What Is Snagging and Why Does It Matter?
Snagging is the process of identifying defects, unfinished work and poor quality finishes in a new build property before or shortly after you move in. A new build snagging list is essentially a detailed checklist of everything that is not right, from minor cosmetic issues like paint runs and scratched glass to more serious problems like faulty drainage or improperly fitted windows.
Every new build has snags. It does not matter how reputable the developer is or how much you paid for the property. Construction is a complex process involving dozens of trades, thousands of components and tight deadlines. Mistakes happen, shortcuts get taken and finishes get damaged during the later stages of construction. The snagging process exists so that these issues are identified, recorded and rectified by the developer at their expense.
If you are buying a new build home, understanding the snagging process and knowing what to look for will help you get the quality you are paying for. This guide provides a comprehensive new build snagging list that you can use room by room, along with practical advice on when to snag, how to report defects and what your rights are.
When to Do Your Snagging Inspection
Ideally, you should carry out your snagging inspection before legal completion, while the property is still technically owned by the developer. This gives you the strongest position because you can request that snags are fixed before you exchange keys and pay the balance.
In practice, many developers are reluctant to allow pre-completion snagging, arguing that the property is still a construction site or that minor works are still ongoing. However, you have every right to request access. If the developer refuses, do not let this stop you. You can still snag the property after completion, and the developer is legally obliged to fix defects under the terms of the warranty.
If you do snag after moving in, aim to complete your inspection within the first few days. The sooner you identify and report issues, the sooner they can be resolved. Developers are generally more responsive to snag lists submitted promptly rather than months after completion.
External Areas: What to Check Outside
Start your inspection outside and work your way in. External defects are often the most significant because they affect the weatherproofing and structural integrity of the building.
Check the brickwork for consistent mortar joints, clean pointing and no cracked or chipped bricks. Look at the render or cladding for cracks, uneven patches or areas where the finish is inconsistent. Inspect the roof from ground level using binoculars if necessary. Missing or slipped tiles, poorly fitted ridge tiles and unfinished lead flashing around chimneys and abutments are common snags.
Check all external doors and windows. They should open and close smoothly, lock securely and have consistent seals all the way around. Run your hand around the frame and feel for draughts. Look at the sealant between the frame and the brickwork. It should be neat, continuous and properly adhered on both sides.
Inspect the gutters and downpipes for secure fixings, correct falls and proper connections to the drainage system. During or after rain, check for leaks at joints and overflows. Look at the ground drainage, including gullies, manholes and surface water channels. Lift manhole covers if accessible and check that the channels are clean and free of construction debris.
Check the driveway and paths for level surfaces, proper edging and no cracking or settlement. Fencing and gates should be securely fixed, level and properly treated or painted. Turf, if laid, should be even and free from large stones or construction waste beneath the surface.
Hallway and Stairs
Inside, start at the front door. It should open freely without catching on the floor, close firmly into the frame, lock and unlock smoothly and have a consistent gap around the edges. Check the threshold strip and any draught excluders.
Inspect the walls for paint finish. Look at them from an angle with natural light to spot roller marks, missed patches, uneven coverage and paint splashes. Check for dents and scratches in the plaster, which are common in high-traffic areas like hallways where construction materials have been carried through.
The staircase should feel solid underfoot with no creaks or movement. Check the handrail for secure fixing and smooth finish. Balusters should be evenly spaced and firmly attached. The stair carpet, if fitted, should be taut with no wrinkles or loose areas.
Look at the skirting boards and architraves. Joints between lengths should be tight with no gaps. The skirting should sit flush against the wall and floor without visible gaps. Nail holes should be filled and the finish should be consistent.
Kitchen Checklist
The kitchen is one of the areas with the most potential snags because it involves multiple trades and many components.
Open and close every door and drawer. They should operate smoothly and close fully without catching or springing open. Soft-close mechanisms should work consistently. Check the alignment of door fronts. They should be level and evenly spaced with consistent gaps between adjacent doors.
Inspect the worktops for scratches, chips and stains. Check the joints between worktop sections for tight, flush connections. The seal between the worktop and the wall should be continuous and neatly applied. Run water into the sink and check that it drains freely without pooling. Check under the sink for any leaks at the waste connection and water supply.
Test every appliance. The oven should heat up, the hob should ignite on all burners, the extractor should operate at all speeds, the dishwasher should complete a cycle without leaking and the fridge and freezer should reach the correct temperatures. Integrated appliances should sit flush behind their door fronts.
Check the tiling. Tiles should be evenly spaced with consistent grout lines. There should be no cracked, chipped or hollow-sounding tiles. Grout should be complete in all joints with no gaps or missing sections. Sealant along worktops and around the sink should be neat and continuous.
Bathroom Checklist
The bathroom requires careful inspection because water-related defects can cause significant damage if not identified early.
Turn on all taps and check for consistent water flow and correct hot and cold labelling. Run the shower and check the pressure, temperature control and drainage. The shower tray or bath should drain completely with no pooling. Check all waste connections for leaks by running water for several minutes and inspecting the joints underneath and around the edges.
Flush the toilet and check for a clean, complete flush with proper refilling. The toilet should be firmly fixed to the floor with no rocking. Check the sealant around the base. The cistern should fill without running continuously and the flush mechanism should operate smoothly.
Inspect all tiling thoroughly. Bathroom tiling is often the area with the most defects. Look for cracked tiles, uneven grout lines, gaps in the grouting, poorly cut tiles around pipes and fittings, and any hollow-sounding tiles that are not properly adhered. Sealant around the bath, shower tray, basin and where tiles meet sanitaryware should be complete, smooth and properly adhered.
Check the extractor fan operates and is ducted correctly. Mirrors should be securely fixed and free from marks. Towel rails and accessories should be firmly attached. Any glass shower screens should be free from scratches and chips.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
These rooms are typically simpler but still deserve thorough inspection. Check all windows for smooth operation, secure locking and no draughts. Double-glazed units should be clear with no condensation between the panes, which would indicate a failed seal.
Inspect the walls and ceilings for paint finish, cracks, dents and uneven plaster. Ceilings often show defects at the joints between plasterboard sheets, appearing as hairline cracks or ridges. While minor cracking is normal as a new build settles, significant cracks or bulging should be noted.
Check all doors for smooth operation, proper closing and consistent gaps around the frame. Handles should be firmly attached and operate the latch smoothly. Fire doors, where fitted, should close fully into the frame under their own weight and have intumescent strips and smoke seals intact.
Test every socket and switch. Plug in a socket tester or a lamp to confirm power. Light switches should operate firmly without wobbling. Check that all sockets are straight and flush with the wall. Radiators should heat up evenly across their full surface and the thermostatic radiator valves should control the temperature correctly.
Check the flooring for level surfaces, secure fixing and no squeaks or movement. Carpet should be properly stretched with neat edges at thresholds. Hard flooring should be free from scratches, chips and gaps between boards or tiles.
Garage
If your property includes a garage, inspect the garage door for smooth operation, secure closing and proper sealing at the floor and sides. The floor should be level and free from significant cracking. Check for any water ingress, particularly around the base of the walls and where the roof meets the walls. Electrics, including the consumer unit if located in the garage, should be properly installed and labelled.
How to Report Snags to Your Developer
Document every snag clearly. Take photographs that show the issue and its location. Use a written list that describes each defect, the room it is in and the specific location within the room. Number each item for easy reference and keep a copy for yourself.
Submit your snagging list to the developer in writing, either by email or recorded letter. This creates a clear record of what was reported and when. The developer should acknowledge the list and provide a programme for completing the remedial works.
Developers typically aim to resolve snags within 28 days, though more complex issues may take longer. Chase any items that are not addressed within a reasonable timescale. Keep records of all correspondence.
Your Rights Under the NHBC Warranty
Most new build homes in the UK are covered by an NHBC Buildmark warranty, which provides protection in three stages. During the first two years, the builder is responsible for fixing any defects that are the result of non-compliance with NHBC standards. From years three to ten, the NHBC provides insurance cover for major structural defects, including foundations, walls, roofs and load-bearing elements.
If your developer fails to address snagging items within a reasonable time, you can escalate the matter through the NHBC’s resolution service. The NHBC will investigate and, if the claim is valid, direct the developer to carry out the repairs or arrange for the work to be done through the insurance policy.
Not all new builds are covered by NHBC. Some developers use alternative warranty providers such as LABC, Premier Guarantee or Zurich. Check which warranty applies to your property and understand the terms and process for making a claim.
Should You Hire a Professional Snagging Inspector?
A professional snagging inspector will carry out a thorough, systematic inspection and produce a detailed report with photographs. They typically identify far more snags than the average homeowner would spot, particularly in areas that require specialist knowledge like drainage, electrics and structural elements.
Professional snagging inspections typically cost between three hundred and six hundred pounds depending on the size of the property and the inspector. For the level of defects they identify and the peace of mind they provide, many homeowners consider this money well spent.
If you decide to inspect the property yourself, use this new build snagging list as your starting point and take your time. A thorough inspection takes several hours and is best done in daylight with good natural light to spot finish defects.
After You Move In
Some issues only become apparent once you are living in the property. Central heating performance during cold weather, condensation patterns, drainage under heavy rain and sound transmission between rooms and from neighbours are all things you may only notice over time. Keep noting any issues and report them to the developer promptly.
Minor settlement cracking in plaster and around door frames is normal during the first year or two as the building dries out and settles. This is not usually a structural concern, but significant or widening cracks should be reported and monitored.
If you need any remedial work, alterations or improvements carried out after your snagging period, working with a trusted property maintenance company ensures the work is done to a high standard. Similarly, if you find during your inspection that the quality of certain areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, is not to the standard you expected, a home renovation specialist can advise on upgrades and improvements.
If you have purchased a new build in Preston, Lancashire or the wider North West and want advice on snagging, remedial work or future improvements, get in touch with our team. We are happy to help you get the most from your new home.
