If you have recently bought a new build home then I’m sure you have been advised to get a snagging inspection. But what does that actually mean? I’m sure you have a lot of questions on your mind – what is snagging? can I do it myself? why do I need a snagging inspection? Here in the post we aim to answer all of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to getting a new build home inspection.
What Is Snagging?
Of course, this is the first and foremost question to answer. Simply put, snagging is the process of checking new builds for minor faults that need to be rectified. If you don’t get a snagging inspection done before you move into your new home then you could end of paying out a lot more money down the road when defects begin to appear.
How Does Snagging Work?
Most people can identify some of the obvious defects within their new home, however, few have the knowledge or experience to identify what a professional snagger will pick up during their snagging inspection. Your chosen company will come to your new home with a checklist and ensure that everything is up to standard and no errors are found. At the end of the snagging inspection, you will be given a full report which you can then hand to your builder.
It is important that you know the standards your warranty provider has set; such as the NHBC Standards. Knowing this will make sure you are not putting yourself in a position where your builder will refuse to do fix some of the snags found. If they do refuse it will be because they deem the snags to be built to the standards that they are working too.
Why Do New Builds Need Snagging?
New build houses are constructed by many people in all weathers and seasons. This combination means that all new builds must have a snagging inspection performed. During the build process, you would expect the site management team to be monitoring the quality along with the periodic site visits from your warranty provider.
However, given the time constraints that your site management team will be under to construct your new house, this process can be missed to some degree. Unfortunately, this can lead to poor quality and lack of attention to detail, especially towards the end when the house is being finished.
What Is A Snag?
A snag is a small defect within your new home. They are found once the building works have been completed and are usually minor problems. If you notice a scratch on your window or loose hinges then this is considered to be a snag. However, more serious snags can be something along the lines of a lose fitted pipe in the kitchen, which can cause major damage to your property down the line.
When Do You Start The Snagging Process?
The time to start thinking about getting your snagging inspection is when you have signed the contract for your new house with the sales executive. At this point, you should definitely be aware that it is something to be considering and you can choose which company you would like to opt for during the sales process.
Snagging Period
The period of time after the completion of your new home when you have the chance to identify any snags or defects in the property (and report them to your builder) is known as the snagging period. This lasts approximately two years, but often builders try to request a snagging list from the homeowners in the first couple of weeks after handover.
You should also be aware of the amount of time that your builder has to rectify any snagging issues. These timelines should be clearly communicated to you at the start of the home buying process and if they are not resolved in this period you will have the right to raise a complaint.
What Is A Snagging List & What Will It Cover?
A snagging list is what your inspector will come prepared with when they show up at your home and is used to help identify any defects.
The snagging list will cover all the external elevations of your home including the roof, garage, the garden areas and landscaping. Once the external areas have been snagged for defects the internal areas will be covered. This is a thorough inspection of plaster and decorations including wall tilling and all fixtures and fittings.
We have put together a snagging checklist so you can gain an understanding of the depth in which snagging inspections go into.
How Long Does A Snagging Inspection Take?
Most people do not estimate how long an inspection will take, which is normally between 3 & 5 hours depending on the size of your property.
Can I do My Own Snagging Inspection?
Yes, you can do your own snagging inspection, however, we advise against this. You will not have the proper qualifications and experience that a professional snagging company will have and this will mean defects are left undetected.
If you need guidance on how to choose a company, we’ve put together a list of things to look for here.
What Happens After?
When your snagging inspection has been completed your professional snagger should take you through the report and explain to you what the defects have been identified. To gain an understanding of what sort of defects can be found, view one of our sample snagging reports here.
We will then take this away to check the spelling and include any references that relate to the standards. We will also check that the information is correct and descriptive of what we have found.
You will then receive an electronic copy within 24 hours but normally we endeavour to send it to you the same day, followed by 2 hard copies in the post. The electronic copy should be sent to your builder’s customer care manager and the hard copies are one for you and one for your site manager.
We offer full customer support during this process and you can contact us via phone or email.
What Happens If My Builder Refuses To Do My Snagging?
Firstly it is important that you have read and understood your builder’s Customer Care Charter and their process for dealing with defects, which you should have been made aware of during your buying process.
Most builders will have set aside a pot of money per plot on your new development to deal with any defects that you identify during your 2 year maintenance period. This period has nothing to do with your warranty provider as that is a separate warranty from your builder.
Your builder will rely on most new homeowners identifying some but not all defects within their home, this is where your professional snagger is invaluable in identifying these defects giving you peace of mind.
During your maintenance period having your defects rectified in a timely manner as you would expect can, and sometimes does, breakdown when the builder refuses to do your defects because they either do not agree with them or they are of the opinion that the defects are within the standards set by the warranty provider.
It is at this point that your builder may suggest that you go to resolution with the warranty provider to resolve your differences one way or the other. The Customer Care Charter and your warranty documents will advise you on the course of action that you need to follow. This normally has a cost to it and please be aware that your warranty provider will have set a minimum cost before they attend to any defects, so it is important that you find this out before going to resolution. (It is also worth noting that it is your builder who pays the warranty provider).
How Much Does A Snagging Inspection Cost?
A snagging inspection can vary dependant on the type and size of your home. For more information, give us a call.
So, these are all the most frequently asked questions about snagging we receive, however, if we have not addressed any of your issues please feel free to have a chat with us!
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