The term “snag” refers to a problem that has been identified after the completion of building work and after the developer has approved the property. The nature of snags can range from minor to severe issues, and if left unaddressed, they can/will worsen over time or with use.
Major snags are frequently encountered and should be reported to the developer as soon as possible, as they may violate building regulations or home building standards. Our snagging professionals possess a comprehensive understanding of both building regulations and home building standards, enabling them to identify
snags that would typically go unnoticed by an average homeowner.

You will receive your survey within 48 hours of the inspection being completed, and when any outstanding money has been paid.

A snagging report is a document that lists the defects that have been identified during a visual inspection of a newly built home. Our report provides a detailed and comprehensive account of all the defects we have found, which exceed both the Consistent Approach to Finishes standard and the industry accepted tolerance levels. We incorporate date and time-stamped photographs, which are annotated and accompanied by a detailed description of the defect, providing a clearer understanding for the developer to follow.

Snagging should be done once a building developer has finished construction and decoration. Snagging can happen before or after completion. Ideally, a snagging inspection would happen before completion. This will give the building developer plenty of time to fix the snags before the property is moved into. Additionally, having a snagging report given to property developers before moving in means that there will be no disagreement about damage being caused by a developer or
caused by an occupant. That said, new home owners have up to two years to complete snagging. However, most property developers will insist on snagging happening as soon as possible to avoid the additional cost of sending contractors back to a property rather than use builders and decorators they have on site while continuing the development. You can also have your property inspected while still in the builders warranty period, which is two years from legal completion.

Although homeowners can conduct their own snagging checks, our professional inspectors are more proficient at identifying defects and potential issues than the average homeowner. Numerous issues are not visible to the naked eye and require specialised equipment such as thermal imaging cameras to detect. Considering
that your home is probably the most substantial investment you will ever make, our professional surveyors provide assurance that all aspects of your new home meet the standards you have paid for and will continue to do so for years to come.

No, you don’t have to be at the property while we inspect but if you prefer to be you can do so. If you can’t be there we need to arrange a key collection location on the morning we arrive.

Although not all builders offer access to a professional snagger before legal completion/exchange of contracts, some do permit it, while others may decline as the property still legally belongs to them. However, the developer has a two-year period to address any concerns raised, so not being able to inspect before legal completion is not necessarily problematic.

Given that buying a home is frequently the most significant financial investment one can make, commissioning a survey can help provide peace of mind and guarantee that any issues are addressed during the warranty period. However, due to the pressure to meet house targets and the imposition of penalties for missed deadlines, some tradespeople working on-site may resort to taking shortcuts that can adversely affect the quality of the new build. With our experience we will find things that homeowners wouldn’t see and save you money in the long term.

The duration of a snagging inspection survey can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the property and the quality of its construction. Typically, a 4-bedroom house will take an average of 4 to 7 hours to inspect, while a 2-bedroom apartment can take between 1.5 to 3 hours. It’s worth noting that we don’t charge on an hourly basis for our inspection services. Instead, our fees are fixed, regardless of the time taken to complete the inspection. This allows our clients to have peace of mind, knowing that they will receive a thorough and comprehensive inspection without any surprises or hidden fees.

NHQB and NHBC are both related to the construction of new homes, but they have different roles. In 2022, the NHQB (New Homes Quality Board) was created by the New Build Ombudsman, and they have established a checklist that must be followed during the pre-completion inspection (PCI). This checklist is based on their own set of standards, and cannot deviate from them. On the other hand, the NHBC is a warranty company that oversees the construction process and provides a 10-year warranty for any structural issues. They also have a detailed guide that outlines the tolerances that must be met during construction. These tolerances serve as the benchmark for raising snags in a Snagging Survey.

While the NHQB’s checklist is based on their own set of standards, the NHBC’s tolerances are often too detailed to be included in the NHQB’s checklist.

When it comes to property inspections, home buyers may encounter two types of surveys: snagging surveys and structural surveys. While both are aimed at identifying potential issues with a property, they serve different purposes. Generally, a structural survey is more commonly requested for older properties as opposed to new-builds. This type of survey focuses on the overall structural integrity of the property and aims to identify any major issues that may require significant repair work or renovation.
On the other hand, snagging surveys are more focused on the quality of workmanship and identifying issues that are covered under building regulations or the property’s warranty. These surveys can highlight potential issues with areas such as roofing, brickwork, and tiling, but they are not typically intended to identify major structural issues.
It’s worth noting that if a snagging survey does identify any major issues with the property’s structure, it may be necessary to commission a specialist structural survey to fully assess the extent of the problem and determine what repairs or renovations may be required.

Regrettably, we are unable to communicate directly with the developer regarding any issues or snags we may identify during our inspection of your new home. However, we will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive report that outlines any issues we find. It’s essential that you present this report to your developer as soon as possible to ensure that any necessary repairs can be initiated promptly.

It’s especially important to address any defects that may have the potential to cause more significant issues if left unresolved or present any health and safety risks in or around your new home. By promptly addressing any issues we identify, you can ensure that your new home is safe, secure, and ready for you to enjoy.