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.