Snagging Survey FAQs

Question 1

What is Snagging?

Accepted Answer

Snagging is an informal expression used within the construction industry in the UK and Ireland. It is used to describe the process of defect, issue or fault identification.

Question 2

Why is snagging important?

Accepted Answer

Snagging is a necessary process to help detect and fix any defects in your property before the warranty period ends. Snagging issues can range from heating faults, leaks, un-level ceilings, floors and walls, damaged units, missing insulation, poor joinery and structural issues.

Question 3

Why do I need to hire a snagging company?

Accepted Answer

You can complete a snag list, anyone could take a look at a new build home prior to purchase. However, only a specialist company could use the knowledge, experience, equipment and tools to ensure your home is professionally inspected and looked at all parts of the property to ensure you are getting exactly what you paid for.

Question 4

When is the best time for snagging?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, we advise that the best time for inspection is when a new build is ready to move into or asap after you've moved in. Please note, that your developer is obliged to fix the issues, faults, snags up to 2 years after completion, so there are home owners who book us before the end of 2 years period too.

Question 5

What does a snagging survey cover?

Accepted Answer

A snagging inspector will check every aspect of the exterior and interior of your property that is visible. They will also check the garden, driveways, garage, roof and guttering.

Question 6

Which areas of my property will you inspect?

Accepted Answer

We take time to look at all parts of the property that can be visually accessed. These include things such as untidy finish, cosmetic issues, plumbing (leaks), electrical (faults & compliance) and external finishing. We also help ensure your property is compliant with technical standards and building regulations. As a part of our package, we conduct thermal scan to your new build windows, radiators, external doors and underfloor heating.

In general, we inspect the following areas of your property:

Question 7

Usually how many snags do you find?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the size and the level of quality of the property. The average number of defects picked up both minor and major ranges from an average of 100 - 200 snags for a standard 3 bedrooms property. It could be as little as 50 and as much as 300+.

Question 8

Is thermal scan included?

Accepted Answer

Thermal scanning includes windows, external doors, radiators and underfloor heating. We will use thermal camera to scan any cold spots to capture the image of fault/issue. Thermal scan image(s) will be added on the snagging report only if any issue identified.

* Please note if weather at the time of inspection is not cold enough to carry out thermal scan then we will only check physically that your external windows and doors seals are intact, no scratches on the glasses, panels operating smoothly and seals are airtight.

Question 9

Do you use drones to inspect roof?

Accepted Answer

95% new build properties in the UK have pitched roofs. Our surveyors are well trained to inspect such kind of roofs from a distance and use binoculars if needed. Using a drone is just a stunt to upsell service by other companies and many developers don't even allow to use it.

Question 10

Do you offer your snagging services for old properties, refurbishments or extensions?

Accepted Answer

No, we offer snagging inspections for new build properties only, which are less than 2 years old.

Question 11

Do you inspect older properties or only new builds?

Accepted Answer

Please note that we only inspect brand-new properties that are less than 2 years old. No refund will be issued if, on the day of inspection, our surveyor determines that the property is not a new build, is older than 2 years, or has been refurbished or extended.

Question 12

Do you consider maisonette a flat or a house?

Accepted Answer

We consider a maisonette or bungalow as a house and house fees will be applicable.

Question 13

How does your Ultimate Snagging Survey package work?

Accepted Answer

Pre Completion Inspection (PCI): Our first visit is carried out in line with the NHQB inspection checklist. We identify visible defects and construction issues before you legally complete on the property, ensuring your developer has the opportunity to put things right early. Premium Snagging Survey: Our second visit takes place after you have completed the purchase. This inspection is far more detailed - including thermal imaging, building regulation compliance checks, and tolerance measurements. We will also re-inspect all snags previously identified during PCI to ensure they have been rectified to a satisfactory standard. Important: We strongly recommend scheduling your second inspection after your developer has confirmed that all PCI issues have been resolved.

Question 14

What is the difference between Pre Completion Inspection (PCI) and Premium Snagging Survey?

Accepted Answer

PCI and Premium Snagging Survey are both types of inspections that can be performed on a new home, but they differ in when they can take place and how thorough they are:

Pre Completion Inspection (PCI): This inspection takes place before the buyer takes possession of the property, usually before exchanging the contracts or completing the property purchase. It's an entry-level assessment that meets New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) requirements and uses a standard checklist provided by the NHQB. The purpose of a pre-completion inspection is to find visual and minor issues, or "snags", before the buyer completes the purchase and gets the property keys.

Premium Snagging Survey: This inspection takes place after the buyer has completed the purchase and got the property keys. It is a more thorough inspection that is not limited by the pre-purchase checklist, and it may include breach of building regulations, use of advanced equipment like thermal camera etc. The purpose of a post-completion inspection is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the home's overall condition.

Question 15

Can I have a Premium Snagging Survey before legal completion of my property purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are looking for a more detailed and in-depth inspection, we recommend opting for our Premium Snagging Survey.

We can carry out this survey as long as the property is fully completed, cleaned and in a ready-to-move-in condition. Please note that you do not need to have legally completed the purchase for us to carry out this survey; it can be conducted before completion, provided the property meets the above requirements.

Question 16

Do you offer de-snagging/re-inspection services?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do provide de-snagging services and we offer this for 25% less from our snagging inspection costs. Please send us an email when you require de-snagging services at info@snagmynewhome.co.uk.

Question 17

Will you visit again for re-inspection if something is not in working condition or unfinished?

Accepted Answer

We do not do revisits. It's customer's own responsibility to make sure that property is fully completed before booking an inspection, and then sparkling clean and ready to move in.

Question 18

Are you registered with a professional association?

Accepted Answer

To abide by the NHQB's requirements for the Pre Completion Inspection, we can confirm:

✓ We are a member of recognised professional association RPSA.
✓ We hold relevant and adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance.
✓ We only work within our competency.
✓ We follow the agreed checklist for the Pre-Completion Inspection.

Question 19

Can I book a snagging inspection online?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, book online instantly through our website. Once booked you will receive a confirmation email & a text message.

Question 20

Can I book an inspection over the phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please call our dedicated team during our working hours on 0203 0929597 and our member of staff will book it for you. They will be happy to assist if you have any concern or question regarding our new home snagging inspection service.

Question 21

Can I chat for further information?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please follow this link to start a WhatsApp chat with us.

Question 22

The date I am looking to book for is not available online, can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can. Please WhatsApp us on 07538 969954 or call on 0203 0929597 or email us at info@snagmynewhome.co.uk with your new build postcode, date and time you are interested in and we will try our best to accommodate.

Question 23

How shall I pay for my booking?

Accepted Answer

After Confirm Booking you will be diverted to our payment page. You can pay full amount in advance by clicking on Stripe or choose Pay Later. If Pay Later option selected then please pay your invoice latest 48 hours before the inspection time to keep your booking active. A reminder will be sent out to pay your pending invoice 48 hours before inspection. Any booking cancellation request should be made latest 24 hours before the inspection, otherwise the fee is non-refundable.

Question 24

Can I change inspection date after booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can change the inspection date by yourself by following the link you got in booking confirmation email & text message latest 24 hours prior the inspection date. Also you can email, phone our office or WhatsApp us on 07538 969954 and our team will be happy to assist.

Question 25

My property is larger than 2000 square feet. How should I get the quote?

Accepted Answer

Please send us an email on info@snagmynewhome.co.uk with property size, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms and number of living rooms. Once we have this information, we will reply to you back with a quote.

Question 26

Which locations do you provide snagging inspection in?

Accepted Answer

To see the locations please visit our Areas We Cover page.

Question 27

Can you collect our new build property keys from seller's estate agent?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can. During the booking process, we will request you to input their contact details. Once the inspection is booked, we will call them to get the keys or arrange the access into your property.

Question 28

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need to be present while our inspectors are at your property. However, if you prefer to be present, then most welcome.

Question 29

Will I get refund if the property is unfinished upon arrival of surveyor and due to that he can not carry out the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Fee will be NON-REFUNDABLE if upon arrival our surveyor finds out that property is unfinished and due to that he can not carry out the inspection. We strongly advise you that in order to prevent this, make sure your property is fully finished, reasonably cleaned and in a ready to move in state on the inspection day.

Question 30

Can the developer deny you access to the property?

Accepted Answer

Until you have completed, in legal terms, the property still belongs to the developer and they may try to deny access to our snagging inspector. However, you have a legal interest in the property and for this reason your solicitor will be able to arrange access if the builder is being difficult. In recent years this has not been a major issue as most developers are used to dealing with us and the HBF (Home Builders Federation) has published a voluntary code, Customer Service Code of Conduct, which states:

"15. The home builder will co-operate with appropriately qualified professional advisers appointed by the customer to resolve disputes, if they arise."

Question 31

How long will it take you to prepare the snagging report once inspection is done?

Accepted Answer

We aim and try our best to email your snagging report in PDF format next working day latest 10pm, however sometimes it might take a little longer. Report will contain pictures, pinpoint snags and written explanation of each snag we have found at your property.

Question 32

How will I find in which areas the snags are on the report?

Accepted Answer

We will email you the snagging report in a PDF format with picture and written explanation of each snag. The report is written in systematic order, so for example if we started from the kitchen then you will see area name written with 1st snag and the following snags in the same area (without mentioning the same area name) until you come across another snag with a different area name. Then the following snags will be all from that area and so on.

Question 33

What if our developer refused to fix any of the snags?

Accepted Answer

We only add Out of Tolerance snags on the report as independent professionals, so if there is anything on the report your developer refuses to fix, you can report them to your 10 years new build structural warranty provider for intervention. However we have never come across a client in the last 5 years who had to raise the above issues after sending our report to their developer.

Question 34

What is the NHBC / Premier / LABC warranty?

Accepted Answer

The above organisations are new build warranty providers. Their insurance policy is provided by the builder which is aimed to protect new build purchaser for a period of 10 years against the defects and structural issues to their homes.

The builder is responsible for the first 2 years and provides cover for every defect within the property during that period.

In years 3 – 10 the warranty provider covers only structural defects.

This means that purchasers have only 2 years to identify, report and have remedied any defects in their home.

Question 35

What is NHQB?

Accepted Answer

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) is a new independent body that will have responsibility for overseeing the quality and the customer service provided by developers to buyers from the sales and marketing of new homes until the end of the first two-years of ownership.

For more information please visit nhqb.org.uk.

Question 36

NHQB and NHBC. What is the difference between the two?

Accepted Answer

NHQB and NHBC are both related to the construction of new homes, but they have different roles. In 2022, the NHQB (New Homes Quality Board) was created by the New Build Ombudsman, and they have established a checklist that must be followed during the pre-completion inspection (PCI). This checklist is based on their own set of standards, and cannot deviate from them. On the other hand, the NHBC is a warranty company that oversees the construction process and provides a 10-year warranty for any structural issues. They also have a detailed guide that outlines the tolerances that must be met during construction. These tolerances serve as the benchmark for raising snags in a Snagging Survey.

While the NHQB's checklist is based on their own set of standards, the NHBC's tolerances are often too detailed to be included in the NHQB's checklist.

Question 37

What is Defects Insurance Period?

Accepted Answer

This is usually referred to as the builder warranty period or defects insurance period. If you feel that an element of your new home is not finished to the required standard, please get in touch with your builder who is responsible for putting right defects that develop within the first two years of your purchase.

If you have reported these to your builder and they have either failed to rectify them in a reasonable time or are unable to rectify them due to insolvency, then you should contact your home warranty provider who may be able to help or offer advice through their own dispute resolution service. They may even be able to complete the work if the builder is not able to.

For more information please visit consumercode.co.uk.

Snagging Survey FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Snagging Surveys

About Snagging & What We Inspect

Our Survey Packages

Booking & Payment

Reports, Developers & Warranties

Your New Home. Our Expertise.
Your Peace of Mind.

Snagging Survey FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Snagging Surveys

About Snagging & What We Inspect

Our Survey Packages

Booking & Payment

Reports, Developers & Warranties

Your New Home. Our Expertise. Your Peace of Mind.

Your New Home. Our Expertise.
Your Peace of Mind.