Find a professional snagging surveyor near you. Industry research consistently shows that new build properties have an average of 100–160 defects at legal completion — from cosmetic issues like scratched surfaces and poorly fitted kitchen units, to structural, electrical and fire safety problems requiring urgent developer attention.
A professional snagging survey is the most effective way to ensure your developer remedies all defects at their cost before you move in. The inspector produces a detailed photographic report that carries real weight in negotiations with developers and their customer care teams.
What Does a Snagging Survey Cover?
External: roof covering and ridges, gutters and downpipes, brickwork and pointing, windows and doors, threshold and drainage, paving and landscaping. Internal — fabric: walls and ceilings (cracks, poor plasterwork), floors (squeaking, unevenness), loft insulation and fire stopping. Mechanical and electrical: boiler commissioning, heating balance, electrical consumer unit, socket and switch alignment, ventilation extraction, smoke and CO detectors. Kitchen and bathrooms: unit fitting and alignment, worktop sealing, tiling, sanitary ware, shower trays and enclosures.
Snagging Survey Costs near you
Professional snagging surveys near you typically cost £250–£500 for a standard house. The fee is almost always recovered many times over in the value of defects the developer is required to fix. Book before legal completion where possible — you have the right to inspect before purchase.
20 surveyors — Snagging Survey Near Me
Snagging Survey Near Me — Frequently Asked Questions
Professional snagging surveys typically cost £250–£500 for a standard house. Apartments and larger properties cost more. The fee is almost always recovered in the value of defects the developer is required to fix.
Ideally before legal completion — you have the right to inspect a property you are about to purchase. If the developer refuses pre-completion access, book immediately after receiving the keys and within the first two weeks while the site team is still on site and responsive.
Industry research shows an average of 100–160 defects per new build property at completion. Even from reputable major developers, snagging lists of 50+ items are common. Most are minor cosmetic issues, but structural, plumbing and fire safety defects are found in a significant minority of surveys.
Your NHBC Buildmark warranty (or equivalent) requires the developer to fix defects reported within the first two years. If they refuse, escalate to the warranty provider (NHBC, Premier Guarantee etc.) or the New Homes Ombudsman. A professional snagging report carries significant weight in any dispute.
You can, but a professional inspector will find significantly more defects — particularly technical issues with ventilation, fire stopping, drainage and electrical installation that require specialist knowledge to identify. A professional report also carries far more weight with developers than a self-prepared list.
Under most new build warranties, the developer is responsible for fixing defects reported within the first two years (the 'defects period'). After two years, major structural defects may still be covered under the 10-year warranty, but cosmetic and minor issues are your responsibility. Report and document everything within the first two years.
Submit your snagging report to the developer's customer care team in writing (email with read receipt). Keep detailed records of all correspondence. If they fail to respond within a reasonable timeframe, escalate to your warranty provider. The New Homes Ombudsman can also assist if the developer is a member.
Yes — flats often have additional issues specific to multi-occupancy buildings, including fire stopping between units, communal area defects, and shared mechanical and electrical systems. Many of these are not obvious without specialist inspection. The survey fee is modest compared to the potential cost of defects.