Thermal Imaging for New Build Homes
Thermal imaging helps us find hidden defects in new build homes - such as missing insulation and air leakage - that cannot be seen by eye. A standard thermal scan is included with every snagging inspection.
Find Hidden Defects
Some of the most important defects in a new build are hidden behind plasterboard, in the loft or within the walls.
A thermal imaging camera shows surface temperature differences that can point to missing insulation, cold bridging, air leakage and other construction defects - problems a visual check alone can miss.
Thermal imaging is part of our wider new build snagging inspection, with a standard thermal scan included every time. For a closer look, you can add an Internal or Full Thermal Inspection. We also carry out end of warranty surveys.
Available October to March only. Thermal inspections need a clear temperature difference between inside and outside, so they are weather and condition dependent.
Drag the slider to reveal the thermal view. Illustration of typical defects found in new build homes.
What We Can Identify
Thermal imaging can highlight signs of the following common new build defects.
Gaps in wall, loft and ceiling insulation that are hidden once a home is plastered and decorated.
Poorly sealed windows, doors, loft hatches and service penetrations letting cold air in.
Cold spots at lintels, junctions and around openings where the insulation is not continuous.
Temperature patterns that can indicate leaking pipework, water ingress or damp.
Radiators that are not heating fully and underfloor heating with cold areas or faulty zones.
Overheating at consumer units, sockets and connections that may need checking by an electrician.
Thermal Options
Every snagging inspection includes a Standard Thermal Scan. If you want a more detailed look, choose one of our thermal inspections.
A thermal imaging scan of accessible areas carried out as part of every pre-completion and post-completion snagging inspection.
It adds an extra layer to the inspection, helping to highlight unusual temperature patterns that may point to hidden defects. Any findings are included within your snagging report.
A more detailed, room-by-room thermal inspection of the inside of the property, with closer investigation of any thermal anomalies found.
Findings are presented in a dedicated thermal report with annotated thermal images, so they can be raised with the developer.
Our most comprehensive thermal service, covering both the inside and outside of the property, including external walls, roofline, windows and doors.
Where further investigation is needed, we use a borescope camera to look inside the wall cavity, so we can check areas such as missing or displaced insulation and debris in the cavity.
Findings are reviewed in detail and presented in a dedicated thermal report, helping identify areas that may need further investigation or remedial work.
| Feature | Standard Thermal Scan | Internal Thermal Inspection | Full Thermal Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Included | £150 | £350 |
| Included with every snagging inspection | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Thermal scan of accessible internal areas | Included | Included | Included |
| Detailed room-by-room internal inspection | Not included | Included | Included |
| Closer investigation of thermal anomalies | Not included | Included | Included |
| External walls, roofline, windows and doors | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Borescope camera inspection of the wall cavity | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Findings included in your snagging report | Included | Included | Included |
| Dedicated thermal report with annotated images | Not included | Included | Included |
| Availability | Where conditions allow | October to March | October to March |
Please note: thermal imaging shows surface temperature differences. Results can be affected by environmental and property conditions such as the outside temperature, wind, rain, direct sunlight, recent heating use, moisture and surface finishes. Thermal findings may indicate a potential defect and some may need further investigation to confirm the cause. As part of a Full Thermal Inspection, we can use a borescope camera to look inside the wall cavity where additional checks are required.
Why Choose Us
Thermal imaging forms part of a wider inspection process, allowing us to combine thermal findings with our experience of new-build construction, insulation installation and common construction defects.
We provide clear, easy-to-understand reports with annotated thermal images showing exactly where potential defects were found, so you can raise them with your developer with confidence.
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Pre-completion and post-completion new build inspections, with drone and thermal scan included as standard.
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Your final chance to find defects and raise them with the developer before your two-year warranty period ends.
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Thermal inspections are available October to March. Book your new build snagging inspection and add an Internal or Full Thermal Inspection when you request your booking.
