New Build Snagging Survey
A professional snagging survey provides an independent inspection of a newly built property before or shortly after completion. It identifies unfinished work, poor workmanship and visible defects so they can be reported to the developer and addressed as early as possible.
Why Arrange a Snagging Survey?
Even newly built homes can contain defects that are difficult to notice during a brief viewing or handover inspection.
Some issues may be cosmetic, while others can affect the operation, condition or long-term performance of the property. An independent snagging survey gives you a clear record of the defects identified and helps you raise them with the developer.
It can be particularly useful when:
- You are approaching completion on a new-build property.
- The developer has offered a pre-completion inspection.
- You have recently moved into a newly built home.
- You have noticed unfinished work or workmanship concerns.
- You want an independent inspection before reporting defects to the developer.
What Does a Snagging Survey Cover?
The survey provides a detailed visual inspection of accessible parts of the property, both internally and externally.
External Construction
Visible brickwork, pointing, roof finishes, guttering, drainage, external walls and other accessible external elements are inspected for defects and incomplete work.
Internal Finishes
Walls, ceilings, floors, paintwork, plastering, tiling and decorative finishes are checked for visible damage, poor workmanship and incomplete finishing.
Windows & Doors
Windows and doors are checked for visible defects, alignment, damage and basic operation.
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Accessible units, worktops, sanitary fittings, sealants, tiling and finishes are inspected for damage, poor fitting and incomplete work.
Fixtures & Fittings
Visible fixtures, handles, switches, sockets and fitted items are checked for defects, damage and poor installation.
Garages & External Areas
Where included within the property, garages, paths, patios, boundaries and accessible garden areas are inspected for visible defects and unfinished work.
Common Snags Found in New-Build Homes
The number and type of defects vary from one property to another. Common issues include:
- Cracked or uneven plasterwork.
- Poor paint finishes.
- Damaged doors, frames or glazing.
- Loose handles and fittings.
- Defective sealant around baths, showers and worktops.
- Uneven flooring or poorly fitted finishes.
- Incomplete or damaged kitchen units.
- Poor brickwork or pointing.
- Guttering and drainage defects.
- Incomplete external works.
- Insulation or ventilation concerns where visible.
- Items that do not operate as expected.
This section is useful because it shows buyers exactly what the survey is looking for without suggesting every defect is serious.
What Will Your Report Include?
Following the inspection, you will receive a clear snagging report setting out the defects identified within the property.
Location of Each Defect
Each snag is recorded with enough detail to help identify where the issue is located.
Description of the Issue
The report explains what was observed and why it may require attention.
Supporting Photographs
Photographs are included where appropriate to illustrate the defects identified.
Recommended Action
The report provides practical guidance on the work or further investigation that may be required.
Clear Record for the Developer
The completed report gives you an organised record that can be shared with the developer or site team.
Can a Snagging Survey Find Every Defect?
A snagging survey is a detailed visual inspection of accessible areas. It can identify a wide range of workmanship and finishing defects, but it cannot reveal issues concealed behind walls, beneath floors or within inaccessible parts of the building.
Services are not dismantled or comprehensively tested as part of a standard snagging inspection. Where a specialist concern is identified, further investigation may be recommended.
This is important because it sets realistic expectations and protects the business from overstating the scope.
Why Choose Viking Surveyors?
A snagging survey should provide more than a list of cosmetic marks. Our experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors carry out independent inspections and provide clear, practical reports that help you raise defects with the developer.
Reports Delivered Promptly
Receive your snagging survey report promptly following the inspection, allowing you to raise defects with the developer without unnecessary delay.
RICS Chartered Surveyors
Your inspection is carried out by an experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor providing independent professional advice.
Clear, Practical Reports
Defects are recorded clearly, with photographs where appropriate, so the findings can be easily understood and shared with the developer.
Independent Family-Run Practice
As an independent family-run practice, we provide impartial advice and a personal service focused on protecting your interests as a property buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A snagging survey can still be carried out after you have moved into the property. It is usually better to arrange it as early as possible so defects can be reported to the developer within the relevant timescales.
In many cases, yes, although this depends on the developer’s access rules and the stage of the purchase. The inspection can also be carried out without you present if access has been arranged.
A snagging survey may identify visible work that appears incomplete, poorly finished or inconsistent with expected standards. It is not normally a formal building regulations compliance inspection unless this has been specifically agreed as part of the instruction.
A standard snagging survey includes a visual inspection of accessible services and fittings, but it does not usually include specialist electrical, gas or plumbing tests. Further testing may be recommended where there is a specific concern.
Yes. The report is prepared in a clear format so it can be shared with the developer, site manager or customer care team when raising defects.
The report provides an independent record of the defect, but it cannot require the developer to carry out repairs. You may need to refer to the developer’s complaints procedure, warranty provider or legal adviser if an issue remains unresolved.
Yes. Snagging surveys can be carried out on houses, flats and apartments. The inspection normally focuses on the property itself and any areas included within the agreed scope.
An independent snagging survey can still be useful because it is carried out on your behalf rather than for the developer. It may identify defects or unfinished work that were not raised during the developer’s own checks.
Get In Touch
If you are buying a newly built property or have recently received the keys, we can help you arrange an independent snagging inspection.
Tell us a little about the property, the expected completion date and whether the developer has confirmed when access will be available. We will then advise on the next step and prepare your quotation.
If you’d rather speak to someone, call us on:
Areas We Cover
With offices across England, we carry out new-build snagging surveys for property buyers across a wide range of towns, cities and surrounding areas. Use the map below to find your nearest office and the locations it covers.