Are you about to complete on your new home? If so, have you got a snagging survey yet?
‘What’s a snagging survey?’ you may ask. This thorough inspection identifies defects and unfinished work, ensuring your property meets the highest standards. We’re here to help you better understand what snagging surveys are, what they involve, and how they can save you from future headaches.
What is a snagging survey?
A snagging survey, also known as a snagging inspection, is an assessment conducted to identify defects, unfinished work, or substandard craftsmanship in a newly built or recently renovated property.
Snagging surveys are typically carried out before the property is handed over from the developer to the buyer or tenant to ensure that it meets the agreed-upon standards and specifications.
During the inspection, any issues should be identified so that they can be rectified by the builder before handing over the keys.
Types of snagging surveys
There are three types of snagging surveys:
- Pre-completion snagging survey: An inspection of your new build before completion, looking at cosmetic and structural defects.
- Standard snagging survey: A comprehensive inspection of your property to ensure that it meets building regulations.
- Standard Plus survey: In addition to the standard snagging survey, you’ll have another inspection to ensure any flagged defects have been corrected properly.
What’s typically included in a new build snagging survey?
A snagging survey typically includes a comprehensive inspection of the property, looking at the following aspects:
Structural elements
- Check walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, uneven surfaces, or poor finishing.
- Doors and windows to ensure proper fitting, alignment, operation, and seals, and check for any cracks or chips.
External works
- Assess exterior walls. roofs, chimneys, and gutters for defects or incomplete work
- Check driveways, pathways, fencing, and landscaping to make sure it’s completed to high quality.
Plumbing
- Inspection of all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, baths, showers, and toilets for potential leaks and to ensure proper installation.
- Checks for adequate water pressure and drainage.
Electrics
- Substantial electrical inspection must take place to ensure proper functionality and safety.
- Electrical system checks will make sure all plugs, switches, and lighting fixtures are working, that all appliances and operating, and writing and circuit breakers are safely installed.
Heating and cooling systems
- Testing of heating systems, radiators, and air conditioning units for proper function and installation.
- Functionality checks of the thermostats and other controls.
Kitchen and bathrooms
- Verification of the installation and functionality of kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
- Inspection of bathroom fixtures, tiles, and grout for proper installation and quality.
Internal finishes
- Quality of paintwork, wallpaper, tiling, and plastering.
- Proper fitting of internal doors, skirting boards, and other woodwork.
Fittings and fixtures
- Check the installation and functionality of light fixtures, door handles, and other fittings.
- Verification of the proper installation of any built-in furniture or storage units, such as wardrobes.
Lofts, basements, and garages
- Inspection of additional spaces for proper completion and any defects.
- Inspection of any additional features specified in the contract, such as balconies, patios, or special installations.
Safety and compliance (very important)
- Ensuring the property complies with building codes and safety standards.
- Checking for proper insulation, ventilation, and fire safety measures.
As you can tell, snagging surveys are extremely thorough in order to ensure the highest quality builds for new homeowners.
Should I get a snagging survey?
A snagging survey isn’t always necessary, especially when buying older homes. In these instances, a homebuyer’s survey is enough. However, when buying new homes , a snagging survey is recommended.
Although it is not a legal requirement, a snagging survey ensures that your new home is finished to the highest standards so that you don’t have to deal with any issues further down the road. Get these dealt with before you move in!
When do you need a snagging survey?
A snagging survey can be completed at any time during the construction process of your new build, however, it’s recommended that you have this done as close to completion as possible.
New build properties come with comprehensive warranties, including an additional two-years post-completion to flag more snags. Read our guide to new build warranties for more information.
Can I do a snagging survey myself?
Unless you’re a construction and property expert, we recommend that you hire a professional to conduct the snagging survey for you. Hire a surveyor, who is a member of a recognised governing body, to carry out inspections and provide the survey. They can then bring any issues to your developer and work to get them sorted.
How much does a snagging survey cost?
The cost of a snagging survey can depend on multiple factors, such as your chosen surveyor, location, the size of your property, and the property value. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, a snagging survey can start at around £300, but can reach as high as over £900 for thorough surveys on large properties.
Are you in the market for a new home?
Explore thousands of new properties for sale across the UK.
OnTheMarket. Because your property search just got serious.
