What Is a Snagging Survey and Why It Matters for Your New Property
Buying a new build home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment is arranging a snagging survey. At Southdown Surveyors, our Chartered Surveyors and Building Surveyors carry out professional snagging inspections across East Sussex, helping buyers feel confident that their newly built home is finished to the standard they expect.
Below, we explain what a snagging inspection involves, why it matters and how it offers peace of mind when you buy or build property.
What Is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new build property designed to identify defects, unfinished work or poor workmanship. Snagging issues can include anything from cosmetic defects to serious structural concerns. Our building surveyors inspect both inside and outside the home, ensuring snagging surveys cover every essential element.
A professional snagging survey can highlight problems such as:
- Misaligned doors and windows
- Poor plastering or tiling
- Cracks in ceilings, walls or floors
- Guttering and roofing defects
- Faults in brickwork or groundworks
- Issues with workmanship or finishing
The goal is simple: create a snagging list that your developer can use to fix any issues before they become costly problems.
Why a Snagging Survey Matters
Newly built homes often look perfect at first glance, but hidden defects are common. With developers working to tight deadlines, mistakes are easily made. A build snagging survey ensures your home is finished to a safe and acceptable standard.
Here’s why homeowners rely on snagging inspections:
1. Peace of Mind From Day One
When you’ve moved into your new property, the last thing you want is to discover faults. A snagging inspection identifies problems early, giving you peace of mind that the home is built correctly.
2. Protects Your Investment
Buying a new build is a major financial commitment. A snagging survey helps ensure that your home meets building regulations and developer obligations, preventing expensive repairs later.
3. Ensures Your Home Is Finished Properly
Many new homeowners find that the finish is not up to standard. A snagging list helps ensure your home is truly complete before defects worsen.
4. Helps Developers Fix Issues Sooner
Spotting problems early allows builders to correct them before they escalate. This protects both your comfort and your long-term maintenance costs.
When Is the Ideal Time to Arrange a Snagging Survey?
- The ideal time for a snagging inspection is before legal completion, when possible. This gives developers time to fix defects before you move in.
- However, if you can’t access the property beforehand, a snagging survey can still be completed:
- Immediately after you’ve moved in
- Within the first 2 years of your new home warranty
- Snagging issues can be corrected at any stage during this period, though earlier is better to avoid disruption.
What Do Snagging Surveys Cover?
Our snagging surveys cover all essential areas of your home, including:
- Internal and external building quality
- Brickwork and roofing
- Loft space
- Levelling of ceilings, floors and walls
- Standard of finishing throughout
- Plastering, paintwork and tiling
- Doors and windows
- Grounds, patios, paths and boundaries
- A cursory review of plumbing and electrics
As Chartered Surveyors, we are trained to spot defects that unqualified inspectors may overlook. This expertise ensures your build home is thoroughly assessed.
What Happens After the Snagging Survey?
You will receive a detailed photographic snagging report within 5 working days. This report can be shared with your developer so they can fix any issues promptly. If you wish, our surveyor can revisit your property after the builder has completed the remedial work.
We remain available for advice and support throughout the process: we’re just a phone call away.
Why Choose Southdown Surveyors?
Southdown Surveyors are trusted Chartered Building Surveyors with years of experience inspecting new build homes across East Sussex. Our expert knowledge, professional snagging inspections and commitment to quality mean you can be confident your new property is safe, compliant and finished to a high standard.
Whether you’re buying a new build or building your own property, we’re here to help you protect your investment.
Book Your Snagging Survey Today
If you’re preparing to buy a new build or have recently moved into a new home, now is the ideal time to arrange a snagging survey.
