Snagging vs. Traditional Home Surveys

It’s important to note the difference between a snagging inspection and a traditional home survey. While home surveys are typically done on older properties to assess value and condition, snagging inspections are specific to new builds.

Snagging inspections are proactive — aiming to prevent problems before they occur. In contrast, home surveys are often reactive, identifying wear and tear or historical issues.

What Is a Snagging List — And Why It Matters More Than Ever

Buying a new-build home is a major financial and emotional milestone. But even in high-spec developments, it’s common to find minor defects or incomplete work — known as “snags.” With the construction industry under constant pressure to build fast, and a well-known shortage of skilled trades and experienced site managers, the risk of overlooked details or substandard finishes is real.

That’s where a snagging inspection makes all the difference.

A professional snagging survey provides a detailed, room-by-room assessment of issues that should be addressed by the builder — from cosmetic flaws to more serious concerns like poor drainage, faulty fitting, missing insulation, or early signs of damp.

Unlike the limited Pre-Completion Inspection (PCI) offered under the New Homes Quality Code — which is restricted to a short visual-only check — our inspections are carried out after legal completion, when you have full access and your home is ready for a thorough assessment.

We use professional-grade inspection tools such as damp meters, borescopes, and precision alignment instruments to check levels, finishes, fixtures, and fittings in line with NHBC tolerances, Building Regulations, and warranty standards.

🔍 Why Our Post-Completion Snagging Inspections Matter:

• Independent – We work for you, not the builder or warranty provider.

• Thorough – We check what others don’t, using equipment and experience to go beyond surface-level defects.

• Timed Right – Full access means fewer restrictions and a better-quality inspection.

• Builder-Ready Reports – Clear, photo-based, and fully referenced reports you can use to raise issues with your developer or warranty provider.

Whether you’ve just moved in or are preparing to complete, this is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and avoid long-term problems. And remember: under most new-build warranties, you have up to two years to raise valid defects. The earlier you know what to look for, the stronger your position.

The Value of Snagging in the Modern Build Environment

Snagging inspections aren’t your average home survey. While traditional surveys focus on ageing properties and long-term wear and tear, snagging inspections are proactive — designed to catch faults that should never have been there in the first place.

A thorough inspection covers everything from internal finishes to external elements, typically including:

• Joinery and finishings

• Masonry and brickwork

• Roofing and guttering

• Paintwork, tiling, and fixtures

• Fire safety compliance

• Windows and doors

• Garages, driveways, paths, and boundary finishes

• Loft and insulation quality

In the hands of a skilled inspector, even subtle or hidden issues can be picked up early — before they evolve into costly problems. Many defects don’t reveal themselves until after the two-year builder warranty has lapsed. Beyond that, most structural warranties (like those from NHBC or LABC) only cover major issues, leaving homeowners to foot the bill for anything else. A professional snagging inspection ensures those issues are flagged and fixed before that window closes