It is natural to think that if you are moving into a new build you will not have many or even any defects or snagging issues with the property- This is unfortunately a common misconception. New developments are often built up in a short period of time to minimise labour costs and because of this, buyers are often shocked to find out that they should have asked a snagging inspector to look for snags in their house, even just a year after they’ve purchased it. Even if the development was built up in an adequate amount of time, there could still be miscommunication between the buyer and the contractor which could be confusing when you move in and notice problems you weren’t expecting.
If you’re spending a lot of money it’s always a good idea to look for snags in your house or to get a snagging inspector to do it for you so you can see any current issues or ones that may arrive in the future. We’ve put together this blog article to help you know what to look out for before moving into your new home.
Although these snags are problems you think you would spot straight away, often the excitement and stresses of moving into a new home can mean that you don’t see them straight away and the problem has been unnoticed for too long so nothing can be done about it.
What is a snag?
A snag is a fault in your new build. This could be many different things from a missing door hinge to a scratched window. Some faults can be dangerous to you or more commonly your pets, such as sharp, broken, wooden floorboards. Even if it’s not for safety reasons, you still want your home to be in the best shape before you move in.
When an inspector is snagging your home, a snag list refers to the list of repairs that have been seen before or during the process of building the house. The snagging survey then checks any problems after the house has been built to make sure it meets legal requirements and living standards. You can also get a regular survey that identifies minor issues which can also be helpful for noticing minor problems with something as simple as paint that has been spilt on the floor.
What are the most important snags?
- Cracked tiles on the roof (if you get a professional to do this they will inspect the roof with professional equipment)
- Broken gates and fences- You need to make sure you’re safe and secure!
- Outside pipes- is the drainage system running smoothly?
The most common snagging defects
- Insufficient loft insulation
- Broken tiles on the roof (You don’t want any leaks!)
- Incomplete grouting in the bathroom
- Poorly fitted skirting boards
- No acid wash on the outside brickwork
There are many other small snagging defects that a professional may notice with fresh eyes. If you’re moving into a new property and aren’t sure whether the building will live up to your expectations, give our website a look and get in contact with us today for a quote!