New Build Snagging Survey

The ideal time for a snagging survey is after the developer has confirmed the property is ready for handover but before you legally complete the purchase. At this stage, the developer is most motivated to fix defects because they want the sale to go through. If the developer will not allow access before completion — which some refuse — arrange the survey as soon as possible after you receive the keys, ideally within the first week. Most new-build warranties include a defect liability period (typically two years from completion), so a snagging survey conducted shortly after moving in still carries significant weight. We recommend booking in advance, as the week leading up to your completion date can be busy for surveyors.

A snagging survey finds a broad range of defects, from minor cosmetic issues to more significant construction problems. Common findings include: poorly finished paintwork with drips, misses or uneven cutting-in; scratched or chipped window frames, door frames and glazing; doors that stick, do not latch or have uneven gaps; misaligned kitchen unit doors and poorly sealed worktops; cracked, chipped or unevenly laid floor tiles; gaps in skirting boards and architraves; inadequate silicone sealing around baths, showers and sinks; plumbing leaks or poor water pressure; radiators that are not securely fixed or do not heat evenly; external brickwork with mortar snots, staining or uneven pointing; poorly laid block paving or tarmac driveways; and missing or incomplete items the developer promised in the specification. Our surveyors typically find 80 to 150 snags on a standard three-bedroom new-build house.

No, a snagging survey and a building survey are different types of inspection. A snagging survey focuses specifically on the quality of workmanship, cosmetic finishes and incomplete items in a newly built home. It is designed to identify defects that the developer is contractually obliged to fix. A building survey (RICS Level 3) is a much more detailed structural inspection that examines the building's construction, identifies major defects, assesses the condition of all elements and provides advice on repairs and maintenance. A building survey is typically carried out on older properties, period homes or properties in poor condition. For a new-build home, a snagging survey is the appropriate first inspection — but you may also want a Level 2 Home Survey for additional peace of mind about the building's overall condition.

Developers are not legally required to fix every snag you report, but most are contractually obliged under the terms of the purchase agreement and the warranty provider's standards (such as NHBC, LABC or Premier Guarantee). The NHBC standards, for example, set out clear tolerances for construction quality, and defects that fall outside these tolerances must be rectified. If a developer refuses to fix legitimate defects, you can escalate through the warranty provider's dispute resolution process or seek legal advice. In practice, most developers will address the majority of items on a professionally produced snagging list to protect their reputation and avoid formal disputes. A detailed snagging report from an independent surveyor carries far more weight than a list you have compiled yourself. We provide clear references to the relevant NHBC or warranty standards so the developer knows each item is backed up by an industry benchmark.