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Snagging Lists

New Build Snagging Lists

Todayā€™s property market is highly volatile, and many old homes are so problematic that their asking price isnā€™t even close to their true value. Therefore, some home buyers opt for a new-build home.

A new-build home should be in immaculate condition when you move in, but this isnā€™t always the case.

Some surveys suggest that more than half of new-build properties are hiding defects, even though theyā€™ve never had a previous owner.

Worse still, a recent report highlighted that the average new build contained between 50 and 150 defects. Does this mean that you canā€™t spend your money wisely on a brand-new home? No ā€“ it simply means you need to obtain a snagging list, which could save you thousands of pounds.

At Novello Chartered Surveyors, weā€™re Londonā€™s modern team of property experts with a fresh perspective on surveying. Get one of our snagging lists, and you wonā€™t go out of pocket if your future home is hiding any defects.

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Download Snagging List Example Report

What is included?

  • check iconA comprehensive schedule report which includes photographs
  • check iconCovers internal and external snags for houses, and internal snags for flats
  • check iconUndertaken by our expert new build snagging specialist
  • check iconIdentifies any issues or snags to be addressed by your developer
  • check iconSnags include: decorative defects, kitchen and bathroom issues, poorly fitting joinery, etc.
  • check iconUse of technology such as socket testers, thermal imaging cameras to check underfloor heating and anemometers.

What is a snagging list?

A snagging list is a detailed report undertaken by our specialist snagging inspector, that highlights the problems your developer is responsible for addressing before you move in. This can then be used as evidence to negotiate with your developer to have them rectify the issues.

Firstly, itā€™s important to note that this is NOT a structural survey, which would be undertaken by a RICS qualified surveyor, who would inspect your new build and comment on the cause of defects, maintenance items and detail the remedial works. A snagging list instead provides a record of any small defect or problem so they can be addressed by your house builder.

We survey every nook and cranny of your home to find defects ranging from untidy paint finishes to uneven floors. But we donā€™t just do a visual inspection, we also use socket testers to check all plug sockets, thermal imaging camera to check underfloor heating and an anemometer to check extraction fans work.

Then, weā€™ll provide you with a photographic report that contains all the evidence you need to force your developer into making amends.

Some of the most common problems we find in new builds include:

  • Uneven stairs and floors
  • Cracking to plaster finishes
  • Unfinished fittings
  • Poorly installed doors, windows and frames
  • Untidy paint finishes
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1Type of Survey:

front of a house across the road

Why do I need a snagging list?

Many people have never heard of the term snagging list. Others simply donā€™t understand the point of having a new-build property examined for damages.

The truth is, most people ought to get a snagging list because:

  • Over half of new-build properties have hidden defects
  • Some new-build homes have between 50 and 150 problems
  • You might end up having to cover the cost of repairs if you fail to force your developer to live up to their obligations
  • The Sale and Supply of Goods Act doesnā€™t apply to properties (it ensures you can get a refund for most goods that donā€™t meet your expectations)

We would recommend that a snagging list is undertaken before your completion date so that you can ensure any issues are rectified before you move in.

Snagging lists ā€“ the benefits

Now you know that new-build homes arenā€™t always as perfect as they seem. Sometimes, theyā€™re in worse shape than houses that have been well-maintained for decades. By obtaining a snagging list, you can:

  • Force your developer to rectify issues before you arrive
  • Allow an impartial surveyor to highlight problems and provide overall repair cost estimates
  • Ensure your future home will be a safe place to live
  • Save potentially tens of thousands of pounds

Learn more about our detailed snagging lists

Our snagging lists are available from just a few hundred pounds, and they could save you a small fortune as well as a lot of time and effort. If required, weā€™re happy to have your back should you need to take legal action. Rest assured, with a snagging list, you can look forward to living in your brand-new dream home.

Want to know more about snagging lists? Contact us online or by phone. If youā€™re too busy to talk right now, you can obtain a free quote in seconds and let us get back to you.