Everything You Need to Know About Snagging
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In the world of property ownership, particularly when it comes to new builds, there's a term that every homeowner should be familiar with: snagging. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, understanding the ins and outs of snagging can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the line. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about snagging.
What is Snagging?
Snagging is the process of thoroughly inspecting a new build property to identify and document any defects, issues, or unfinished work that needs to be addressed by the developer or builder. This critical step in the home-buying process ensures that your new property meets the expected standards and specifications outlined in your contract.
The term "snagging" comes from the construction industry, where it refers to the final phase of a project when small issues or "snags" can be identified and resolved. In the context of new build homes, snagging has become an essential practice for homeowners to protect their investment and ensure they're getting the quality they've paid for.
A new build snagging list or snagging checklist is a comprehensive document that outlines all the potential issues to look out for during a snagging inspection. This list covers everything from cosmetic imperfections to more serious structural problems.
The term snagging is often used interchangeably with the ‘defect’. This is not necessarily correct. Find out what the difference is between a snag and a defect.
The Importance of Snagging
Snagging is crucial for several reasons:
Quality Assurance: It ensures that your new home meets the standards promised by the developer and required by building regulations.
Cost Savings: Identifying issues early can save you money on future repairs that might not be covered by warranties if left unaddressed.
Peace of Mind: A thorough snagging inspection gives you confidence in the quality and safety of your new home.
Legal Protection: Documenting issues provides evidence if disputes arise with the developer later on.
Property Value: Addressing snags promptly can help maintain or even increase your property's value.
Despite the best efforts of developers and builders, it's rare for a new build home to be completely free of snags. The complexity of modern construction, time pressures, and the involvement of multiple subcontractors can all contribute to oversights or quality issues.
When Should You Snag?
The ideal time to conduct a snagging inspection is before you legally complete and move into your new home. This gives you the best leverage to get issues resolved quickly. However, the reality is that many developers won't allow access for a full snagging inspection until after completion.
If you can't snag before completion, aim to do it as soon as possible after moving in. Most new build warranties give you two years to report issues, but bear in mind the two year warranty is for genuine defects, not necessarily for snags, which is why we ask if a new build home is really ‘stress free for 2 years’.
Some key times to consider snagging:
Before completion (if allowed)
Immediately after getting the keys (check developers policy on reporting ‘cosmetic snags’
A few weeks after moving in (some issues may only become apparent with use)
Before the end of the developer's initial warranty period (usually 2 years)
Before the 10-year structural warranty expires
Remember, snagging isn't a one-time event. It's often an ongoing process, especially in the first few months of living in a new build home.
DIY Snagging vs. Professional Snagging
When it comes to snagging your new build home, you have two main options: doing it yourself or hiring a professional snagging company. Each approach has its pros and cons.
DIY Snagging
Pros:
It’s free!
You can take your time and be thorough
Intimate knowledge of your preferences and expectations
Cons:
Lack of expert knowledge
May miss hidden or technical issues
Time-consuming
Developers might be less responsive to a non-professional report (Unless you use our template)
Professional Snagging
Pros:
Expertise and experience in identifying issues
Comprehensive snagging inspection with specialised tools
Objective third-party assessment
Professional snagging report carries more weight with developers
Saves you time and stress
Cons:
Cost (though often a worthwhile investment)
May not catch very personal preferences or minor aesthetic issues
They can sometimes report too many items ‘within tolerance levels’ which makes the report look bigger than it should and loses focus on the bigger issues.
For most people, especially those buying their first new build home, hiring a professional snagger or professional snagging company can be a sensible approach. These experts know exactly what to look for and can provide a thorough, impartial assessment of your property.
The Snagging Process
Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional, the snagging process typically follows these steps:
Preparation: Gather necessary documents (floor plans, specifications) and tools (flashlight, ladder, spirit level, etc.).
Exterior Inspection: Check the roof, walls, windows, doors, landscaping, and any outdoor features.
Interior Inspection: Systematically go through each room, checking floors, walls, ceilings, fixtures, and fittings.
Systems Check: Test electrical outlets, plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems.
Documentation: Record all findings, including photographs of issues.
Report Creation: Compile all findings into a comprehensive snagging report.
Submission: Submit the report to the developer or builder.
Follow-up: Monitor the resolution of identified issues and conduct a final check once rectifications are complete.
A professional snagging inspection will be extremely thorough, often taking several hours to complete for an average-sized home.
Snagging tolerances
Snagging tolerances refer to the acceptable margins of error in construction work. They define the level of imperfection that's considered normal and acceptable in newly built homes.
While specific tolerances can vary, here are some general guidelines:
Walls: Should be plumb within 5mm over a 2m height
Floors: Level within 4mm over a 2m length
Doors: Gaps around doors should be consistent within 3mm
Tiling: Deviation of 3mm over a 2m length
Many developers would quote the NHBC standards, which can be found here - https://nhbc-standards.co.uk/1-welcome.
Common Snagging Issues
While every new build is unique, there are some common snagging issues that frequently crop up:
Cosmetic Problems:
Paint drips or uneven coverage
Scratched windows or surfaces
Poorly fitted carpets or flooring
Gaps in tiling or grouting
Structural Issues:
Cracks in walls or ceilings
Uneven floors
Poorly fitted doors or windows
Plumbing and Drainage:
Leaky taps or pipes
Improperly sealed baths or showers
Poor water pressure
Blocked or slow-draining sinks
Electrical Problems:
Non-functioning outlets or switches
Improperly installed light fixtures
Issues with the fuse box or circuit breakers
Heating and Ventilation:
Radiators not heating properly
Thermostats not functioning correctly (or wired to the wrong zone!)
Poor ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens
External Issues:
Incomplete or poor quality landscaping
Drainage problems in the garden
Poorly fitted guttering or downpipes
Weepvents incorrectly installed
Finishes and Fittings:
Missing or poorly fitted skirting boards
Poorly hung doors
Badly fitted kitchen units or appliances
Remember, what constitutes a snag can range from minor cosmetic issues to more serious structural defects. It's important to document everything, no matter how small it may seem.
The Ultimate Snagging Checklist
A comprehensive snagging checklist or new build snagging checklist is an invaluable tool for ensuring nothing is missed during your inspection. Here's a breakdown of what to include:
Exterior
Roof
Check for missing, cracked, or incorrectly laid tiles
Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents
Look for proper alignment of gutters and downpipes
Walls
Check for cracks, chips, or inconsistencies in brickwork or rendering