WHAT IS HOME SNAGGING?
Creating a home snagging checklist is a vital step in the purchase of a new-build property to ensure you get the quality you have paid for and the highest build standards.
WHAT IS A SNAG?
A snag is a small defect or problem that remains in your new-build property after the building work has been completed. It is typically something that is damaged or broken; not fitted properly or looks unfinished; for example, a scratch on a window or a missing hinge on a door.
Most snags are cosmetic; however more serious defects can arise such as major cracks and kitchen fixtures that are not fitted properly, therefore a thorough property inspection is advisable.
WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR?
Look for surface defects which usually occur on woodwork, paintwork, glazing and tiling. Run your fingers over the surfaces to inspect for chips and scratches and look for splashes of paint and cracks on the walls and ceilings. Use a spirit level to check whether surfaces are level.
Check whether things are fitted/screwed in properly and are in good working order. For example, turn the taps on to see if they leak and if the hot water is running from the correct faucet.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE SAMPLE SNAGGING REPORT
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO MAKE A SNAG LIST?
As soon as you have completed on your property purchase and have the access to the keys is normally the best time to complete a home snagging checklist. You do have two years from your completion date to report any defects (including cosmetic ones) to your house builder which they are legally obliged to fix as part of your property’s warranty.
However the longer you leave it after you have moved in to your new home the harder it could become to prove certain issues were present at the time of exchange, and your house builder could argue that you have caused the damage when you moved in. We advise to book a snagging inspection as soon as possible after completion.
If you are yet to complete on your property you can arrange for a Pre-Completion Inspection before moving into your new home, which will provide a checklist of the condition of the properties main fixtures and fittings. For obvious reasons, it is also easier for contractors to work in an empty property to address any defects or snagging issues.
For a smaller additional fee, we can also book a re-inspection to check defects have been corrected to a high standard, ensure further damage hasn’t been caused during the repairs process and offer support up until your new home warranty has expired.
WHY USE A PROFESSIONAL SNAGGING COMPANY?
Our growing team of qualified inspectors have produced thousands of new-home snagging inspection reports in locations across the UK.
We provide in-depth reports that support you to approach your house builder to fix any defects straight away, alongside expert advice on your warranty rights.
We use professional devices such as drones and Thermal Imaging Cameras* to discover non-visible defects that may be missed by the untrained eye.
We thoroughly inspect all areas of your property including all internal rooms, loft and garage spaces, alongside an external inspection of roofing and garden areas.
Join James as he takes you around part of his snagging inspection on a new-build three bedroom semi-detached home.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST SNAGS?
As mentioned above, snags are a common element of all new-build homes, and no property developer is immune to them. However, always ensure that your builder is signed up to a warranty scheme.
The NHBC’s Buildmark scheme is the most common, which provides approximately 80% of UK property warranties however; there are other equally reputable ones. Your mortgage provider should insist on seeing evidence that the house has a warranty.
Warranties cover a ten year period, with the first two years covering minor issues (snags) as well as structural faults with the remaining eight years solely covering structural issues.
It is important to read the warranty and understand what it does and does not cover you for. Additionally, the Consumer Code for Home Builders is well worth researching, as all builders who are signed up with the main UK home warranty bodies must adhere to this code.
*Please Note: Winter presents the absolute best conditions to complete a thermal imaging survey due to significant temperature differentials between the interior and exterior of homes. Cold outdoor temperatures provide a sharp contrast to heated indoor temperatures making it easier to identify areas of heat loss within the home.
Aerial drone roof inspections are weather and location permitting. Where we cannot use drone cameras due to adverse weather conditions or local flight restrictions, roof inspections will be carried out visually from the ground.
