Top Reasons to Schedule a New Build Snagging Survey Before Moving In
Buying a new build home is an exciting experience, but it’s important to remember that even brand-new properties can come with hidden defects. This is where a new build snagging survey comes into play.
A snagging survey is a professional inspection that identifies any unfinished work or defects in your home, from cosmetic issues to structural problems. By scheduling this inspection before moving in, you ensure that your new home is in perfect condition before you settle.
In this blog, the experts from Surrey Snagging will explore the top reasons why a snagging survey should be a priority for new build homeowners and how it helps protect your investment in the long run.
What is a New Build Snagging Survey?
A new build snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a newly built property that is carried out once the developer’s building work is finished.
It is designed to provide a list of any defects, incomplete work, or substandard craftsmanship, so that these issues can be addressed by the homebuilder while the home is still under warranty.
Snagging inspections cover minor cosmetic issues – like poorly applied paint or misaligned tiles – and more serious structural problems such as poorly fitted windows, electrical faults, or plumbing issues.
At Surrey Snagging, we specialise in performing detailed new build snagging surveys and delivering clear, concise snagging reports like this.
Our expert team identifies issues early, allowing you to hold the developer accountable and ensure that your home will be in flawless condition when you move in.
Common Snagging Issues Found in New Builds
While we might expect a new build to be perfect, the reality is that many new homes have defects. The rush to complete projects on time and meet deadlines can sometimes lead to corners being cut or quality being compromised.
In fact, according to The National New Homes’ most recent Customer Satisfaction Survey, 95% of new build home buyers said they had reported snags to their builder after moving in!
That’s why a new build snagging survey is so critical – it uncovers hidden flaws that could otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Some of the most common issues identified during snagging surveys are:
- Poor paintwork such as streaks, uneven coats, or drips.
- Misaligned doors and windows that don’t close properly, or are difficult to open and shut.
- Electrical and plumbing issues, including loose sockets, improperly wired fixtures, or plumbing leaks.
- Cracks in walls or ceilings that can develop due to settlement (when a newly built house adjusts to its foundations and environment) and may lead to further structural damage if left untreated.
- Insufficient insulation, which can lead to increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions.
If left unaddressed, these snags may worsen over time and lead to significant repair costs. Identifying and rectifying them early ensures that your new home remains a secure and comfortable space.
Why Scheduling a New Build Snagging Survey Before Moving In is Essential
Although a new build snagging survey can be carried out at any time after building work is completed, conducting it before you move in is the best choice, as this offers a number of benefits.
1. Catch Defects Early
One of the key reasons for scheduling a new build snagging survey before moving in is to catch defects while your developer is still responsible for fixing them.
New build homes typically come with developer warranties, but the warranty period doesn’t last forever. Usually, defects are covered for only the first two years in your home, while major structural issues are under warranty for 10 years.
Carrying out a thorough new build snagging survey before moving in will help identify visible and hidden issues early, with plenty of time left on the warranties. Your developer can fix any snags before you move in, ensuring that your home is in top condition from day one.
Choosing to schedule a snagging inspection later in the home buying process instead can be risky. Once you have moved in, it is easy for life to get in the way, and a snagging survey may be postponed or even forgotten.
When defects do then emerge, if you have waited too long to address them, you may find yourself footing the bill for repairs that could have been covered by the developer.
2. Avoid Disputes Over Fault
As Petty Son & Prestwich point out, your builder may question some of the defects on your snagging list, or argue that they are not at fault for them.
If you have already moved into the property before carrying out your new build snagging survey, it is easier for the builders to argue that snags are due to your wear and tear. In this case, they may push back on rectifying the snags, claiming that you caused the issues, so they do not fall under the warranty.
However, if the snagging survey is carried out before you move in, there can be no doubt over who is at fault for any defects. This makes it easier to get these issues fixed without dispute, sparing you from hassle and aggravation at what should be an exciting time.
3. Reduce Post-Move Stress
Moving into a new home is a stressful process in itself, with 57% of Brits ranking moving as their most stressful life event. Add to that the inconvenience of living in a home with imperfections that could become major headaches later on, and the experience can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Carrying out a new build snagging survey before moving in means that all necessary repairs can be made while the home is still empty. It’s far easier to get snags addressed at this point, as developers can access your property without disturbing your daily routine.
It also helps you avoid the disruption that would come from having tradespeople in your home after you’ve already settled in, and the stress of trying to live in a home that isn’t fully finished.
4. Maintain the Value of Your Home
A home with unresolved defects can lose value over time. Issues like poorly installed windows or plumbing leaks can cause damage that diminishes your home’s worth and leads to expensive repairs in the future.
New build snagging surveys allow you to identify these problems quickly and have the builder fix them before you move in, maintaining the structural integrity and resale value of your home.
Whether you plan to stay in your home for many years or see it as a stepping stone on the property ladder, addressing these issues early ensures that it remains a valuable asset in the long term.
The Role of a Professional Snagging Company
When it comes to inspecting your new build home, it’s essential to work with a professional snagging company.
While some homeowners may be tempted to perform a DIY new build snagging survey, it’s easy to overlook critical issues without the trained eye of an expert. A professional like Surrey Snagging brings experience and specialised knowledge to the table, ensuring that no defect goes unnoticed.
Our independent inspectors focus solely on identifying defects and making sure your developer resolves them. By working with a reputable snagging company, you can be confident that every issue – big or small – will be thoroughly documented and addressed.
Professional snagging companies also have the advantage of knowing where to look for hidden problems that the average homeowner may miss. This includes checking behind fixtures, under floors, and within electrical systems, ensuring that every aspect of your home is in perfect working order before you move in.
Book Your New Build Snagging Survey with Surrey Snagging
Scheduling a snagging survey before moving into your new build home is one of the best decisions you can make as a homeowner.
By identifying defects early, you ensure that your developer is responsible for fixing them, saving you time, money, and stress. A snagging survey also helps protect the long-term value of your home, ensuring that it remains a sound investment for years to come.
At Surrey Snagging, we are committed to providing thorough and professional snagging inspections, giving you the peace of mind that your new home is free from defects.
Don’t wait until after you’ve moved in – schedule your new build snagging survey today and make sure your home is truly move-in ready.