Why do I need a professional Snagging Survey?
Updated: Jul 23
What is a Snagging Survey and why do I need one?
Buying a brand new home should mean moving into a property finished to a high standard. In reality, new build homes often contain defects, incomplete work and installation issues that may not be obvious at first glance.
Having spent many years working on residential construction sites, we have seen these situations first-hand. We understand how new homes are built, where quality issues commonly arise, and the types of defects that can appear once a property is completed.
Many homeowners assume that a brand new property should be perfect. However, the reality of modern housebuilding means defects are common across developments
Why New Build Homes Often Have Defects
Large developments can involve dozens of trades working on hundreds of properties simultaneously. With strict build programmes, site managers are often working to completion targets while coordinating multiple contractors across different plots.
This leads to issues such as:
Rushed finishing work
Trades working over each other’s installations
Damage occurring during the final stages of construction
Temporary fixes to meet completion deadlines
Incomplete installations hidden behind finished surfaces
Inadequate in-house checks and rushed sign offs
These issues are not always obvious during a standard walkthrough of the property, which is why many homeowners choose to commission an independent snagging survey.
How a professional Snagging Survey Helps You
A snagging survey provides you with an independent inspection of your new home to ensure that it has been finished to the standard expected and deserved. It helps you:
Identify defects early
Highlight issues with workmanship, installation or finishing before they become larger problems.
Strengthen your position with the developer
A professionally presented report provides clear evidence when raising issues with your builder.
Reduce disruption later
Identifying problems early allows many issues to be addressed while your property is still under the developer’s warranty.
Uncover hidden performance issues
Specialist checks such as thermal imaging and ventilation testing can identify problems that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Move forward with confidence
You gain a clear understanding of the condition and performance of your new home.
Can I do my own Snagging Survey?
You can carry out your own checks when you move into your new home, but many defects are not always obvious without the experience and knowledge of someone familiar with new build construction and surveying.
Our professional snagging surveys are carried out by an experienced surveyor who understands how new homes are built, the standards developers are expected to meet, and the types of defects that commonly arise during and after construction.
What’s more, the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) guidance sets out that the inspector should be a member of a recognised professional body experienced in residential surveying.
If you have a dispute with your developer which you have to take to the New Home Ombudsman Service (NHOS) for resolution, which will stand up? Your own snag list or a professional survey by a competent experienced professional fulfilling the NHQB guidance.
As members of the RPSA (Residential Property Surveyors Association), our snagging surveys are carried out by qualified surveyors using specialist equipment done methodically, in detail, are evidenced, and are documented against your builder warranty tolerances – clear, robust and logical.
Find out what's included in a professional Snagging Survey ⬇️
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