Ensure all quotes use the same information first
Before comparing quotes, organise information such as the saleable area, property address, unit type, floor level, and on-site access conditions, and provide the same set of data to each service provider. If one quote is based on saleable area while another uses different metrics, or if transport and staircase arrangements haven't been calculated, the two totals cannot be directly compared.
At the same time, explain the issues you most want to understand, such as handover appearance, normal operation of equipment, water stains near windows, or decoration handover. Ask the other party to explain whether these requirements fall within their service scope, rather than inferring that all problems will definitely be found based on promotional terms like "comprehensive inspection".
- Consistent source of area
- Consistent address and floor information
- Consistent priority requirements and on-site limitations
Distinguish between observation, operational testing, and specialist assessments
General property inspections can record the condition of accessible, visible, and authorised areas at the time; however, obstructions in different units, water/electricity supply, and equipment conditions will affect the actual scope. When comparing, ask clearly how inaccessible parts will be recorded, rather than assuming that not mentioning an issue means it has been verified as non-existent.
Structural safety certification, statutory window inspections, electrical engineering certification, and hidden water leakage investigations have their own requirements and should not be confused with general property inspections. If what you need is a specialist assessment, confirm whether you need to engage relevant qualified persons separately; having more tools or a longer checklist does not guarantee that all hidden issues will be discovered.
- Ask clearly about visible and obstructed areas
- Confirm whether equipment operation is permitted
- Verify qualifications and scope separately for specialist assessments
Ask clearly whether the deliverables are convenient for your follow-up
The value of the service lies not just in pointing out a few problems on-site, but in whether you can understand the locations, what is observed, and who you should query for the next steps. You can ask the other party to explain how they will record uninspected locations, how they distinguish between surface phenomena and unconfirmed causes, and the report delivery method and typical time required.
This website provides digital property inspection reports, which do not include photos, and are usually issued on the next working day. Property owners can take and save their own photos to follow up with developers or contractors using the problem list. Do not simply assume that the content or effect of another quote is exactly the same as this website just because the delivery format is different.
- Issue locations and observations must be clear
- Unconfirmed causes cannot be treated as final conclusions
- Understand the report delivery method before booking
Compare basic fees separately from extra charges
This website calculates fees based on HK$4.5 per square foot of saleable area and compares it with the minimum fee for the applicable group, taking the higher of the two; the minimum fee is not a fixed quote for the entire group. When comparing different companies, you should check their respective calculation methods; you cannot treat this website's pricing as the standard market rate for all property inspection companies in Hong Kong.
Extra charges will also affect the total amount. Our high-pressure water jet test requires permission and incurs an additional HK$200; staircase fees and remote area surcharges must be confirmed based on the address. If other service providers have different combinations of items, list them separately before comparing the final comprehensive quote with the content you actually need.
- Verify unit prices and minimum fee calculation methods
- Confirm extra charges item by item
- One company's price cannot represent the entire market
Take defect rectification and reinspection arrangements into consideration
Inspection, contractor defect rectification, and reinspection are different steps. Initial discovery of a problem does not mean the other party has admitted liability or promised repairs; owners must still submit a list according to the contract and the procedures of the relevant parties. When comparing services, you may learn how they handle follow-up queries and whether there is an extra charge for a second visit.
This website charges separately for reinspections, calculated at HK$2.5 per square foot of saleable area, with a minimum of HK$1,000, whichever is higher. This is not a free re-visit or repair guarantee; you should provide the status of completed defect rectification first, then confirm the inspection scope and arrangements. If specialist engineering problems need to be investigated, you may also need to find relevant professionals separately.
- Clarify the division of responsibilities between inspection and repairs
- Confirm whether re-visits or reinspections incur extra charges
- Keep the original list and the other party's written response
Use clear confirmation records to make the final decision
When making the final choice, you can organise each quote into the same categories: basic inspection, inaccessible areas, deliverables, additional items, timing, and follow-up arrangements. If there is ambiguous content, get a clear answer first to avoid finding out after payment that the service you expected is not included.
It is not advisable to rely solely on the cheapest option, the one with the most items, or the most certain promises. A more practical method of comparison is to see whether the other party can clearly define their service and limitations, explain the records to be delivered, and provide a formal quote that can be verified. Keep the confirmed content for a consistent basis if you need to make changes or enquiries later.
- Organise the same set of comparison categories
- Ask clearly about ambiguous promises
- Use formally confirmed content rather than promotional text as the standard
FAQs
Does a higher number of items mean the property inspection is more comprehensive?
Not necessarily. Different companies may split the same inspection task into different numbers of items. You should compare the actual scope, operational conditions, recording methods, and limitations; you cannot judge that all hidden problems will be discovered based solely on the length of the list.
Does a higher quote mean they can prove the unit structure is safe?
No. Price and general inspection checklists cannot replace a structural safety assessment or other statutory inspections. If there are specific concerns, you must confirm the required professional qualifications, assessment methods, and the scope of the commission to make separate arrangements.
After receiving the total price, what other details do you need to ask about?
At the very least, check the area and minimum fee calculation method, extra charges, the scope of what can be entered and operated, the report delivery method, and fee arrangements for returning to the site. Keep the responses in the formal quote or written confirmation.
