WHAT IS SNAGGING ?
A snagging survey is designed to check for problems with a new-build home. Developers should fix problems identified in snagging surveys quickly - ideally before you move in.
Unlike traditional house surveys, snagging surveys should pick up everything from minor issues, such as a door that doesn't close properly or a worktop with a less than perfect finish to more serious, structural problems.
When should I get my house snagged?
You should ideally have the snagging survey done in the period between building work being finished and your legal completion date, so the developer has time to fix any snags before you move in.
However, some developers won't allow snagging inspections to be done before completion.
If this is the case with your purchase, you should book in the snagging survey as soon as possible after you've moved in.
You can technically have a snagging survey done at any time during the first two years of living in a new-build home, and the developer must repair any defects reported during this period.
Benefits of a professional snagging report
As you would expect a mechanic to diagnose more problems with a car than an untrained person, a professional snagging company will identify more defects in your property than you will.
A homeowner will identify on average 10 - 20 defects, while a professional snagging company will identify between 150 - 300.
Minor faults which aren't remedied can often lead to more serious problems and become costly and time consuming to rectify. If missed altogether and not reported within the first 2 years of warranty, you will be responsible for the repairs.
A professional home snagging report will ensure that maximum defects are identified and your home is finished to the standard you deserve and paid for.
This small additional cost in what is the biggest and most expensive purchase you will ever make, will give you peace of mind and ensure any repairs necessary will be made by your home builder in a more timely fashion, allowing you to enjoy your new home.
Snags can become a major source of conflict between the builder and the homeowner, their full identification by a professional company will mitigate this.
How does the snagging process work?
The snagging inspection begins on the outside of your new house, checking all external surfaces of the building, drainage, fencing and paving etc. Particular attention is paid to the roof as it a crucial envelope element.
Internally we check every room, inspecting all walls, ceilings, windows, doors and fittings etc, as well as checking the operation of plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
Your report will be a comprehensive list of all defects found together with photographs for each item.Our report will also detail what we expect the builder to do about the defects found.
My new home has been inspected by the warranty company - why do I need a snagging report?
While your warranty provider, such as the NHBC, will do a final inspection on your home before the developer can complete the sale, this is purely a risk assessment for their insurance purposes, and NOT a quality control check. Major issues which evidently contravene building regulations will, in most cases be identified, but general snagging defects are ignored or missed by the warranty provider, as these are the responsibility of the builder and home owner to identify.
