New Build Snagging Surveys

What Should You Check Before Completion?

Buying a brand-new home is exciting, but many buyers are surprised to discover that new build properties can still contain defects, unfinished work, or areas where workmanship falls below expected standards.

Before completing on your new home, it is important to carry out a careful snagging inspection to identify any issues that require attention from the developer. While some buyers choose to do this themselves, many also choose to instruct an independent professional surveyor for added reassurance.

At Nova Surveyors, we provide detailed new build snagging surveys designed to help buyers identify issues early - ideally before legal completion or occupation - when developers are often most responsive to resolving defects.

Carrying Out Your Own Snagging Inspection

If you are undertaking your own snagging inspection, it is important to follow a structured checklist and inspect the property methodically, room by room,

The industry-recognised New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist is widely used to assess the quality and condition of new build homes.

You can download the official NHQB checklist here:

NHQB Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist (PDF)

The checklist covers hundreds of inspection points across the property, including:

  • Walls, ceilings, and plaster finishes
  • Paintwork and decoration
  • Floors and floor levels
  • Doors, locks, and ironmongery
  • Windows and glazing
  • Kitchens and fitted units
  • Bathrooms and sanitaryware
  • Heating and hot water systems
  • Ventilation and extractor fans
  • Electrical fittings and sockets
  • Loft insulation and roof spaces
  • Brickwork and external finishes
  • Drainage, gutters, and paving
  • Safety and compliance items

Some common snagging issues found in new build homes include:

  • Poor paint finishes or plaster defects
  • Damaged flooring or worktops
  • Poorly fitted doors and windows
  • Missing sealant or mastic
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Cracked tiles
  • Inadequate loft insulation
  • Poor ventilation installation
  • Uneven paving or drainage problems
  • Brickwork defects and cosmetic damage

While many defects may appear minor individually, collectively they can significantly affect the finish, performance, and long-term quality of the property.

Why Instruct a Professional Snagging Surveyor?

Although buyers can carry out their own inspections, an independent professional survey provides a far more comprehensive level of assessment and reassurance.

At Nova Surveyors, we use the NHQB inspection framework alongside our professional surveying expertise, construction knowledge, and specialist equipment to undertake a detailed inspection of your new home.

Our inspections benefit from:

  • Independent and unbiased reporting
  • Extensive experience identifying workmanship defects
  • Understanding of acceptable tolerances and construction standards
  • Professional photographic documentation
  • Clear and detailed reporting
  • Knowledge of common new build issues and recurring construction defects

We also utilise specialist equipment where appropriate to assist with identifying concerns that may not always be immediately visible during a basic visual inspection.

Here are a few example report sections:

RICS Regulated Surveyors with Construction Expertise

Choosing the right surveyor matters.

Nova Surveyors are able to offer:

  • RICS Regulated Surveyors
  • Supported by in-house Chartered Construction Management expertise (MCIOB)

This combination provides both professional surveying standards and practical construction understanding, helping us assess not only cosmetic defects but also workmanship quality, installation concerns, and broader construction-related issues.

Our reports are designed to be:

  • Clear and easy to follow
  • Supported with extensive photographic evidence
  • Practical and professional
  • Useful for discussions with developers and site teams

When Should a Snagging Survey Be Carried Out?

The ideal time for a snagging survey is:

  • Shortly before legal completion, or
  • Immediately before moving into the property

Identifying issues early often gives the best opportunity for defects to be rectified promptly or formally agreed with the developer before occupation.

Most new build homes are supplied with a 10-year structural warranty through providers such as NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty, or similar schemes. However, the initial developer defects period is usually the most effective time to address snagging items.

Under the NHQB Code, buyers should also be given the opportunity to undertake a pre-completion inspection.

What Our Clients Say

"Wonderful, very friendly conscientious and professional [...]. The survey was extremely comprehensive well laid out with picture evidence in support I would definitely recommend this company Many thanks for providing such a good service"

and

"Wonderful to deal with, communication is excellent, friendly but extremely professional. We were so pleased with the detailed report, especially all the photo's to help us easily identify the areas within the property. Anything we didn't understand [they were] more than happy to go through these with us. I would highly recommend this company"

Arrange a New Build Snagging Survey

If you are purchasing a new build property and would like professional reassurance before completion, Nova Surveyors can help.

Our detailed snagging inspections are designed to help buyers identify defects clearly, communicate concerns effectively with developers, and move into their new home with greater confidence.

We can also provide bespoke snagging surveys that incorporate selected elements of our Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey service. This enhanced approach can include:

  • Additional commentary on general property condition
  • Maintenance and upkeep advice
  • Broader observations on construction quality and performance
  • Desktop research into wider property-related issues
  • Consideration of external factors that may affect the property or future ownership
  • Flood risk
  • Planning and development nearby
  • Environmental considerations
  • Energy performance
  • General location-related issues
  • Other matters typically considered during a homebuyer inspection

To arrange a snagging survey or discuss your requirements, contact us.

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