Many new build homeowners may find themselves asking “Should I have my new build home inspected?”, “Why do I need an inspection?” and “Is it worth it?”. Here we discuss why a new build home inspection is a necessity and what is involved.
Check out some of the snags we have found on our YouTube channel.
Do you need a new build inspection?
It is not a legal requirement to have your newly built home inspected by a professional and funds are often tight when moving and purchasing a new home. Plus, you’re buying a new build so it should be perfect… right? Wrong, even the best builders don’t get everything right 100% of the time and things can get rushed or missed to keep up with schedules and within budgets.
Paying a few hundred pounds in the short term to get a comprehensive snagging list of the things that the builders need to fix is essential to the longevity of your home. This is at no additional cost to you and before your completion date or your warranty expires and could save you thousands down the line. Buying a new home is likely to be the most expensive purchase you will ever make, so a little extra investment for peace of mind and to save you money in the future is surely worth it.
What is a new build home inspection?
Snagging is a thorough, but non-invasive, walkthrough of your new build property to ensure there are no structural or internal issues that need to be addressed. The proper term is snagging. When you hear us discussing your snags these are issues within the property. Snagging surveys aren’t mandatory but ensure you the peace of mind that your home is in top shape.
A new build home inspection can take up to 5 hours, depending upon the size of your property. It’s best to get a snagging survey completed as soon as possible, the longer you reside in the home without an inspection, the harder it will be to spot and rectify snags.
While some people will move into a new build home and find no snags at all, it’s sadly all too common that new build homes come with defects.
When should I book to get my new build home inspected?
Ideally, you should book a professional home inspector during the early phases of construction when more of the house is visible. However, if you are purchasing a property that is nearly or already completed it is still important to arrange a home inspection. Ensure that you find an independent home inspector who is solely focused on representing your interests. Rather than opting for snagging inspectors recommended by the building company who are in essence re-selling the property.
What issues will my new build home inspector look for?
Every external and internal area of your new home is assessed and a comprehensive report is provided (hard copy and digital). These contain clear photographs and the description and location of each defect. In our Lively reports, we also assign the defect to the relevant trade. You will end up with a detailed snagging list for the builder to work through and fix, ideally before you move into your new home.
Areas covered in the snagging report include:
- The front boundary (which is normally the front footpath)
- The garden areas, driveways, footpaths
- Each external elevation (including the main roof and low-level roofs)
- The garage, both externally and internally
- All boundary fences
- The functionality of windows and doors
- Internal areas of your new house are checked (starting at the front door and moving into your hall and all rooms that radiate from it)
- Insulation
- Roof coverings
- Any service connections such as fan ducts, soil pipe connections and durgo valves
We have written our own Ultimate Snagging Checklist, for those looking for further information on what a snag is, and especially what a snag isn’t! Some snagging companies see quantity over quality. However, in reality the best way to get snags rectified quickly is, to be honest. There is a large difference between lifting wooden floors and a small mark on the wall.
A good professional snagger will be able to tell you the problems within your home and help you through the process of getting these sorted by the building company. While some building companies are happy to fix snags quickly, others can ask for further evidence. Your snagger should help you with this process. At Lively Professionals own only goal is ensuring the safety and longevity of your home, while other new build home inspectors are much more concerned about numbers and turnover. We’ve even been nominated for awards based on our optimistic approach to customer service and providing the best for you.
What do I do once the new build home inspection is completed?
At Lively, we explain the results of the survey and the snagging list to you face-to-face so that you have a full understanding of the issues and what is required to fix them. For a better insight into this process, explore our detailed blog post about the snagging survey process. Our report and the support we give will provide you with will give you the confidence to communicate the issues to the developer. To rectify the snags quickly and efficiently. If you require a reinspection after the snags have been addressed please contact us.
Finally, if you have questions or need support after the survey, we are on hand to provide help via phone and email.
Is a new build home inspection worth the cost?
As seasoned building inspectors who see the potential pitfalls of purchasing a new build property without a snagging survey every day, we know that it is worth the cost. But you don’t need to just take our word for it, here’s what some of our recent customers had to say…
“Worth every penny.” Laura, on Trustpilot
“Ian did a fantastic job in assessing our new property. He has meticulous attention to detail, produced a thorough report on the day itself that captured every possible snag and was hugely flexible and accommodating as our completion date shifted. We would have no hesitation in recommending Ian to any prospective house buyer. Ian was phenomenal!” Hayley, on TrustPilot
“Ian was phenomenal in providing us with snagging services. He was very accommodating with our schedule and circumstances and did a fabulous job. His report was clear and detailed and his decades of experience in the industry shone through in his findings. He spent time describing all findings and classifying issues in complexity and effort. He answered additional questions and continues to do so even though the job is done. I highly recommend Ian’s services.” Bharat Choragudi, TrustPilot
You can see more of our Lively Professional Services reviews on TrustPilot, or find more new build snagging testimonials on our website for you to explore.
Buying a New Build Property and Need an Inspection? Contact Us. If you’d like to arrange a survey on your new build property, please fill in our simple form to receive a quote.
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