Buying a new build property is an exciting milestone, especially when you envision stepping into a pristine home that’s never been lived in before. However, the reality isn’t always flawless. According to industry data, a staggering 94% of new build homeowners in the UK reported snags or defects to their developers in 2021. This is where snagging surveys play a pivotal role.
A snagging survey safeguards your investment by ensuring your new home meets the quality you expect. At Bartley West, we specialise in providing thorough snagging surveys by qualified RICS Regulated Surveyors to give you peace of mind. This blog will explore why snagging surveys are essential, what they involve, and how Bartley West can help protect your interests when investing in a new build property.
What Is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey is a professional inspection carried out on a new build property to identify any defects (also known as “snags”) in its construction or finish. These defects may range from minor cosmetic imperfections, such as poorly applied paint, to significant structural issues like uneven flooring or faulty windows.
Essentially, the aim of the snagging survey is to ensure that the finished property meets the agreed standards and that any quality issues can be rectified by the developer before you move in—or soon after.
The survey provides an independent, unbiased examination of your property, ensuring that no problems go unnoticed. This process promotes accountability and helps guarantee that your new home is built to the highest standard.
Why Are Snagging Surveys Crucial?
Here are some compelling reasons why snagging surveys are an invaluable step in purchasing a new build property:
1. Ensuring Quality in Construction
Even with modern construction methods, mistakes or inconsistencies can occur during the building process. A snagging survey can identify such issues, ensuring the delivered home aligns with the high standards promised by developers.
2. Financial Protection
A snagging survey may seem like an added cost, but it’s a small price to pay compared to potential expenses later. Rectifying defects discovered after moving in can be costly and stressful, especially if they affect core parts of your home, such as heating systems or structural integrity.
3. Peace of Mind
Buying property is one of life’s largest investments. A snagging survey grants you peace of mind, knowing that independent professionals have carefully inspected your home and flagged any shortcomings for the developer to rectify.
4. Leverage for Negotiations
If significant defects are identified, the developer can be required to fix these issues or provide financial compensation. This report gives you the evidence and leverage needed to hold them accountable.
5. Compliance with Industry Standards
Snagging surveys also ensure that your property adheres to the relevant building codes and standards, such as the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC), which reflects best construction practices and safeguards homebuyers.
The Snagging Survey Process
Every snagging survey should be tailored to the property it inspects, but the process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Book the Survey Early
For the best results, it’s ideal to commission the survey before exchanging contracts and prior to moving in. Some developers allow snagging inspections at this stage, but if they do not, ensure the survey is conducted as soon as possible post-completion.
Step 2: A Thorough Inspection
With us, qualified RICS Regulated surveyors will inspect the property inside and out, meticulously checking for snags. These may include:
- Surface Issues (e.g., chipped paint, uneven plastering)
- Structural Concerns (e.g., misaligned walls, sloping floors)
- Installation Problems (e.g., faulty wiring, leaks)
- Finishing Details (e.g., loose tiles, poor carpentry)
Surveyors often use specialised tools, like spirit levels and thermal cameras, to ensure precision.
Step 3: Generate a Snagging Report
Once the inspection is complete, the surveyor will compile a snagging list—a detailed record of all identified defects. This report serves as the foundation for conversations with your developer about resolving the issues.
Step 4: Developer Resolution
You must provide the snagging list to your developer and ask them to address the issues promptly. Most reputable developers take this seriously and aim for timely resolutions.
Choosing the Right Snagging Surveyor
When selecting a snagging surveyor, look for reliable, experienced professionals, ideally those qualified under RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Here’s why working with experts like Bartley West Chartered Surveyors is beneficial:
- We offer independent, unbiased advice to protect your interests as the buyer.
- Our surveyors bring experience to ensure no detail is overlooked.
- We prepare comprehensive snagging lists, empowering you in discussions with developers.
Snagging Surveys and Property Investors
For property investors, snagging surveys are just as crucial. When purchasing build-to-let dwellings, ensuring quality and minimising future repair needs is essential for protecting your investment’s profitability. A faulty or unfinished property could lead to increased costs, vacant periods, or tenant dissatisfaction.
Common Snags Found During Surveys
- Cosmetic Defects: Paint splatters, scratches, or poorly executed finishes.
- Plumbing Problems: Leaky pipes, faulty water pressure, or improper fittings.
- Structural Issues: Inadequate roof bracing, masonry defects, misaligned windows, or poor flooring installation.
- Doors and Windows: Ill-fitted frames leading to draughts or difficulty opening/closing.
Spotting these before moving in is critical to avoid long-term inconvenience or repair costs.
The Cost of a Snagging Survey
The cost of a snagging survey varies based on property size and location, with most ranging from £500 to £800. Compared to the price of your new home, this is a nominal outlay that can save you thousands in repairs.
Don’t Skip This Vital Step
If you’re investing in a new build home, skipping a snagging survey is a risk you shouldn’t take. By addressing defects early, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and holding developers accountable, you secure the value and integrity of your home.
Looking to Arrange a Snagging Survey?
At Bartley West, our team of RICS Regulated Surveyors ensures every inch of your property adheres to the highest standards. Don’t leave your dream home to chance—get in touch with us today to book your snagging survey.
Areas We Cover
We have local surveyors across the South of England, working from Reading, Fleet, Bournemouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Andover. We cover Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex, Dorset, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London. We work across the following local authorities: Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Wiltshire.
Building Firms We Have Submitted Reports To
We regularly submit snagging survey reports for clients, and these have been used in negotiations with developers. If you are buying a home with developers such as:
Barratt Homes, Bellway, Berkeley, Bewley, Bloor, Vestry Group (Bovis, Linden, Countryside), Cala, Crest Nicholson, David Wilson Homes, Foreman Homes, Kier, Miller Homes, Persimmon, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey
— our reports provide the evidence needed to ensure your property is finished to the highest possible standard.
Further Reading
- Why Does Your Property Purchase Require a Survey?
- Which Survey Should I Choose?
- Essential Surveyor Questions When Buying a Property
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Home Buying
- Valuing a House for Inheritance Taxation & Probate
To learn more about our services, visit our Residential Services page or browse our Other Valuations.
