When buying a home, it’s important to ensure that the property is in good condition and free from any significant defects or issues. That’s why many buyers choose to have a home inspection or snag survey performed before closing the sale.
While these two types of inspections serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between a snag survey and a home inspection, and when each type of inspection may be appropriate.
The Snag Survey Process
A snag survey is a type of inspection that is typically performed on new-build properties, such as newly constructed homes, apartments, or commercial buildings. The purpose of a snag survey is to identify any defects or issues with the property that need to be addressed before the buyer takes possession.
A snag survey is typically conducted by a professional snagger, who will thoroughly examine the property and create a report detailing any defects or issues that were found. These may include issues such as unfinished or poorly finished surfaces, inadequate insulation, electrical or plumbing problems, or problems with doors, windows, or fixtures.
Once the snag survey is complete, the builder is typically given a list of the issues that need to be addressed before the property is handed over to the buyer. The builder will then fix these issues, and the snagging inspector will perform a follow-up inspection to ensure that all of the defects have been properly addressed.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a type of inspection that is typically performed on existing homes. The purpose of a home inspection is to identify any issues or defects with the property that the buyer may not have noticed during their initial viewing.
A home inspection is typically conducted by a professional home inspector, who will examine the property from top to bottom, including the structure, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, and appliances. The inspector will create a detailed report detailing any defects or issues that were found.
Once the home inspection is complete, the buyer can use the information in the report to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a price reduction. In some cases, the buyer may choose to back out of the sale entirely if the inspection reveals significant defects or issues with the property.
What is the Difference?
The main difference between a snag survey and a home inspection is the type of property that is being inspected. A snag survey is typically performed on newly constructed properties, while a home inspection is typically performed on existing homes.
Another key difference between the two types of inspections is the focus of the inspection. A snag survey is primarily concerned with identifying defects or issues with the property that need to be addressed before the buyer takes possession, while a home inspection is focused on identifying any issues or defects with the property that the buyer may not have noticed during their initial viewing.
Finally, the outcome of the inspections is also different. In the case of a snagging survey, the builder is typically responsible for fixing any defects or issues that are identified. In the case of a home inspection, the buyer can use the information in the report to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a price reduction.
Which is the Best Option For Me?
If you’re buying a new-build property, a snagging survey is essential to ensure that the property is in good condition and free from any defects or issues. On the other hand, if you’re buying an existing home, a home inspection is essential to ensure that you’re aware of any issues or defects with the property before you finalize the sale.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to have both a snag survey and a home inspection performed. For example, if you’re buying a newly constructed home that has been sitting on the market for a while, a home inspection may be necessary to ensure that the property is still in good condition.
Home Snagging UK
At Home Snagging UK, we ensure that your property is finished to the highest quality. We take incredible pride in our precision and care for every detail. Our professional snaggers have received training in a variety of topics, such as carrying out snag surveys and preventing defects. Learn more about our snagging packages here. Or, follow us on Instagram to stay up to date.