Do I Need A Snagging List For My New Build Home?

Have a gorgeous new build home? You’re going to want a new build snagging list before the day of completion arrives. What is a new build snagging list, though? Do you need a snagging company to help? What is snagging, anyway? This quick guide can get you through it.

What Does Snag Mean?

When you have a new build home, it’s the builder’s responsibility to repair any cosmetic issues before the day of completion, but in some cases, they miss things. New builds sometimes have small problems, often known as a snag. New build properties are associated, then, with the term “snagged,” meaning those little problems that crop up like a bit of unfinished trim. New build snagging lists, then, are developed to help. People use the term ‘snag list’ meaning the list of defects you can look for.

Do I Need A Professional Snagger?

Some people hire a professional snagging company to handle the final snagging inspection. You can typically find them by using search terms like “Snag my New Home” or “Snagging Construction Company.” What’s the average professional snagger cost for snagging a new build property? New home snagging from a company will usually cost between £300 and £600.

The good news is that with a good home snag list, you don’t need a professional. There are many lists you can download online to start the process on your own!

When’s The Best Time To Make A Snagging List?

The term “snagging list” refers, in the UK property market, particularly to new builds, to a collection of defects, issues, or imperfections that a buyer or their representative has identified. In addition to cosmetic issues, such as paint blemishes, there may be structural issues as well.

Snagging lists should be made after the property has been built but prior to the final handover. Buyers are given this opportunity to ensure the property meets their expectations and the standards outlined in the purchase agreement. In particular:

1. Before Completion: Prior to legal completion, it is a good idea to compile a snagging list of items that need to be corrected because once the purchase has been completed, the builder may be less motivated to resolve problems immediately. Furthermore, it ensures that any major issues can be resolved before moving in.
2. During the Developer’s Warranty Period: All developers offer a warranty period within which snags can be reported if they arise after moving in. It is generally the case that developers offer a two-year warranty covering any defects or issues associated with their workmanship. On new homes, the National House Building Council (NHBC) offers a 10-year warranty. However, after two years, this warranty generally does not cover major structural defects.
3. Before the End of the First Year: Some developers conduct a ‘one-year check’ or a ’12-month snagging’ at the end of the first year of the property’s existence in order to remedy any issues that may have occurred during the first year of the property’s existence. It is recommended that you revisit or create a new snagging list before the end of this period.
4. Use of a Professional: Some buyers, especially those with no prior experience with construction standards or those who are highly concerned about the appearance of their new home, choose to hire a professional snagging company. The inspection will be conducted by these companies in addition to compiling a comprehensive list of snagging, often more comprehensive than what may be carried out by you. When choosing this route, it is recommended that you engage them before the project is completed.
5. It is not uncommon for snags to become apparent after a property has been occupied. In this case, you can update your snagging list. In addition, regular inspections of your home are a good idea, especially during the early stages of its occupation, in order to identify and resolve any issues before they become more serious.

Although it is best to create a snagging list before the project is completed, it is never too late to add to it if you discover additional issues. Make sure you are familiar with the warranty terms and timelines provided by your developer and the NHBC so that any concerns can be addressed promptly.

How To Find A Professional Snagging Survey?

You should seek out a reputable and experienced company or individual to conduct a professional snagging survey on a UK property. The following steps will provide you with information on how to find a professional snagging surveyor:

1. Understand What You Need: It is important that you have a clear understanding of what a snagging survey involves. This specialist service inspects new-build properties for defects. It is possible for an issue to be as small as a cosmetic problem or as significant as a structural problem.
2. Personal Recommendations: A good snagging surveyor can be found through word of mouth. Consult your friends, family, and colleagues who have recently purchased new homes to find out whether they have used a snagging service and what their experience was like.
3. Online research:

• If you are looking for a snagging survey company or surveyor in your area, you can use search engines.
• Look at their websites to find out what they offer, how much they charge, and whether they have any credentials or testimonials from previous clients.
• There are several websites that provide reviews and feedback on different companies, including Trustpilot and Checkatrade.

4. Industry Associations: There are a number of professional snagging surveyors who are members of industry associations including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). It is often indicative of professionalism and adherence to industry standards that one is a member of such organisations.
5. Experience and Specialisation: Snagging surveys are a unique area of expertise, especially for new construction projects.
6. Ask for Examples: To determine the depth and detail of a company’s inspections, it is important that they provide examples of previous inspections they have conducted.
7. Pricing: The cost of snagging surveys may vary. It is advisable to obtain multiple quotes and to make sure that the quoted price includes all aspects of the service that you require. Purchasing products at too-good-to-be-true prices often result in you getting what you pay for.
8. Turnaround Time: Determine how long it will take the surveyor to conduct the survey and provide a report. In particular, if you are trying to resolve issues prior to completing the purchase of your property, this is of utmost importance.
9. Follow-Up Services: Clients may be offered additional services such as communication assistance or re-inspection following the developer’s resolution of issues. In spite of the fact that these services might be a bit more expensive, they can be very beneficial.

• Insurance and Guarantees: Verify that the company is insured against professional indemnity claims. In the event that their report contains a mistake, you will be covered.
• Initial Consultation: Consult the surveyor directly before hiring. During this interview, you will be able to gain an understanding of their professionalism, understanding, and approach to the project. A free initial consultation may be offered by some companies.
• Terms and Conditions: Make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions before you use the service. Make sure you are aware of what is covered in the survey and what is not. Understand the payment terms and guarantees.

In order to make an informed decision, you need to conduct extensive research and screen potential surveyors. You should remember that a snagging survey is a vital tool to ensure that your new home meets your expectations, so it is well worth the investment.

Advantages Of Snagging Services:

Purchasing a new-build property requires a snagging service. There are several distinct advantages to engaging a professional snagging service, including:

1. Expertise and Knowledge: Snag surveyors are experienced in identifying defects or issues which may otherwise go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Their knowledge of building regulations, construction standards, and best practices is extensive.
2. Peace of Mind: Homeowners are able to feel confident in their investment if a professional has inspected their property. Having an expert confirm that the property is of good quality or that the issues identified will be resolved can be reassuring.
3. Financial Savings: It is possible to save homeowners money in the long run if problems are addressed early on, specifically before the project is completed. A developer is responsible for the cost of repairs if defects are detected early in the development process. The cost of rectifying problems after the warranty period may, on the other hand, be substantial.
4. Comprehensive Reporting: Professional snagging services provide comprehensive reports highlighting all issues identified, often categorised according to severity. Homeowners are able to systematically address problems in this manner, and developers are provided with a clear list of what needs to be addressed.
5. Negotiation Leverage: It is possible for potential buyers to gain leverage during negotiations if they have a detailed list of snagging items. As an example, a buyer may be able to negotiate a price reduction if significant issues are identified or require the problems to be resolved before the purchase can be completed.
6. Time-Saving: Identification and documentation of issues can be time-consuming for the average person. With the help of a snagging service, homeowners will be able to streamline this process, allowing them to concentrate on other aspects of their move.
7. Better Communication with Developers: Developers can benefit from a professional snagging report. It identifies issues that require attention in a clear and objective manner, thus reducing the possibility of disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
8. Protecting Property Value: It is important to rectify all defects in order to maintain and even enhance the property’s value. In general, an excellent home is likely to fetch a higher price if it is put on the market than one that has unresolved issues.
9. Safety: There are certain snags which may pose a danger to the public, such as electrical problems or structural defects. These issues can be identified by a snagging surveyor, ensuring that the new home is not only comfortable for its occupants but also safe.
10. Holistic Evaluation: Accordingly, snagging services typically adopt a holistic approach. As part of their inspection, they examine every aspect of the property, including its exterior, structure, and interior finishes and fittings.

It is vital to ensure that new-build homes are built to the highest standards and that buyers receive good value for their investment when it comes to the UK property market, where new-build homes represent a significant segment.