtures, and sloppy render application that should be corrected before handover.
Items listed in the specification that haven't been installed or finished, including landscaping, fittings, or technical systems.
Materials, fittings, or finishes that don't match what was promised in your purchase contract (CPCV) - cheaper substitutions, downgrades, or wrong models that the developer should correct before you sign off.
Flat roofs, terraces, and balconies that don't drain correctly or have failed waterproofing membranes - very common in new builds.
Cracks in newly applied render or plaster, uneven floors or walls, and gaps around window and door frames that indicate movement.
Electrical systems without proper RCDs, missing smoke detectors, or ventilation that doesn't meet Portuguese standards.
Air conditioning units, hot water systems, or plumbing that hasn't been properly commissioned or tested before handover.
Portuguese construction has its own regulations, certifications, and developer practices. Our PIDS snagging inspections are designed for the realities of the Portuguese new-build market, helping buyers identify and document the snags that matter at handover.
Portuguese law provides a defects-liability framework for construction. A photograph-supported snag report at handover gives you a clear record of conditions on the day. For specific questions about your rights, we recommend consulting a Portuguese lawyer.
We confirm whether the Licença de Utilização (Habitation Licence) and Energy Performance Certificate are present on file at the time of inspection. We do not certify or audit these documents - validity is a legal matter for your lawyer.
Portuguese building regulations include minimum railing heights and guardrail spacing for child safety. Where we observe potential deficiencies on balconies, stairs, or terraces, these are reported for the developer's attention.
Portuguese law requires a current periodic inspection certificate for lifts in residential buildings. Where access is permitted, we photograph the displayed certificate at handover and report missing or expired documentation for the developer's attention.
From scheduling to a developer-ready snag report - clear, fast, and professional.
You book your inspection with PIDS at least 3 days before the inspection date, share the property details and your sales specification or contract annex (CPCV) for review, and ensure water and electricity are switched on at the apartment so the inspector can carry out a full check.
Our inspector follows the PIDS Snagging Checklist room by room - common areas, unit exterior, interior finishes, every room, MEP systems, fire and moisture. Every snag is photographed with a scale reference and assigned a severity rating in real time.
Within 48 hours you receive a full PDF report - photographic evidence, descriptions, severity classifications, and a prioritised snag list ready to send to your developer. Delivered in English and Portuguese.
Each new construction inspection report provides an in-depth analysis of the property's condition - invaluable for discussions with the developer before final acceptance.
Get your independent pre-handover inspection before you sign. Qualified Portuguese architects and civil engineers - bilingual report in 48 hours. From €550.
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