Snagging Inspections for New Build Projects

Research by MORI has shown that the average new home contains many defects on completion, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to more serious issues of quality and workmanship. As buying a new home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people will make, it makes sense to ensure that your investment is in a sound condition when you purchase it. It is a little known fact that warranty providers such as the NHBC and Zurich are not responsible for checking the quality of the finishes in new homes, with the warranty usually being held in the builder or developers name and being primarily concerned with ‘structural defects’ and the long term insurance risk to the property.

A snagging inspection is a building survey in which the property is checked for poor finishes, poor workmanship and defective works generally. The most appropriate time to carry out a snagging inspection is before the purchase is completed, as this will enable you to report all of the defects to your developer for rectification before the purchase is made. Prior to legal completion most developers will invite potential buyers to undertake their own inspection of the property, and this is the most appropriate time in which to commission a professional snagging survey. Some developers may not be keen to provide access to a Professional Inspector, however it is a legal right for a purchaser to get the property professionally checked.

The builder / developer has a liability for building defects for two years after you purchase a newly built property, therefore a snagging inspection can be undertaken at any time during this period. It crucial that all the defects are rectified prior to the two-year builders liability period expiring.

Please contact us for further information, or if you have a project you wish to discuss.