The Ultimate 2025 Snagging Guide: Your New Build Checklist for Flawless Quality & Peace of Mind

The moment is finally here. You’ve watched your new home take shape, from a muddy plot to a finished property. The smell of fresh paint is in the air, and you’re dreaming of where to place your furniture. But before you pop the champagne and start unpacking, there’s one crucial step you cannot afford to skip: snagging.

Completing a thorough snagging inspection is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment and ensure your dream home is truly a dream, not a source of future stress. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What is Snagging? More Than Just a Few Flaws

In simple terms, snagging is the process of identifying and listing any and all defects in a new-build property after construction is finished. Think of it as the ultimate quality control check before you officially take ownership.

But a snag isn’t just a cosmetic issue like a paint smudge or a scuff mark. Snags can fall into several categories, ranging from minor annoyances to serious, costly problems:

• Cosmetic Defects: The most common issues, such as scuffed paintwork, scratched windows, or poorly finished plaster.
• Minor & Major Defects: This includes things like doors that don’t close properly, leaky taps, cracked tiles, or faulty electrical sockets.
• Incomplete Work: Items that have been missed or simply not finished, like missing sealant around a bath, a lawn that hasn’t been turfed, or an unpainted fence.
• Building Regulation Breaches: More serious issues where the construction does not meet the UK’s required building standards, such as inadequate insulation, incorrect ventilation, or fire safety issues.

Identifying these early is vital. Your housebuilder is responsible for fixing them, but only if they are properly documented and reported.

Your Essential New Build Snagging Checklist

We recommend inspecting the property slowly and methodically, room by room. Don’t let the builder rush you. This is your future home.

Essential Tools for the Job:

• Your Phone: For taking photos and videos of every single snag.
• Note-Taking App or Notepad: To log the location and details of each issue.
• Plug-in Socket Tester: An inexpensive gadget to quickly check if all sockets are wired correctly.
• Spirit Level: To check if surfaces like kitchen worktops, window sills, and radiators are level.
• Torch: For inspecting dark corners, cupboards, and loft spaces.

[Click Here to Download This As a Free Printable PDF Checklist]

Exterior

• Brickwork: Check for cracks, chips, and messy mortar (cement between bricks).
• Roof: Look for loose or missing tiles from the ground. Check gutters and downpipes are secure.
• Windows & Doors: Open and close every single one. Check for smooth operation, effective seals, and inspect glass for scratches. Ensure locks work correctly.
• Driveway & Paths: Check for cracks, uneven surfaces, and proper drainage.
• Fencing & Garden: Ensure fences are secure. Check that landscaping (turf, plants) is as per your agreement.

Interior (General)

• Walls & Ceilings: Look for cracks, lumps, and uneven or poorly finished plaster.
• Paintwork & Decorating: Inspect for scuffs, missed patches, and messy edges.
• Flooring: Check for scratches, gaps, or creaks in wooden floors. Inspect carpets for stains or poor fitting. Check tiles for cracks and levelness.
• Doors: Open and close every internal door. Do they catch on the floor? Are handles and latches secure?
• Staircase: Check for any movement or creaks. Ensure the handrail is secure.

Kitchen

• Cabinets & Drawers: Open and close everything. Check for alignment, scratches, and damage.
• Worktops: Inspect for scratches and check they are level. Ensure sealant against the wall is neat.
• Appliances: If included, test every single one to ensure they function.
• Tiling & Grouting: Check for cracks, chips, and neat grout lines.
• Sink & Taps: Run the taps to check for leaks and good water pressure.

Bathrooms & En-Suites

• Sanitaryware: Check the toilet, basin, and bath for scratches, chips, or cracks. Does the toilet flush correctly?
• Taps & Shower: Test for leaks, water pressure, and temperature control. Does the shower drain properly?
• Sealant: Inspect the sealant around baths, showers, and sinks. It should be neat and complete.
• Extractor Fans: Turn them on to ensure they are working.

Heating, Plumbing & Electrics

• Radiators: Check they are secure to the wall and level.
• Sockets & Switches: Use your socket tester on every plug. Flick every light switch on and off.
• Smoke/Heat Alarms: Press the test button on all alarms.
• Boiler: Check the pressure and run the heating to ensure it works.

You’ve Found Snags… Now What? Your 4-Step Action Plan

Finding snags is one thing; getting them fixed is another. Follow this process:

1. Document Everything Meticulously: Take a clear, well-lit photo of every single issue. For each photo, log exactly what the problem is and where it is located (e.g., “Deep scratch on kitchen window, left-hand pane”).
2. Compile a Formal Snagging Report: Organise your notes and photos into a single, professional document. A clear, dated report is much harder for a developer to ignore than a casual email.
3. Submit to Your Developer: Send the report to the housebuilder via email, so you have a dated record. Politely but firmly state that you expect all items to be rectified before you legally complete, or by an agreed-upon date. Be aware of your rights under your new-build warranty (e.g., NHBC).
4. Follow Up Persistently: Don’t be afraid to chase. Keep a record of all communication.

DIY vs. Professional Inspection: Do You Need an Expert?

While you can and should do your own inspection, hiring a professional snagging inspector offers a crucial advantage.

A professional snagger is your independent expert, working exclusively for you. Their only goal is to ensure your home is built to the high standard you paid for.

Your Investment Deserves Perfection

A new home is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. A thorough snagging process is your insurance policy, ensuring you get the quality, safety, and peace of mind you deserve from day one.

Don’t leave the quality of your new home to chance. If you want a comprehensive, expert inspection that leaves no stone unturned, get in touch with New Homes Inspections UK today for a free, no-obligation quote.