Hi Albob, yes usually there are several stages in a new build, foundation, walls & roof, windows & first fix, second fix etc. If you have stage payments the builder will look for money after each stage and the engineer goes out to check each stage before the money is released. If you are getting a mortgage for the house the bank will insist you have an engineer to check the stages before they give you the money. A lot of engineers have a set fee for "stages", ring around a few in your area.