New Build Snagging Surveys

It is understandable that buying a newly built property can be a stressful process evn though by their nature they are meant to be “trouble free”. That is why here at Arbery Surveyors we fully appreciate how daunting this process can be.

As a result, we at Arbery Surveyors offer a snagging service for new builds to ensure your home meets your requirements.

Upon receiving the keys to your new home, your builder will ask you for a list of any defects, snags, or issues you find in your new home.

You may find it strange that you are asked to find faults with your brand-new property, but you must remember that many trades have worked together to hand build your house in all-weather.

There are several defects and poor workmanship in new homes that are common today. The construction industry is plagued with inexperienced and poorly skilled tradesmen who take little or no pride in the work they are performing. When you combine this with the government’s demands for more homes and the housebuilders’ need to satisfy their shareholders, it’s not surprising the industry has a poor reputation for delivering quality new homes.

Many times, customers are left to foot the bill for defects they notice too late or are unable to identify without specialist equipment and knowledge. This is why Arbery Surveyors recommends you have a full snagging survey of your new home completed, before you move in.

As snagging surveyors, we have experience in new build houses and apartments, not only compiling a comprehensive snagging report, but also creating a detailed snagging document, so that your builder can act promptly to remedy the defects we find.

You should have your snagging inspection carried out preferably before you take legal completion (unfortunately, most builders will not allow this), as it is more convenient for you and will cause you the least disruption after you move in. This will also give the developer more time to remedy any defects we have highlighted.

Our recommendation is that you have a snagging survey carried out as soon as possible following handover, or at least within two months of moving in. Most house builders will have a customer care charter which outlines the procedures and timeframes for reporting defects to their customer care department which you should be familiar with.

A detailed comprehensive photographic snagging report, which you will receive no later than 3 working days post survey, electronically, complies all the minor and major defects found within your new home based on our extensive knowledge and experience in the industry.

An inspection for snagging is not a structural or valuation report, but rather a visual check.

The inspection usually takes between two and four hours, and our reports contain a summary of all the defects that we have found.

Through snagging, we commonly find roofing problems, poor insulation, thermal bridges, poor brickwork, leaks, violations of the building codes and NHBC/LABC standards, and cosmetic issues, such as damaged kitchen units, woodwork, and finishes.

During your new-build property’s snagging inspection, we will perform the following checks:

• Roofing tiles and/or slates

• Rainwater gutters and downspouts

• Driveways and gardens

• Fences, gates, etc.

• Driveways

• Paths, hardstanding areas and patios

• Aspects of all elevations, including garages and outbuildings

• Inspection of the loft if applicable

• Windows and doors on the exterior

• Decorative and plastering work

• Skirting boards, architraves, and internal doors

• Aspects of ironmongery

• The kitchen furniture

• The sanitary fittings

• The walls, flooring, ceilings, and staircases

• Tilling of walls and floors

• Testing for leaks in the plumbing system

• Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations

• Any breach of building regulations

• Poor workmanship

If you would like an instant quote for one of our surveys, please call us to speak to one of our advisors or click the ‘GET A QUOTE’ button below.