NEW BUILD SNAGGING SURVEY
If you’re buying a brand-new home, you’ll expect to find it in perfect condition when you move in. Unfortunately, even the most respected property developers can leave a new-build home with snags, which may range from small and cosmetic problems to more significant defects.
A New-Build Snagging Inspection is a detailed assessment that should be conducted by a professional building surveyor to check the quality of workmanship in your new home against the appropriate building standards.
Find out more about what a New-Build Snagging Inspection entails and then contact Trinity Rose Chartered Surveyors to talk about commissioning an expert, independent snagging survey for your new home.
An expert, independent snagging survey will help make your move less stressful
Buying a new home can be an exhausting process, but there are steps you can take to make it as seamless and stress free as possible.
What is a New-Build Snagging List?
A New-Build Snagging List will check for any problems, from doors and windows that don’t close properly, minor cracks in walls to more serious issues with kitchens, bathrooms or the structure of the property.
You can have an independent snagging survey carried out during the first two years after you’ve moved into your new home and your developer must repair any defects you report within that time. By far the best time to commission a professional New-Build Snagging Inspection is before you exchange contracts, so your developer has plenty of time to put things right before you move in
Do I need a snagging list?
A new-build home should be completely-problem free, but some of the best new homes can come with snags that can be frustrating to live with and costly to repair. The latest satisfaction surveys prepared by the Home Builders Federation have shown that 99% of new build homeowners had to report ‘snags’ or ‘defects’ to their builder after moving in.
If you’re buying a new-build home and want to find out more about a New-Build Snagging Inspection, talk to Trinity Rose Chartered Surveyors and we’ll give you all the information and support you need to make your move easier.
- A survey to identify and report problems on new-build properties
- Covers minor defects to more significant structural problems
- Your developer must put any defects right within two years of completion
We offer New Build Snagging Surveys in Hampshire, Dorset and Surrey, including Alresford, Alton, Basingstoke, Brockenhurst, Bishops Waltham, Chandlers Ford, Chichester, Christchurch, Fordingbridge, Farnham, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Park Gate, Portsmouth, Poole, Parkstone, Petersfield, Ringwood, Romsey, Southampton, Salisbury, Winchester, Guildford, Verwood, The New Forest and Wimborne and the surrounding areas.
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FAQs
Do I have to have a New Build Snagging Survey?
It is not a legal requirement to have a survey, but we would always advice a prospective purchaser to instruct a professional chartered surveyor to carry out a New Build Snagging List before purchasing a new build property. Snagging survey is a careful, detailed check of your newly built property to identify defects in the build.
Who pays for the New Build Snagging Survey?
In most cases the homebuyer has to pay for it but you could try to pass on the cost on to your housebuilder by adding it to your purchase contract.
How long does Snagging Survey take to complete?
The length of snagging inspection depends on the size of your property and the quality of the build. To give you an idea, the average time to complete an inspection of a 4-bed house is 4-5 hours, while a 2-bedroom apartment will typically take around 2-3 hours.
How do I communicate the findings of the snagging survey to the developer or builder?
Communicating the findings of the snagging survey to the developer or builder is an essential step in ensuring that the identified defects are addressed promptly and effectively. You can follow our recommendations below:
- Begin by compiling the snagging survey report, which details all the defects, deficiencies, or unfinished work identified during the inspection. Ensure that the report is well-organised, clearly written, and includes photographs or other visual evidence to support the findings.
- Contact the developer or builder responsible for the property’s construction to inform them that a snagging survey has been conducted and request a meeting or discussion to review the findings. Send them a copy of the snagging survey report in advance, either electronically or in print.
- Arrange a meeting or site visit with the developer or builder to discuss the findings of the snagging survey in detail. This may involve meeting at the property or their offices, depending on their preference and availability.
- During the meeting or site visit, review the findings of the snagging survey report with the developer or builder. If possible, walk through the property together to visually inspect each identified defect and discuss the recommended actions for addressing them.
- Be prepared to provide clarifications or additional information about any specific defects or issues identified in the snagging survey report. Answer any questions the developer or builder may have and provide further context or details as needed.
- Discuss resolutions with the developer or builder to develop a plan for resolving the identified defects. Discuss timelines, responsibilities, and other relevant considerations for the necessary repairs or corrections.
- Document any agreements or commitments made during the meeting or discussion regarding resolving the identified defects. This may include agreed-upon actions, deadlines, and any other relevant details.
- Follow up with the developer or builder as needed to ensure that the agreed-upon actions are carried out promptly and the identified defects are properly addressed. Maintain open communication throughout the resolution process to address any new issues.
By effectively communicating the findings of the snagging survey to the developer or builder and collaborating on a resolution plan, you can ensure that any defects or deficiencies in the property are rectified to your satisfaction before taking possession of the property.
When’s the best time to make a snagging list?
The best time to have a snagging survey done is the period between building work being completed and your legal completion date. This will allow the developer to fix any snags before you move in. However, this is not always possible as housebuilders can refuse to give access to the property before completion, which they are legally allowed to do because they still own the land.
Will the snagging survey report include recommendations for resolving identified defects?
Yes, the snagging survey report typically includes recommendations for resolving the identified defects. These recommendations are crucial for providing clear guidance to the developer or relevant parties responsible for rectifying the issues discovered during the survey.
In addition to specific recommendations for resolving defects, the snagging survey report may also provide guidance on the materials, methods, or standards to be followed when carrying out the necessary remedial work. This ensures that the repairs are completed to a satisfactory standard and in accordance with the original construction specifications or applicable regulations.
What does a snagging survey entail?
A snagging survey involves a detailed inspection of a newly built property to identify any defects, deficiencies, or unfinished work that need to be addressed before the property is considered complete or ready for occupancy. The purpose of a snagging survey is to ensure that the property meets the expected quality standards and specifications outlined in the construction agreement or building regulations. Here’s what a snagging survey typically entails:
- The surveyor conducts a thorough visual examination of the property, including all rooms, fixtures, fittings, and finishes. They inspect both the interior and exterior of the property to identify any visible defects or issues.
- The surveyor may review construction drawings, plans, specifications, and any other relevant documentation to compare against the actual construction and ensure compliance with the agreed-upon standards.
- In addition to visual inspection, the surveyor may test the functionality of various systems and components within the property, such as plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, heating systems, windows, doors, and appliances.
- The surveyor systematically checks for defects or deficiencies in construction, finishes, and installations. Common defects may include cosmetic issues (e.g., paintwork, plastering), structural problems (e.g., cracks in walls or ceilings), poor workmanship (e.g., uneven flooring, misaligned fixtures), and issues with functionality or performance.
- As defects are identified, the surveyor documents them in a snagging report, noting the location, description, and severity of each snag. Photographs and annotations may accompany the report to provide visual evidence of the issues found.
- The surveyor categorises defects based on their severity and urgency for rectification. This helps prioritise repairs or corrections and clarifies the level of attention each issue requires.
- The snagging report typically includes recommendations for addressing each identified defect. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, these recommendations may range from minor cosmetic touch-ups to more significant repairs or replacements.
- Once the snagging survey is complete and the report compiled, the findings are typically communicated via the purchaser to the developer or builder responsible for rectifying the defects. The snagging report serves as a reference for addressing the identified issues before the property is handed over to the new homeowner.
A snagging survey aims to ensure that a new build property meets the expected quality standards and specifications, identifying and addressing any defects or deficiencies to achieve satisfactory completion and readiness for occupancy.
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 01962 880426
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 01962 888900
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 02382 002500
