New Build Snagging Guide UK — What to Check

New builds often have defects. Here’s how to inspect thoroughly and get issues fixed.

What Is Snagging?

Definition

Snagging	Meaning
What	Identifying defects in new build
When	Before or shortly after completion
Who fixes	Developer (under warranty)
Timescale	Usually 2-year defects period

Types of Defects

Category	Examples
Cosmetic	Paint runs, scratches, marks
Functional	Doors not closing, stiff windows
Installation	Poorly fitted kitchens, loose tiles
Building quality	Uneven floors, poor plastering
Structural	Cracks, water ingress (rare but serious)

When to Snag

Ideal Timeline

Stage	What to Do
Pre-completion	Request inspection when “ready”
Completion day	Check before taking keys
First 7 days	Thorough walkthrough
First 2 years	Report defects (NHBC defects period)
Up to 10 years	Structural issues (NHBC structural)

Before Completion

Why Pre-Completion	Benefit
More leverage	Can delay completion
Developer fixes first	Move in to finished home
Harder to argue	After you’ve accepted
Your right	Under Consumer Code

After Completion

If Already Completed
Not too late	2-year defects warranty
Report promptly	In writing
Photographic evidence	Essential

DIY Snagging Checklist

Exterior

Check	Issues to Look For
Brickwork	Cracks, mortar gaps, staining
Roof	Missing tiles, flashing
Gutters	Secure, aligned, draining
Windows	Scratches, seals, operation
Doors	Alignment, locks, seals
Driveway	Surface, edging, drainage
Garden	Levels, drainage, fencing

Kitchen

Check	Issues to Look For
Units	Level, doors aligned, soft close
Worktops	Straight, sealed, no chips
Drawers	Smooth operation
Appliances	Working, correct models
Splashback	Fixed, clean, no gaps
Taps	Flow, drips, hot/cold correct
Extractor	Working, vented

Bathroom

Check	Issues to Look For
Bath/shower	Scratches, seals, drainage
Toilet	Secure, flushes, fills
Sink	Scratches, taps, drainage
Tiles	Grout, chips, loose
Silicone	Neat, no gaps
Extractor	Working, vented
Hot water	Working, correct temp

Each Room

Check	Issues to Look For
Walls	Cracks, bumps, paint finish
Ceilings	Cracks, uneven, paint
Floors	Level, scratches, squeaks
Skirting	Gaps, damage, paint
Doors	Operate, close, handles
Windows	Open, close, locks, seals
Sockets/switches	Work, level, secure
Radiators	Heat evenly, bleed, secure

Throughout Property

System	Check
Heating	All radiators heat
Hot water	To all taps
Electrics	All sockets, lights work
Plumbing	No leaks, pressure OK
Ventilation	Extractors, trickle vents

Professional Snagging

What They Provide

Service	Detail
Comprehensive inspection	2-4 hours
Detailed report	With photos
Building regs knowledge	What’s acceptable
Negotiation leverage	Professional findings
Typical findings	100-200 snags

Costs

Property Size	Typical Cost
1-2 bed	£300-400
3 bed	£350-450
4-5 bed	£400-600
Larger	£500+

When Professional Worth It

Consider Professional If
High-value property	More to lose
Limited DIY knowledge	Know building standards
Want leverage	Professional report carries weight
Time-poor	Thorough inspection takes hours
Peace of mind	Worth the cost

Finding a Snagging Inspector

Source	Notes
RPSA	Residential Property Surveyors Association
RICS	Chartered surveyors
Specialist companies	New build focused
Reviews	Check track record

Reporting Snags

How to Report

Method	Best Practice
In writing	Always
Email	Creates record
Photos	Of every defect
Numbered list	Track resolution
Date logged	For timeline

What to Include

Detail	Example
Location	“Master bedroom, north wall”
Description	“Crack in plaster, 30cm long”
Photo reference	“See photo 14”
Priority	Cosmetic/functional/urgent

Sample Format

Snag #	Location	Issue	Photo	Priority
1	Kitchen	Unit door misaligned	K01	Medium
2	En-suite	Silicone gap at bath	B01	Medium
3	Lounge	Crack above window	L01	High

Getting Snags Fixed

Developer’s Process

Stage	Typical Timeline
Submit list	Day 0
Acknowledgment	1-2 days
Assess priority	1-2 weeks
Schedule repairs	2-4 weeks
Complete repairs	4-8 weeks

If Developer Is Slow

Escalation Step	Action
1	Written chase with deadline
2	Site manager escalation
3	Regional manager complaint
4	Head office complaint
5	Warranty provider (NHBC)
6	Consumer Code

Consumer Code for Home Builders

If Developer Signed Up
Dispute resolution	Available
Compensation possible	For delays
Binding	On developer
Check	If they’re members

Warranty Protection

NHBC (Most Common)

Period	Coverage
Years 1-2	Defects (builder fixes)
Years 3-10	Structural only

Other Warranty Providers

Provider	Similar Coverage
Premier Guarantee	Alternative
LABC	Local authority backed
Checkmate	Another alternative

Making Warranty Claims

After 2 Years	Process
Structural issues	Contact warranty provider
Not cosmetic	Must be structural
Evidence	Documentation essential
Time limits	Report promptly

Common New Build Issues

Most Frequent Defects

Rank	Issue	Typical Locations
1	Poor paint finish	Walls, ceilings, woodwork
2	Door/window issues	Throughout
3	Sealant gaps	Bathrooms, kitchen
4	Plaster cracks	Above windows/doors
5	Unfinished items	Multiple

More Serious Issues

Issue	Concern
Damp	May be construction moisture or fault
Cracks	Settlement vs structural
Drainage	Serious if wrong
Roof	Expensive to fix

Summary

Snagging Checklist

Before Completion	Done?
Request pre-completion inspection	☐
Book professional (if using)	☐
Prepare own checklist	☐
Take camera/phone charged	☐
Allow several hours	☐

DIY Equipment

Item	Use
Torch	Dark corners, cupboards
Phone/camera	Photos
Clipboard	Notes
Spirit level	Checking levels
Step ladder	High areas

Key Timelines

Period	Coverage
Pre-completion	Best leverage
First 2 years	Defects warranty
Up to 10 years	Structural warranty

If Problems

Step	Action
Document	Everything in writing
Escalate	Through developer
Use warranty	If developer fails
Consumer Code	If member