WHAT IS SNAGGING?
When you purchase your new home, you have a vision that it will be perfect, pristine and flawless. But in reality, this is sadly not always the case. New build homes are becoming increasing acknowledged as having problems or snags that can range from minor cosmetic issues to more serious structural issues caused by substandard workmanship.
​
An inspection of your new build home, whether that be a 6 bedroom house or a flat, is to pinpoint any problems or snags that your housebuilder should rectify. Our inspections will flag anything from a serious defect that breaches building regulations, to less serious but none the less important cosmetic defects. We compile this list on your behalf which you then present to your housebuilder to rectify within your warranty period. You can of course compose a list yourself, but to protect yourself from future out of warranty repair costs, it is strongly advised to employ a specialist snagger to produce this.
​
Our inspection will check finishes, from plastering and painting, doors and frames, fixtures and fitting and all external finishes. This includes brickwork, guttering, vents, weep holes in a non exhaustive list. We also check for any potential plumbing and electrical issues that may not be immediately apparent. There are bolt-on's listed in the pricing page such as thermal imaging inspection to ensure your home has been insulated correctly and the heating is performing as required. We will also check your home has been built in accordance is with all National House Build Council (NHBC) or Local Authority Building control (LABC) regulations, depending on who has provided your warranty.
​
​
​
Areas we check for potential snags:
-
Ceilings & walls
-
Internal paintwork & tiling
-
Flooring, skirting & architraves
-
Kitchen & bathroom fittings
-
Pipes & radiators
-
Heating thermal images
-
Windows, doors & frames
-
Staircases & general woodwork
-
Appliances & fireplaces
-
Loft areas
-
Brickwork, roof tiling & structure
-
External pipes, paintwork & drainage
-
Fences, gates, drives & pathways
-
Soft landscaping
Why Should I use a professional snagging service?
You as a new home owner can produce your own snagging list. But there are many reasons in favour of hiring a professional snagging company such as ourselves. We can save you time and stress and offer you an extensive snagging report you can present directly to your homebuilder.
​
We know what to look for and are aware of common problems associated with new build houses and flats. Our years of experience in construction means we can quickly identify problems not immediately apparent to the average new home owner.
​
If you are spending anywhere from £100,000 to £1 million plus on a new home or flat we would advise that a snagging report is a good investment to protect the money you have spent on your property.
​
A snagging inspection can also be useful following an extension or major renovation project.
​
Snagging services are also highly recommended for property investors too. It would be much better for us to find that your new buy-to-let has defects than your new tenant!
​
Most commonly, if you’ve already moved in and are having problems with your new build developer then a professional snagging report can help give weight to your case.
​
​
​
How important is snagging right now?
​
​
It is commonly known that new houses are being built at record levels. The developers put pressure on the builders to complete in short time frames, and along with there is a nationwide shortage of skilled trades. This creates an environment where potentially corners can be cut and problems can be overlooked.
​
This is evidenced by various media reports, including one here from the Guardian:
​
Shelter has found that 51% of new build homes have major faults.
​
And suggests that the quality of new-build homes is falling below standard.
​
There are numerous individual examples too... A BBC Radio 5 Live story reported on a new house which the builder said had 156 defects... on further thorough investigation, it had 354 different defects!
​
​
What is the difference between a snagging report and a survey?
Surveys and valuations are carried out with the mortgage provider rather than the home owner in mind.
​
Our snagging reports include inspection of many items surveyors would not check. Items such as faulty weepholes, garden fencing and gates not being plumb, or a leaking drainage pipe on your bath would not usually be checked by a surveyor, but are still serious and costly to rectify.