Recognised as the UK’s number one provider of snagging survey services, this company stands out with an impressive array of credentials and recognitions. Having been awarded at the Home Builder Awards for the second year running, they have solidified their position as the most trusted snagging company of 20231. Additionally, they are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and are partnered with the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards1.
Judiciously staffed with qualified surveyors and distinguished professionals from ex-trades, their team boasts more five-star reviews than any other snagging entity1. Since 2016, they have diligently assessed over 20,000 new-build homes, working closely with developers and homeowners to identify and rectify building defects1. Their commitment to quality is evident in their thorough identification of common snags, including surface cracking, poor grouting, and damage to window frames1.
Emphasising the frequent inadequacies in workmanship of new-build houses, they offer two key services: Pre-Completion Surveys and Post-Completion Snagging Surveys. The Pre-Completion Surveys follow NHQB (New Homes Quality Board) compliance, ensuring that all initial checks are thoroughly conducted before the finalisation1. The Post-Completion Snagging Surveys provide an exhaustive review, grounded in NHBC warranties and Building Regulations, ensuring compliance with all pertinent standards1.
Understanding Snagging Surveys
The concept of a snagging survey plays a crucial role in maintaining new-build quality by thoroughly checking for defects, poor workmanship, and regulatory violations. Mass production and tight construction schedules often lead to numerous issues, with an average new home in the UK potentially containing over 120 defects.
What is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey definition involves an intensive inspection of a newly constructed property with the aim of identifying any construction issues that need rectification under warranties or building standards. From minor scratches to significant structural defects, inspectors meticulously examine all aspects of the property. These surveys are particularly beneficial when carried out after construction but before finalisation, providing the buyer with detailed documentation to leverage in discussions with developers.
In recent years, snagging companies have adapted to meet customer needs, offering services like Pre-Completion Inspections with checklists issued within 24 hours2. The cost for such surveys starts from £299 including VAT3, and reports are typically provided within 2 working days of the inspection3. Customers can conveniently book these surveys online at any time2.
Importance of Snagging in New Builds
The importance of snagging in new builds cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the overall new-build quality. With developers typically offering a 2-year warranty period2, it is vital to identify and address construction issues promptly. Conducting a snagging survey before the legal completion of purchasing a new home is the ideal approach3. However, it is recommended that this survey be done well before the end of the first two years if existing problems persist3.
Independent snagging surveys can provide significant leverage in cases where the developer is unresponsive, adding weight to any complaints3. The HomeOwners Alliance has received numerous requests for assistance regarding snagging issues, testifying to the ongoing challenges faced by homeowners in ensuring their properties meet the required standards3.
Ultimately, a comprehensive snagging survey is instrumental in construction issue identification, ensuring new-build quality, and holding developers accountable for the standard of their constructions.
Types of Snagging Surveys
In the world of new build property, snagging surveys play a crucial role in ensuring quality and addressing defects that may have been overlooked during construction. Among the various types of snagging surveys offered, two primary varieties stand out: Pre-Completion Inspections and Post-Completion Snagging Surveys. These surveys are integral to the snagging process, providing detailed insights into both minor and significant issues that might affect a homeowner’s satisfaction.
Pre-Completion Inspection
The Pre-Completion Inspection, introduced by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), is an evaluation conducted before the finalisation of the property purchase3. It is more limited in scope compared to a full Snagging Survey and typically adheres to the NHQB checklist3. Notably, the checklist in a Pre-Completion Inspection is issued within 24 hours, allowing for quick identification of issues that need to be addressed before moving in2. Due to its expedited nature, this inspection provides homeowners with a timely overview of their property’s compliance and quality.
Post-Completion Snagging Survey
Following the successful completion and handover of a new property, a more extensive Post-Completion Snagging Survey is often necessary. This comprehensive survey covers an exhaustive list of potential defects, including structural faults and compliance issues with NHBC standards and Building Regulations3. The findings of this Snagging Survey are typically delivered within 48 hours, ensuring that both the homeowner and developer are promptly informed2. Additionally, Post-Completion Snagging Surveys may utilise advanced assessment techniques, such as drone or thermal imaging inspections, to uncover hidden defects that might otherwise be missed.
Benefits of Choosing Professional Snagging Services
Opting for professional snagging expertise brings about a plethora of advantages, particularly for homeowners keen on ensuring the finest quality in their new properties. Engaging skilled inspectors who possess comprehensive snagging inspections knowledge guarantees a meticulous property evaluation, improving the likelihood of detecting defects early. This early detection is vital in averting substantial repair expenses in the future, thus underscoring the cost-effectiveness of investing in these services4.
Expertise and Experience
Professional snagging inspectors carry years of invaluable hands-on experience in inspecting various properties, ensuring no defect, however minor, escapes their attention4. These specialists provide an unbiased and objective evaluation of the property, free from any emotional attachments, solely drawing on industry standards and factual data for their analysis4. Their expert use of advanced tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters further enhances the detection of hidden issues such as insulation problems and dampness, ensuring comprehensive snagging inspections5.
Thorough and Detailed Reports
Another significant benefit of choosing expert snagging services is the production of detailed property defect reports. Typically provided within 48 hours of inspection, these reports encompass a full summary of findings, complete with photographic evidence and actionable recommendations for repairs5. This documentation not only aids homeowners in addressing detected issues but also serves as a valuable resource for future reference, warranty claims, or resale considerations4. Moreover, detailed snagging reports facilitate effective communication and negotiations with developers or builders, enabling the rectification of defects efficiently4.
Common Snagging Items and Defects
New build homes frequently come with a variety of snagging items and defects that require attention. Whether it’s surface imperfections or more significant structural issues, snagging surveys are vital in identifying these problems to ensure a high-quality finish for homeowners.
Surface and Structural Issues
Surface defects often top the snagging items list, with issues ranging from patchy paintwork and uneven plaster finishes to poor tile grouting and shoddy woodwork on skirting. Structural defect identification also plays a critical role in snagging surveys, uncovering problems like cracking plaster due to new materials settling, faulty pipe insulation, and inconsistent treads on staircases67. Builders may sometimes refuse to fix certain snags, arguing those defects do not fall under their warranty standards6.
Finishing Touches
Attention to detail in the finishing touches can reveal a slew of common defects in new builds. These include mishandling damage to windows, poorly fitted doors, and even neglected aspects like correct application of acid wash on brickwork and potential mould growth in kitchens and bathrooms8. These cosmetic concerns, while seemingly minor, contribute significantly to the overall quality and aesthetic appeal of the property. A thorough snagging survey ensures that all these finishing defects are meticulously documented and addressed8. Housebuilders are ultimately responsible to rectify construction defects that do not meet the standards specified in their warranty6.
| Defect Type | Examples | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Issues | Patchy paintwork, uneven plaster, poor tile grouting | High |
| Structural Issues | Cracking plaster, faulty pipe insulation | Very High |
| Finishing Touches | Mishandling damage to windows, poorly fitted doors | Medium |
Our Snagging Survey Process
Understanding the snagging inspection process is crucial for new homeowners in the UK. With snagging survey appointments starting from £299 including VAT, cost transparency is a key factor in decision-making3. The flexibility of our process allows for accommodating date changes easily, minimising initial fees to secure bookings and providing reassurance to clients.
The inspection typically takes between 3-4 hours to thoroughly examine the property, ensuring every detail is considered9. Post-inspection, clients receive an emailed snagging report within 48 hours, providing a quick turnaround for vital feedback on the property’s condition32. This defect report timing is essential for prompt action and effective communication with developers.
Our team of inspectors, accredited by RICS, leverages extensive experience from inspecting thousands of new homes nationwide32. They are committed to identifying a comprehensive range of issues that untrained eyes might miss, thus highlighting the value of professional snagging expertise during the snagging survey appointment3.
By opting for a snagging survey early, homeowners ensure that property issues are addressed well before the end of the first two years, a recommended practice for addressing defects3. The snagging report carries weight in developer negotiations, particularly if the developer is initially unresponsive, thus stressing the importance of detailed defect report timing3.
Why a Snagging Checklist is Crucial
A snagging checklist is essential for identifying all potential defects in a new property, from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural problems10. It ensures that developers address these issues before homeowners move in, thus avoiding subsequent disputes11. This comprehensive defect list helps create a clear record of the property’s condition at the time of handover, making it easier to resolve any issues with the developer10.
HouseScan offers comprehensive snagging surveys and building inspections in the UK, ensuring thorough checks for both minor and significant defects10. The necessity of a snagging checklist lies in protecting homeowners from costly repairs in the future and maintaining the property’s value by addressing snags early on10. Unidentified snags can decrease property value over time, which underscores the importance of a detailed and systematic approach10.
In the 2022/23 period, over 200,000 new homes were constructed in the UK, but the government’s target of 300,000 new homes annually was not met11. Given the complexity of constructing new buildings, builders’ efforts may still result in construction snags that need addressing10. The New Homes Quality Board’s New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) plays a crucial role in setting quality standards for new builds and is integral to snagging inspections11.
| Key Components | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Minor Cosmetic Issues | Improves visual appeal |
| Structural Defects | Ensures safety and durability |
| Compliance with Standards | Smoothes handover process |
| Detailed Documentation | Facilitates communication with developers |
Ultimately, the snagging checklist is a critical tool for new home buyers, offering peace of mind through a structured and comprehensive defect list10. The new home snagging reasons encompass ensuring compliance with quality codes and guaranteeing that any defects are promptly and efficiently rectified before the handover1011.
The Role of Snagging Reports
The importance of a snagging report cannot be understated when it comes to detailing construction issues within new build properties. These reports not only document every defect, from the smallest blemish to significant structural faults, but also include photo annotations that provide a clear, visual record.
Detailed Documentation
An exhaustive snagging report serves as a vital tool for homeowners. With the inclusion of comprehensive photo annotations, it becomes considerably easier to highlight specific areas of concern, ensuring that no issue goes unnoticed. This meticulous attention to detail is crucial in identifying areas that need rectification. Homeowners can benefit from the thorough scrutiny offered by companies like HomeSnag Surveyors, which have been established for 7 years and are the country’s only RICS accredited Snagging Company2. Such reports substantiate claims under the typical 2-year warranty period offered by builders for new build properties2.
Communication with Developers
Effective developer communication hinges on the snagging report. By providing a detailed and organised list of defects, homeowners can clearly articulate their concerns, making it easier to negotiate necessary repairs or corrections. Homeowners are generally requested to score their builder 8 weeks after moving in; thus, having a comprehensive snagging report becomes instrumental in ensuring that all issues are documented and addressed promptly2. By leveraging these reports, homeowners set a definitive standard of workmanship that developers are expected to meet, thereby safeguarding their investment and ensuring a high-quality living environment.
| Benefits of Snagging Reports | Details |
|---|---|
| Detailed Documentation | Includes comprehensive photo annotations for clear, visual records. |
| Effective Communication | Organised defect list facilitates concise communication with developers. |
| Supported by Established Companies | Like HomeSnag Surveyors, offering accredited and expert evaluations. |
| Warranty Compliance | Helps substantiate claims under builders’ typical 2-year warranty period. |
Choosing the Right Snagging Company
When selecting snagging professionals, it’s imperative to examine their credentials and qualifications carefully. Consideration of key factors such as reputation, experience, accreditation, services offered, cost, and communication is crucial in making an informed decision12. Companies registered with the Residential Property Surveyors Association or the Property Ombudsman are often more reliable and can assure you of their compliance with professional standards12.
Credentials and Qualifications
Professional credentials are vital when choosing a snagging company. Firms like Premier Snag, which is 100% independent from building contractors, ensure impartiality in their inspections13. It’s also beneficial to scrutinise their overall history and certifications, as well as the detailed nature of the snagging reports they provide, which should include images and corrective suggestions with a clear timeframe for resolving defects12. Beware of unusually low prices as they may indicate inexperienced inspectors lacking the necessary qualifications13.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer feedback can significantly aid in selecting a trusted snagging company. Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Google can offer insight into the firm’s reliability and service quality13. Companies with a solid reputation have historically delivered first-rate services, producing satisfied customers in the snagging industry12. Additionally, examining sample snagging reports from potential companies can provide a clearer understanding of the depth and comprehensiveness of their inspections13.
In summary, researching professional snaggers’ credentials, ensuring they have a robust policy for safe home visits, examining customer reviews, and comprehending the granularity of their reports are pivotal steps in selecting expert snagging feedback to secure your new property against future defects and disputes1213.
FAQ
Q: What is a Snagging Survey?
Q: Why is snagging important in new builds?
Q: What is included in a Pre-Completion Inspection?
Q: How does a Post-Completion Snagging Survey differ?
Q: What are the benefits of choosing professional snagging services?
Q: What are common snagging items and defects?
Q: How does the snagging survey process work?
Q: Why is a snagging checklist crucial?
Q: What is the role of a snagging report?
Q: What should I consider when choosing a snagging company?
Source Links
- https://www.snaggingcompany.com/
- https://www.homesnag.co.uk/what-is-snagging.html
- https://hoa.org.uk/services/snagging-survey/
- http://smithheritagesurveyors.com/professional-snagging-survey/
- https://roger-hannah.co.uk/define/snagging-survey/
- https://www.pettyson.co.uk/about-us/our-blog/743-snagging-list-checklist-new-build-homes
- https://www.letsbuild.com/blog/snagging-in-construction
- https://www.reallymoving.com/surveyors/guides/what-to-include-on-a-snagging-list
- https://www.snaggingcompany.com/snagging-surveys/
- https://housescan.co.uk/why-a-snagging-list-survey-is-essential-before-moving-into-your-new-build/
- https://propertyinspect.com/uk/blog/what-is-a-snagging-list-inspection-template/
- https://www.ipgl.uk/latest-updates/how-to-choose-a-snagging-company
- https://www.premiersnag.co.uk/blog/2021/1/13/bdp6zel37j9jlzii46nbwpuw4ca6o8
Last modified: June 7, 2024
