Why Every Buyer Should Get A New Home Snagging Survey Before Moving In
Even the most reputable developers make mistakes. We explain what a new home snagging survey covers and why it is crucial before moving into your new home.
What Is a New Home Snagging Survey?
Buying a brand-new home should be an exciting, stress-free experience, but even the best developers don’t always deliver perfection. Tight construction deadlines and multiple trades working simultaneously mean that minor (and sometimes major) defects are all too common.
A new home snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a newly built property to identify defects, poor workmanship, or unfinished areas that need attention.
Snags can range from cosmetic issues, like paint imperfections or poorly fitted doors, to more serious structural problems that could cost thousands to fix if left unresolved. The goal is to ensure your home is finished to the highest standard before you move in so you can enjoy it from day one.
Why are Snagging Surveys Essential for New Builds?
Even the most reputable developers make mistakes. Here’s why a snagging survey is crucial before moving into your new home:
✅ Developers Work to Tight Deadlines
New builds are often completed quickly to meet demand, meaning quality control sometimes takes a back seat. A snagging expert will check for issues that may have been overlooked.
✅ Identify Issues Before You Move In
Ideally, your snagging survey should be completed before your legal completion date. This allows the developer time to fix any snags before you take ownership, saving you the hassle of chasing repairs later. However, some developers won't allow snagging inspections to be done before completion. If this is the case with your purchase, you should book in the snagging survey as soon as possible after you've moved in.
✅ Even ‘Small’ Issues Can Become Big Problems
What seems like a minor snag today, a door that doesn’t quite shut properly or a small leak, can develop into a bigger issue over time. A professional snagging inspection ensures these problems are caught early.
✅ Developers Are More Likely to Fix Issues Quickly
Once you’ve moved in, it can be harder to get developers to respond to snagging issues. Having a detailed snagging report before completion puts pressure on them to resolve problems quickly.
✅ Peace of Mind That Your Home Is Built to the Highest Standard
Your property is a significant investment. A new home snagging survey ensures you’re getting the quality and workmanship you expect, without unexpected surprises after moving in.
What Does a Snagging Survey Cover?
Jaggard Macland’s team of experienced chartered surveyors inspect every detail of your property, from minor cosmetic snags to major structural concerns. Our new home snagging surveys include:
✔ Structural issues – cracks, poor brickwork, or misaligned walls
✔ Windows & doors – checking alignment, seals and functionality
✔ Services – a visual inspection of plumbing and electrics to identify any obvious faults, leaks or damage
✔ Kitchens & bathrooms – checking for poorly fitted cabinets, worktops, or leaking pipes
✔ External areas – inspecting brickwork, roofing, drainage and landscaping
Every survey is tailored to the property, ensuring no detail is missed.
When Should You Book a Snagging Survey?
You should ideally have your new home snagging survey completed before your legal completion date, so the developer has time to fix any issues before you move in.
However, if you’ve already moved into your home, don’t worry, a snagging report can still be carried out within the first two years of ownership, while the developer remains responsible for defects under their warranty.
Book Your Snagging Expert Today
Don’t leave the quality of your new home to chance. A new home snagging survey ensures your property meets the highest standards giving you peace of mind before you move in.
When you book with us, you’ll receive a comprehensive snagging report detailing every issue we identify. We can also send a copy directly to your builder if you wish, making it easier for them to action any necessary repairs.
After receiving your report, our Chartered Surveyors are available to provide ongoing advice and guidance, ensuring your snags are properly addressed and giving you complete confidence in your new home.
Get in touch to book your snagging survey and move into your new home with total peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a new home snagging expert you can contact:
Phil Pearcey, Director and Building Surveyor
Direct Line: 01494 689615
Mobile: 07729 623979
Email: PEP@jaggardmacland.co.uk