It is easy to assume that all new build properties will be in perfect condition and ready to move into with no issues to concern yourself with.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The problems are usually quite minor and cosmetic related, so easily fixed.
That is why we have the Sagging Survey, it’s less excessive than a regular survey but it is enough to assure that when you find your perfect new build- you are perfectly prepared.
The Snagging Survey is designed to help identify any potential issues with your new build home before you move in.
The most ideal time to get a snagging survey done is in between the completion of building work and your legal completion date. This allows the developer to work through any problems which have been identified before your move-in date.
Some developers may deny access to surveyors because they can’t complete Snagging Surveys. However, if this does happen, your conveyancer may be able to invoke your legal interest in the property and arrange access that way.
If your conveyancer can’t gain access that way, we recommend that you get this survey done as soon as possible once you move in. We advise this because usually, you will find that the developer is still onsite to be able to fix any problems which are identified through the survey.
You can have a Snagging Survey done at any point of time within the first two years of living in your new-build property, and the developer is legally required to repair any identified defects in the building during this period. However, for speed and clarity, we recommend that you get this survey done as soon as possible.
Snagging Surveys can pick up everything from small, minor issues to quite serious structural problems the building may have. This is unlike many Surveys, which tend to only do one or the other.
The snagging survey is generally of little use to anyone who isn’t buying a new build property as it is specifically designed to compile a list of tasks for the property developer to work through.
In the case of a property which is has been more recently built but is not a new build and has had one previous owner, we recommend that you get a HomeBuyer Survey for a more thorough assessment of the building. This will assure that any damage that may have been caused by the previous owner is identified and resolved effectively with expert advice and guidance.
The inspection of your new build property will be done systematically by our expert surveyors at House Smart.
During the inspection, the surveyor will note down any findings, from minor cosmetic problems from plastering issues to skirting board damage and then put all of their findings into a report for yourself and the property developer to work through.
We often find that the most frequent issues are with skirting boards, external brickwork, tiling and plastering.
The Home Builders Federation’s most recent satisfaction surveys found that 34% of people found that the number of problems they found with their new build was much more than they had originally expected. Continuing to report that 99% of people who had bought a new build had to report defects in their homes.
If you are buying a new build home or a new build off-plan, it is important to note that 30% of new build owners found 1-5 problems with their new homes and 26% of people found defects with their new homes.
We encourage you to take a Snagging Survey and be prepared for any issues or defects you might face when moving into your new home.
Please note that it is unlikely for these surveys to catch every possible problem and defect with the building, even more so when there is a large development undertaken where a multitude of new buildings are being reviewed.
It is important to note that it isn’t always easy to get problems and defects resolved once they have been found and reported. This is because the developers have happily received their money and no longer feel the urgent need to tend to issues as they will be busy working for their next pay-check.
This is a common problem with new builds and is another reason we strongly encourage you to have the property inspected by an expert to ensure your new build home is up to standard before you move in.
You don’t have to provide a Snagging Report when buying a new build, however, it is excessively difficult to negotiate with property developers to correct problems you have identified with the building once the sale is complete.
It is far more likely that you will receive faster service if you can present the snag list for the property developer to work through before the sale is completed.
To assure that your building meets statutory standards, it will have been checked and signed off with building Regulations. As well as this, an approved insurance policy provider will have applied for an extensive structural new-build warranty.
We advise that you complete a snagging list primarily for your peace of mind and sense of security when moving into your new build property. You will be able to rest assured that everything has been completed to a high standard and there will be no dreaded unexpected defects or costs hidden around the corner.
Getting a snag list completed before the sale of the property goes through provides you with great leverage to assure that the property developer is fast-acting when it comes to resolving any problems or defects which are found during the inspection.
Please note, you could further benefit from completing a Valuation Survey whilst organising your mortgage arrangements.
The Snag Report will be delivered to you via email. However, if you opt for this to be sent by post then that is also possible. The report is direct and clear in its descriptions of its assessments and findings.
You will find in the report a list of all aspects of the property which have been assessed and inspected by the professional.
This will include windows, kitchens, pipework, staircases, floors and so on. If any defects or snags have been found, there will be a note to highlight next to each of the relevant sections.
Opted to go for House Smart Surveying for my full home buyers survey and I can confirm they did not disappoint. From booking in the survey right to receiving the survey report they were professional, reliable and helpful with the info.
I asked House Smart to complete a survey for us and it was very detailed and carried out professionally. Many thanks guys and we highly recommend your services.
