One of the most common questions we hear from new-build buyers is: “When should I get my home snagged?”
The simple answer is: as early as possible.
But the ideal timing can depend on the stage of construction, your completion date and whether you are buying a property that is already finished or one that is still being built.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a snagging survey?
A snagging survey is an independent inspection of a newly built property designed to identify defects, incomplete work and areas where the finished property does not meet the expected standard.
These defects are known as “snags”.
They can range from relatively minor issues, such as damaged paintwork or poorly fitted doors, to more significant problems involving plumbing, electrics, drainage, windows, roofing or construction.
Ideally, get your home inspected before completion
If possible, arrange a professional snagging inspection before you complete the purchase.
This gives you the opportunity to identify defects while the developer is still responsible for putting things right before you move in.
However, this is not always possible.
Developers may not allow access to an independent inspector before completion, particularly if the property is still being finished or has not yet reached the required stage of construction.
If that happens, don’t panic.
What if the developer won’t allow a pre-completion inspection?
You can arrange an inspection as soon as you have access to the completed property.
In fact, there can be advantages to inspecting the property once it is fully finished.
Your inspector can assess the completed installation rather than relying on what is visible during construction.
The important thing is not to leave it for months.
The longer you live in the property, the harder it can sometimes be to establish whether something was present when you moved in or developed afterwards.
What if you have already moved in?
It’s not too late.
If you have already completed and moved into your new-build home, you can still arrange a snagging inspection.
In many cases, living in the property can actually help reveal issues that aren’t obvious during an initial inspection.
For example, you might discover that:
- A radiator doesn’t heat evenly
- A window doesn’t close properly
- A bathroom doesn’t drain correctly
- You have problems with condensation
- A door catches
- Heating controls don’t work as expected
- You can hear excessive noise between rooms
- Water collects around an external drain
These issues can then be added to your snagging report and raised with the developer.
What about the developer’s own inspection?
Your developer will normally have quality-control procedures and will inspect the property themselves.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t arrange your own inspection.
An independent snagging inspector provides a second pair of eyes and approaches the property from the perspective of the homeowner.
You shouldn’t assume that the developer’s inspection means there is nothing left for you to check.
Should you snag before or after completion?
Where access is permitted, before completion is generally preferable.
However, a post-completion inspection can still be extremely valuable.
If you can arrange both, that may provide the most comprehensive approach.
An initial inspection can identify visible defects before you move in, while a later inspection can pick up issues that only become apparent once the property is being used normally.
What happens after the inspection?
A professional snagging inspection should result in a detailed report setting out the defects identified.
You can then provide the report to your developer and request that the relevant issues are addressed.
Keep copies of:
- Your snagging report
- Photographs
- Emails with the developer
- Responses from the developer
- Dates when repairs were completed
- Any follow-up inspections
This creates a useful record if you need to refer back to an issue later.
Don’t confuse snagging with a structural survey
A snagging inspection and a structural survey serve different purposes.
A structural survey is generally focused on the condition and construction of a property and can be particularly important when purchasing an older home.
A snagging inspection is specifically focused on defects and unfinished work in a newly constructed property.
If you are buying a new-build, ask your surveyor or solicitor whether you also need other forms of inspection or professional advice based on your circumstances.
Buying a new-build in the South?
Whether you’re buying a new home in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex or elsewhere in the South of England, don’t assume that a brand-new property will be defect-free.
A professional snagging inspection can give you a detailed picture of the condition of your new home and help you raise problems with the developer while they are still responsible for putting them right.
The sooner you identify a problem, the sooner you can get it addressed.