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New Build Snagging In 5 mins!
Explore the essential guide to snagging inspections for new builds: Learn what snags are, the importance of snagging, how to choose an inspector, and navigate the snagging process to ensure your new home is flawless and safe. Protect your investment with expert advice and insights.
Introduction
Have you ever dreamt of your perfect home, only to find small imperfections after moving in? Snagging is the focusing lens that ensures your new build is pristine, turning your dream into reality. Let’s navigate the essential questions surrounding snagging and uncover why it’s crucial for your new home. In the following paragraphs we will learn about the snagging process and what criteria you should consider when looking for a snagging specialist.
What Is Snagging?
Snagging is an essential inspection process that identifies faults and defects in a new build property before or after you move in, within the builders warranty period (usually within 2 years from the completion date). These can range from simple cosmetic issues to more significant structural problems, all of which could affect your home’s aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
Snags in new build properties can vary but typically fall into three main categories:
| Main Categories of Snags In New Build Properties |
|---|
| Cosmetic Defects These are surface-level issues that don’t impact the function or safety of the home but can detract from its appearance. Examples include paint spills, uneven kitchen cupboards, scratches on woodwork, or poorly finished joinery. |
| Functional Issues These defects affect how elements of the home work, but aren’t structural. Common functional issues include doors that won’t close properly, leaky taps, and problems with electrical sockets and appliances. |
| Structural Problems Although less common in new builds, structural snags are the most serious. They can include issues with the foundation, roof, or walls that compromise the building’s integrity and safety. Structural concerns may be highlighted on a snagging survey, but would require a suitably qualified structural engineer to diagnose. Within the warranty period this process would fall upon the developer within the first 2 years, and then warranty provider within the last 8 years typically. |
What Constitutes a Snag?
A snag refers to any defect or problem arising from the construction process of a new property. These issues can vary widely, from paint spills and unfinished fixtures to electrical or plumbing faults that, while not immediately dangerous, some may lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed.
See the example below, which was found on a recent snagging inspection in Beverley. The bath panel screw fixing had been put through the cold water feed to the bath and had been leaking for months. Our surveyors acted quickly shutting off the incoming supply at the stop tap and immediatly reported it to the developer who provided a plumber and rectified the issue within a matter of hours.
Snagging vs. Structural Survey
While snagging focuses on identifying and correcting a wide range of defects before they become major issues, a structural survey is a comprehensive examination purely focused on the property’s structural elements, identifying potential failures. Snagging is typically performed on new builds to primarily ensure finishing details and functional elements are completed to a high standard, whereas structural surveys are more commonly used when purchasing existing properties to uncover hidden problems or where concerns have been highlighted such as cracking along brickwork. Structural surveys are narrow in scope and should only be carried out by qualified structural engineers whereas snagging inspections are broad in scope and are generally carried out by experienced construction managers and surveyors.
Why Is a Snagging Inspection Important?
A snagging inspection is critical because it ensures that your new home has been built to the correct standards. By identifying and fixing issues early on in the warranty period, you can avoid future inconveniences and expenses, ensuring your home is safe and comfortable from the start. Outside of the 2nd year functional, aesthetic issues and other items listed in the warranty providers terms and conditions (see below) would be paid for at the homeowners expense, hence the timing within the first 2 year window is crucial.
Below are the three main warranty providers terms and conditions links:
How Do I Choose a Snagging Inspector?
Choosing the right snagging inspector involves looking for experience, expertise, and a thorough understanding of construction standards and building regulations. A qualified inspector will have a keen eye for detail and the technical knowledge necessary to identify even the most minor snags.
Some criteria to look for include:
- Are they a member of a professional body such as the RPSA or RICS?
- What do the reviews from other customers say?
- Do they have a sample snagging report available and is it thorough?
- How long does their inspection process take to complete?
- Is the pricing in line with other reputable snagging companies?
What Does the Snagging Process Involve?
The snagging process involves a comprehensive inspection of your new home, checking everything from the loft timbers to the finishes. It’s typically done between the completion of construction and your official move-in. The inspector will produce a report of issues for the builder to fix, ensuring your home meets your expectations.
Why Should I Pay for New Build Snagging Services?
Specialist new build snagging services offer expertise that general home owners likely wont have as well as a range of different tools to allow them to inspect and document the process effectively. Even homeowners in construction that do possess sufficient knowledge and tools themselves would still find value in the time saving offered by paying for a professional company to carry out this service rather than spend hours undertaking it themselves. With a focus on the specific challenges and standards of new builds, these specialists can ensure that every aspect of your home is scrutinised ensuring the developers are held accountable where the work does not meet the required standards.
Conclusion
Ensuring your new home is free from defects is not just about peace of mind; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your safety and comfort. By understanding the ins and outs of snagging, from what it involves to how to choose the right inspector, you’re taking the first step towards securing a home that’s not just built but is well-crafted. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional snagging service to ensure your new build is the dream home you’ve always wanted. In the previous paragraphs we have learned about the snagging process and what it sets out to achieve. We have learned about the differences between a structural and snagging survey as well as how to evaluate which companies to go for and the value provided by the service.
If you have just purchased a new build and are looking to get it checked over, Snagman is always happy to assist, feel free to contact us to arrange a survey by clicking the button below or give us a call.
