Snagging Surveys by Qualified Building Surveyors in and Around Cranbrook

What is a snagging survey?

A snagging survey is an inspection of a new-build property that identifies ‘snags’ (defects) which the developer should then resolve. 

We recommend that you commission a snagging survey prior to handover, as the earlier that defects are identified and resolved, the less impact they have on you. However, if you’ve already moved into your new build don’t worry; developers are required to resolve defects reported during the agreed after-sales service period (usually two years*), so a snagging survey is beneficial at any point during this time. 

* The majority of new builds are built by developers registered with either the NHQB (New Homes Quality Board), or with the Consumer Code for Home Builders supporting Home Warranty Bodies (NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty, Checkmate). Both codes require a minimum after-sales service period of two years. 

Why do I need a snagging survey?

Even with the best developers there will always be some defects – small or large – that occur during the complex and time-pressured housebuilding process. 

The majority of the defects we find are decorative: uneven wall finishes, hairline shrinkage cracks, and marks to walls are common culprits. Whilst these defects may be considered minor, the visual annoyance of a prominent decorative flaw can affect your enjoyment of your property, and resolving them yourself is often time- and resource-intensive. By identifying these issues, a snagging survey removes stress from the purchaser.

Snagging surveys also identify more significant defects in new builds. Recent issues we have seen include non-compliance to planning conditions, insufficient insulation, and drainage issues. These snags carry potential legal, financial, and structural implications if left unresolved, and by identifying them a snagging survey can save a purchaser significant time, stress, and money. 

Finally, snagging surveys provide you with peace of mind that you will not encounter any nasty surprises with your new build. Moving home is one of the most stressful life events and we know that this reassurance can be crucial during a demanding time.

Weald and City snagging surveys

All of our snagging surveys are performed by one of our qualified Building Surveyors. Members of both the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), we follow the high professional standards of both organisations. 

We offer snagging surveys to both New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) and Consumer Code for Home Builders standards. 

• The NHQB is a new body constituted in 2021 following Parliament’s Inquiry into the Quality of New Build Housing in England. It aims to reform new build construction quality and customer service. Since autumn 2022 developers have been able to register as members; membership is currently voluntary but will become compulsory once secondary legislation has been passed.
• Whilst we see the NHQB’s New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) as likely to become the predominant Code, we are happy to adapt our reporting to reflect the standards of the Consumer Code for Home Builders.

Whichever Code your developer is registered with, we strive to perform a rigorous inspection to ensure our clients receive the most benefit from their snagging survey. Our snagging surveys constitute a comprehensive inspection of all visible elements of the property, including: 

• External elements: chimneys, roof, walls, rainwater goods, external joinery (facias, soffits, etc.), windows, external doors, porches/ conservatories/ balconies, garages, services, drains, surfaces (paths, driveways, lawns, steps), boundaries
• Internal elements: ceilings, walls, floors, internal doors, internal glazing, tiling, joinery (skirting boards, staircases), built-in fittings (cupboards, wardrobes, drawers), sanitary fittings, accessible lofts/ roof spaces, services, appliances

We present our snagging surveys using Mi Survey Reports, which include an individual photograph and description of each defect identified. We use these reports as they allow developers to easily locate defects; as a report can easily include over 100 defects, this adds up to significant time savings in the repair process, and ensures that repairs are definitely performed in the intended areas!