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Are Snagging Surveys Worth It? A Homeowner’s Guide

Are Snagging Surveys Worth It

When moving into a brand-new home, many homeowners assume their property will be flawless. However, this isn’t always the case. New-build homes often have defects or unfinished work that can lead to costly repairs later. This is where a snagging survey comes into play. But what exactly is a snagging survey, and is it worth the investment? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and value of snagging surveys to help you decide if they’re right for your new-build home.

What Is a Snagging Survey?

A snagging survey is a comprehensive inspection of a new-build home designed to identify defects, unfinished work, or areas that don’t meet specifications, regulations or standards set out within the construction industry The purpose of a snagging survey is to catch these issues early on, allowing homeowners to address them with the developer before they become major problems.

Common issues found in snagging surveys include:

  • Incomplete decorations and/or poorly finished plaster
  • Defective or sub-standard installation of doors and windows
  • Faulty plumbing or electrical systems
  • Insufficient insulation or draught issues
  • Incorrectly applied sealants 

At The House Inspector Snagging, we provide professional snagging services to ensure your new-build home is in top condition. Our experienced inspectors conduct thorough surveys to identify even the smallest defects, giving you peace of mind in your new home.

Why New-Build Homes Aren’t Always Perfect

Many people assume that because a home is brand new, it will be free of any issues. However, there are several reasons why new-build homes often have defects.

One of the main reasons is the tight timelines builders face. Developers are often under pressure to complete homes quickly to meet deadlines, and in the rush, small details can be overlooked. Additionally, volume building means homes are produced at scale, which can sometimes result in lower attention to detail. While builders strive for quality, the sheer speed and scale of construction can lead to minor defects or incomplete work.

Furthermore, many new homeowners aren’t aware of potential defects until after they’ve moved in. Snagging surveys are a proactive way to ensure everything is checked before any warranty periods expire.

Top 10 Frequently Overlooked Snags

The Benefits of a Snagging Survey

Peace of mind: One of the biggest benefits of a snagging survey is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your new home has been thoroughly checked by professionals means you can move in with confidence.

Saving money: While a snagging survey may seem like an additional cost, it can actually save you money in the long run. Identifying and fixing defects early prevents more significant, costly repairs down the road. For example, a minor plumbing issue identified during a snagging survey could prevent major water damage in the future.

Better resale value: A snag-free home will likely hold its value better over time. By addressing defects early, you’ll maintain the condition of the property, which is crucial when it comes to selling your home.

Accountability: With a snagging report in hand, you have documentation of all the defects that need addressing. This holds the developer accountable for rectifying any issues in an acceptable time frame also within the warranty period.

Is a Snagging Survey Worth the Cost?

When considering whether a snagging survey is worth it, it’s important to weigh the cost against the potential long-term benefits. At The House Inspector Snagging, our snagging surveys are priced between £295-£600 depending on the size and complexity of the property. While this might seem like a significant expense upfront it is on average below 0.1% of the value of your new home and it’s worth noting that snagging surveys can save homeowners thousands of pounds in repairs later.

Imagine discovering leaking pipework, faulty wiring, missing insulation or poorly applied sealants after you’ve moved in – repairs for these issues can easily exceed the cost of the survey. By investing in a snagging survey, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure your home is up to the high standard you expect.

For a detailed breakdown of our snagging survey costs, please visit our pricing page.

When Should You Get a Snagging Survey?

Timing is crucial when it comes to snagging surveys. Ideally, they should be conducted before your builder’s warranty expires, which is usually within the first two years of purchasing a new-build home. This is the period in which developers are legally obligated to fix any defects, so having a snagging report ready will help ensure any issues are addressed without delay.

It’s also recommended to get a snagging survey done shortly after moving in, as this allows you to identify any defects before you’ve had a chance to fully settle into the property. At The House Inspector, we recommend booking a survey as soon as possible to catch any issues early.

Protect Your New Home – Get Started

So, are snagging surveys worth it? In short, yes. For a relatively modest investment, a snagging survey offers homeowners peace of mind, protects the value of their property, and ensures that defects are identified and addressed before they become more serious – and costly – problems.

If you’ve recently purchased a new-build home or are about to move into one, consider booking a snagging survey with The House Inspector Snagging. Our experienced team will help ensure your home is perfect from the moment you move in. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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