New-Build Checklist: What Is A Snagging Survey?

Contributed Content

Image Source

 

If you’re finally moving into a new house, you might’ve already considered setting up your Wi-Fi, ordering your waste bins from the council and all the mod-cons – but what about a snagging survey? With asking prices for UK homes rising higher than ever before, it’s important to make sure all the important checks are done right. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what exactly a snagging survey is, along with what makes it such an important task during the process of moving into a new-build property.  

 

Snagging surveys explained 

Simply put, a snagging survey is designed to be thorough check for issues and construction faults within a new-build home.  

With over 216,000 new homes supplied in the UK in 2020/21 alone, local authorities face immense time pressure in building accommodation – which sometimes leads to defects. 

While some developers won’t allow snagging inspections before the house is completed, the best time to undertake one is the period between building work being finished and your specific legal completion date. That way, the developer should have time to fix any problems before move-in day. 

 

What’s included in a snagging list? 

Checks during a snagging inspection are usually expected to focus on the following areas: 

• Interior and cosmetic detail 

• Structural integrity 
• Electrics 
• Plumbing 
• Exterior, including drive, garage, and garden 

Common interior complaints on new-build homes include decorative issues like peeling paintwork and poor plastering. Not just inconvenient and unattractive, these flaws can be expensive to fix, off-putting to potential buyers, and could even compromise insulation.  

Faulty loft insulation and dodgy brickwork are frequent offenders, but there’s an alarming number of structural issues seen in new-builds, too. Vents, doors, and windows needs to be completed and sealed to a high standard to keep the warm air inside. 

 

What is an NHBC Warranty? 

Most new-build homes come with a 10-year warranty to protect you against interior or structural defects. For the first two years of your ownership, the property developer is responsible for all remedial work on any issues that arise.  

After that point, an NHBC warranty will cover specific structural issues. As a form of insurance, an NHBC warranty is an invaluable investment to protect you from hefty repair bills. 

 

Final checks 

If you’re planning to undertake a snagging survey yourself, it’s worth taking a device to make sure all the electrical sockets work as they should. If one appears to lack power, an electrician might need to use a voltage tester, like this one, to pinpoint the circuit break. 

Buying a new home is an immense investment. Before you sign the final documents, make sure you’re realistic with how much you can afford and seek more advice on buying a new home if you have any doubts.