New Build Snagging Survey

What is a snagging survey?

A snagging survey is designed to check for problems with a new-build home. A developer will claim to finish their properties to industry standards, unfortunately these standards are policed by humans, time and again the NHBC or other warranty provider standards and building regulations are not met and most disappointingly the customers expectations are not achieved.

Unlike traditional house surveys, snagging surveys should pick up everything from minor issues, such as a door that doesn't close properly or a worktop with an unsatisfactory finish, to more serious structural problems.
The most common issues picked up by snagging surveys tend to be with plastering, tiling, skirting boards and external brickwork.

Why do I need a snagging survey?

If you've bought a new-build home, you're probably expecting it to be absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, though, even the best new homes can have issues.

The good news is that, aside from occasional horror stories, most problems with new-build homes are cosmetic and easily fixed.

For that reason, a traditional survey is likely to be a little excessive - and this is where snagging surveys come in.

When should I get a snagging survey?

Some would suggest a snagging survey should be carried out between building work being finished and your legal completion date, so the developer has time to fix any snags before you move in. In an ideal world this may make sense, however, in my experience the site management will leave as much as they feel they can get away with and let you make a list as long as your arm. 

Many developers won't allow snagging inspections to be done before completion and may deny access. If this is the case with your purchase, your conveyancer may be able to intervene with the developer and arrange access by invoking your legal interest in the property. If the developer insists on not allowing you to gain access prior to completion they may have a good reason. Such as a health and safety issue or the property simply isn't in a presentable state. Many developers are reluctant to allow access to anyone other than those contracted to purchase the property although they will normally allow access to soft furnishing suppliers to measure but not install carpets and curtains so you are able to get them fitted as soon as you legally complete.

What will be checked as part of the survey

• Roof tiles / slate

• Gutters and downspouts

• External drives and garden areas

• Fencing, gates

• Driveways

• Paths and patios

• All elevations including garages

• Loft inspection

• External windows and doors

• Decoration and plaster

• Internal doors, skirting boards, and architraves

• Ironmongery

• Kitchen furniture

• Sanitary fittings

• Walls, flooring, ceilings, and staircases

• Wall and floor tilling

• Electrical test on sockets

• Plumbing checked for leaks

• Fire Safety Compliance

• Breaches in Building Regulations

• Breaches of relevant standards

• Poor workmanship

How much does the survey cost?

Prices proportional to the size of your property and the time it takes to carry out the inspection.

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One and two bedroom single bathroom apartment £200 *
Two bedroom two bathroom apartment £225 *
Three bedroom two bathroom apartment £250 *
Two bedroom semi-detached £300 *
Three bedroom semi-detached £350 *
* Add detached single or double garage £25
Two bedroom detached £350
Three bedroom detached £400
Four bedroom detached £450, applicable to property valuation under £1.2m
Five bedroom detached £500, applicable to property valuation under £1.2m 
 

Extras

Follow up inspection to check that your New Build Snagging Survey has been actioned, completed and finished to correct and satisfactory standard from £50 accurate price on application.
 

For surveys of properties valued above the value of £1.2m. Please contact for bespoke quotation.
 

Living abroad, an investor or just no free time to attend the handover of your new property. Don't worry, we can look after the handing over of the property for you, inspect your new property, sign for the keys and inspect the condition at that time, take a video walk through for your records and collect the keys. Please contact for bespoke quotation.