Buying a new home is a significant milestone. It’s exciting, emotional, and—let’s be honest—stressful. After investing your life savings or securing a mortgage, the last thing you want is to move into your dream home only to discover crooked light switches, leaking taps, or doors that don’t close properly. That’s where a snagging inspection comes in.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about snagging inspections, including:
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What is a snagging inspection?
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Why it’s important
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Common snags found in new builds
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The best time to get a snagging inspection
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DIY vs professional snagging inspections
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How to choose a snagging company
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Conclusion: Peace of mind before you move in
What Is a Snagging Inspection?
A snagging inspection is a detailed survey of a new-build property conducted to identify defects, poor workmanship, and unfinished work. These issues—commonly referred to as “snags”—can range from minor cosmetic faults (like paint splashes or chipped tiles) to more serious problems such as plumbing leaks or structural misalignments.
Snagging inspections are typically carried out before the buyer moves in, and ideally before finalizing the payment with the developer. This gives the builder a chance to fix any issues before the home becomes officially yours.
Why Is a Snagging Inspection So Important?
Many homebuyers assume a brand-new property will be flawless—but that’s rarely the case. Developers are under pressure to deliver quickly, often relying on subcontractors to get the job done. Mistakes, shortcuts, and missed finishing touches are common.
Key reasons why snagging inspections are vital:
Protect Your Investment
A home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Snagging inspections ensure you’re getting full value for your money by identifying problems early.Hold Builders Accountable
If you don’t point out defects, the builder may assume everything is fine. A snagging report puts pressure on them to fix the issues before handover.Avoid Long-Term Costs
Minor issues can become major repairs if left unchecked. Identifying them early can save you thousands later.Ensure Safety and Compliance
Some snags may relate to electrical safety, gas appliances, or fire protection. A snagging inspection ensures your home meets safety standards.Peace of Mind
There’s nothing more comforting than knowing your new home has been checked thoroughly before move-in.
Common Snags Found in New Build Properties
Here are some of the most frequently reported issues in snagging inspections:
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Walls & Ceilings: Uneven plastering, paint runs, cracks
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Doors & Windows: Ill-fitting doors, stiff handles, poor alignment, draughts
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Floors: Loose tiles, creaky floorboards, uneven carpet fitting
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Bathrooms: Leaking taps, improperly sealed baths, water pressure issues
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Kitchens: Poorly fitted cabinets, misaligned countertops, appliance faults
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Electrical: Missing or damaged sockets, light switches not working, poorly placed fixtures
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Plumbing: Inadequate drainage, leaks, noisy pipes
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Exterior: Broken bricks, landscaping issues, poor paving
When Should You Conduct a Snagging Inspection?
The best time to conduct a snagging inspection is before completion or within the first two years of ownership—during the developer’s warranty period (often covered by NHBC or other structural guarantees).
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Before legal completion: This gives the builder time to resolve issues before you move in.
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After moving in: You can still get one done and submit a report to your builder—though fixing some issues may now take longer.
Tip: Avoid scheduling a snagging inspection while contractors are still working on-site. Wait until the property is “build complete” so the report is accurate.
DIY vs Professional Snagging Inspections
You can do a snagging inspection yourself, but it’s often recommended to hire a professional—especially if you’re unfamiliar with construction standards.
DIY Inspection
Pros:
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Free
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Immediate feedback Cons:
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You might miss structural or compliance issues
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Hard to negotiate with builders without a formal report
Professional Snagging Company
Pros:
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Detailed, comprehensive report
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Experience identifying less obvious defects
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Legally recognised documentation Cons:
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Costs range from $250–$600+ depending on property size
In most cases, hiring a professional pays off in the long run. The cost of one missed major snag can far outweigh the inspection fee.
How to Choose a Snagging Company
Not all snagging companies are equal. Look for these key factors before hiring:
Accreditations
Choose a company with trained surveyors or construction experts. Look for RICS or CIOB certifications.Sample Reports
Ask for examples of past reports to ensure they are thorough and well-documented.Turnaround Time
Check how quickly they can inspect your property and deliver the report.Reviews and Testimonials
Look at third-party reviews (Trustpilot, Google) to gauge past customer satisfaction.Post-Inspection Support
Some companies help you communicate with builders or even re-inspect after repairs.
What Happens After the Snagging Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a snagging report listing all identified issues. This report can be sent directly to your builder or developer with a request to rectify the faults.
Most reputable developers will act on the report quickly, especially if the inspection was conducted before legal completion. Always follow up and request written confirmation that the snags have been resolved.
Conclusion: A Snagging Inspection Is a Smart Move
Buying a home is a huge step—and one that deserves due diligence. A snagging inspection is your final quality check, your safety net, and your way to ensure the dream home you paid for is actually delivered.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, never assume a new build is faultless. Professional snagging inspections provide the peace of mind you need, protect your financial investment, and hold developers accountable for their work.