What is a Snagging Survey and Do I Need One?
If you're buying a new build home in Liverpool or across Merseyside, you may have heard the term "snagging survey" mentioned. But what exactly is it, why do you need one, and when should you get it done? JGL Associates, a RICS regulated building surveying firm based in Liverpool, explain everything you need to know.
What is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey — also called a new build inspection or snagging inspection — is a thorough, independent assessment of a newly built property that identifies defects, unfinished work, and substandard finishes that should be rectified by the developer before or after you move in.
The term "snag" refers to any defect or issue found in a new build property, ranging from minor cosmetic problems like scratched surfaces and poorly painted walls through to more serious concerns such as inadequate insulation, structural issues, drainage problems, and faulty installations.
A professional snagging survey produces a comprehensive written report detailing every issue found, accompanied by photographs. This report is then presented to the developer with a formal request for rectification.
Why Are Snagging Surveys So Important?
You might assume that a brand new property would be perfect. In practice, new build homes are constructed at speed, often by multiple subcontractors, and the quality of workmanship can vary significantly. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of new build buyers experience problems with their property after moving in.
Common snags found in new build properties include:
Cosmetic issues — Paint drips, scratched surfaces, poorly finished plasterwork, misaligned tiles, gaps around skirting boards and architraves.
Joinery defects — Poorly fitted doors and windows that don't open, close or seal properly; damaged or misaligned kitchen units; stiff or loose hinges and handles.
Plumbing and drainage — Leaking joints, poorly fitted sanitaryware, inadequate water pressure, slow-draining sinks or baths, and incorrectly positioned appliance connections.
Electrical — Sockets or switches that don't work, poorly positioned light fittings, missing or inadequate earthing.
Roof and structure — Missing or displaced roof tiles, inadequate insulation, poorly finished eaves and soffits, and in more serious cases, structural defects in the roof structure itself.
Heating and ventilation — Poorly balanced radiator systems, inadequate extract ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, boiler and heating control issues.
External works — Poorly laid driveways, defective boundary fencing, inadequate drainage of garden areas, and unfinished landscaping.
When Should I Get a Snagging Survey?
The ideal time to commission a snagging survey is before legal completion — that is, before you hand over your money. At this point, the developer is still responsible for the property and is contractually obliged to address identified defects prior to handover.
However, many developers prefer not to allow independent inspections before completion. If that's the case, the next best time is as soon as possible after completion, while you're still within the developer's defects liability period — typically the first two years after completion, during which they are obliged to rectify reported defects.
Don't leave it too long. The sooner defects are identified and formally reported, the easier it is to get the developer to take responsibility and carry out the necessary work.
Is a Snagging Survey Different from a RICS Survey?
A snagging survey is specifically designed for new build properties and focuses on identifying defects in the finished work. A RICS Level 1 Condition Survey is the formal RICS survey type designed for new build and near-new properties, providing an independent professional assessment of the property's condition.
Depending on your property and your concerns, we may recommend a snagging-focused inspection, a RICS Level 1 survey, or a combination of both. The important thing is that the inspection is carried out by an independent, qualified professional — not someone connected with the developer.
What About My NHBC Warranty?
Most new build properties come with a 10-year structural warranty such as NHBC Buildmark. While this provides valuable protection for major structural defects that emerge over time, it does not cover minor defects, cosmetic issues, or problems arising from poor general workmanship that don't reach the threshold of a "structural defect." A snagging survey provides protection that a warranty alone cannot.
Book a New Build Inspection with JGL Associates
JGL Associates are a RICS regulated building surveying firm covering Liverpool and Merseyside. All inspections are personally carried out by James Lindsey MCABE AssocRICS MRPSA, who brings over two decades of property and construction experience to every survey.
If you're buying a new build property and want the peace of mind that comes from an independent professional inspection, get in touch with us today for a no-obligation quote. You can also learn more about the different types of survey we offer.