If you’re buying a new home, you may be considering getting a snagging survey. We have a look at what a snagging survey actually is, and why you should get one for your new property.

What is a snagging survey?

A snagging survey checks for any problems with your new build home. The survey is made once your property has been built but before your completion date. This allows the developer to fix any issues well in advance of your actual moving day.

Should I get a snagging survey?

If you’re buying a new build home, then ideally, you should get a snagging survey. It will reveal any issues with the property, and ensure they are fixed before you move in. Once you have moved in and living in the property, it will be harder to prove that some of the ‘snags’ are not your fault.

The best time to get a snagging surety would be before your solicitor has completed the transaction. As you have not yet handed over any money, you then have a greater bargaining power to negotiate with the developer on repairs.

While it is possible to conduct a list yourself, you would need to be extremely thorough and allow plenty of time to complete it, and be well aware of the most common snagging issues.

How long should snagging take?

A snagging survey should take around three hours for an average-size apartment, or five hours for an average-size house. However, this can vary depending on the size of the property and the number of problems the surveyor finds.

How does a snag list work?

A snag or snagging list is a list of all the problems, issues, and defects – the snags – within a new build property. Typically this would include issues such as patchy paintwork, broken roof tiles, poor grouting in bathrooms and issues with external brickwork.

If you’re looking for a new home snagging service, talk to us today.