Snagging Survey: Your Complete Guide to Defect-Free New Homes
What is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new-build property to identify defects or unfinished work that the developer should fix before your warranty expires. These issues—known as “snags”—can range from cosmetic problems like chipped paint to more serious concerns like faulty plumbing, insulation gaps, or poor brickwork.
At New Homes Inspections, we believe every buyer deserves a home finished to the highest standard. This guide will help you understand the snagging process, your legal rights, and how a professional snagging survey can save you time, stress, and money.
Why Do I Need a Snagging Survey?
Buying a new-build home doesn’t always mean everything is perfect. According to data from the NHBC and industry sources:
Over 94% of new-build homes have reported defects within the first two years.
The average homeowner finds only 20-30 snags themselves.
A professional snagging inspector typically identifies 150+ defects, many of which the homeowner may overlook.
These snags can include:
Poorly aligned doors or windows
Loose fixtures or fittings
Missing insulation
Gaps in sealant around baths, sinks, and windows
Uneven flooring or poor plaster finish
Professional snagging protects your investment and ensures your builder fixes issues while your home is still under warranty.
What’s Included in a Snagging Survey?
At New Homes Inspections, our surveys cover every part of your home:
Exterior: Roof tiles, brickwork, mortar joints, gutters, vents, access points, and drainage.
Interior: Walls, ceilings, paint finish, plasterwork, flooring, internal doors, kitchen units, bathrooms.
Mechanical & Electrical: Heating performance (tested via thermal imaging), socket testing, ventilation, plumbing.
Structural & Loft Checks: Visual inspection of loft space, insulation checks, moisture/damp readings.
All inspections follow NHBC 2025 standards and are performed by qualified professionals using thermal imaging, socket testers, damp meters, and other tools.
Your Rights as a New-Build Buyer
Under the New Homes Quality Code and your developer’s NHBC warranty, you’re protected:
You have 2 years from completion to report most defects and request repairs.
Structural defects are covered for up to 10 years.
Builders are legally obliged to address legitimate snags reported within the warranty window.
A snagging survey ensures you capture and document these issues professionally, giving you leverage when dealing with your developer.
When to Book a Snagging Survey
We recommend booking your snagging inspection:
Immediately after completion, before you move in (pre-occupancy snagging)
Within the first 2 months after moving in
Before the 2-year warranty expires
If you’ve lived in the home for over a year, a pre-2-year survey ensures nothing is missed before your coverage ends.
Why Choose New Homes Inspections?
With over a decade of experience, we’ve inspected homes built by Barratt, Redrow, Avant, and other major UK developers. Our inspections are trusted, thorough, and include:
A 48-hour turnaround for your detailed PDF snagging report
Thermal imaging, drone roof surveys, and moisture testing
A snagging guarantee – fewer than 30 snags? You get £100 back
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and professional standards throughout
Sample Report
Want to see what our reports look like? Click here to view a sample snagging report
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do a snagging survey myself? A: You can, but professionals have the tools, experience, and knowledge of current building standards to identify far more issues.
Q: Is a snagging survey worth it? A: Yes. With hundreds of potential defects hidden in plain sight, a professional report helps you avoid repair costs later.
Q: What if my developer refuses to fix the snags? A: We help you escalate the matter through NHBC or the New Homes Ombudsman Service.
Get Peace of Mind Today
Your new home should be exactly that—new and finished to standard. Don’t leave it to chance.
