The Complete Guide to Snagging Surveys

Buying a new build property in Weymouth, Dorchester, or anywhere across Dorset should mean purchasing a home built to modern standards with minimal defects. However, the reality often differs significantly. As RICS chartered surveyors at Weymouth Surveyors, we regularly conduct snagging surveys on new build properties and consistently identify numerous defects that developers should address before buyers complete their purchases.

This comprehensive guide explains what snagging surveys involve, why they're essential for new build purchases, what defects surveyors typically find, and how the process protects your investment in your new Dorset home.

What is a Snagging Survey?

A snagging survey, also called a new build inspection or pre-completion inspection, is a detailed examination of a newly built property before you complete your purchase. The survey identifies building defects, finishing issues, and deviations from building regulations that developers should rectify.

Unlike building surveys for existing properties that assess condition and highlight maintenance needs, snagging surveys focus on construction quality, finish standards, and compliance with specifications. The survey produces a comprehensive "snag list" of all defects found, which you provide to the developer for correction before completion or soon afterward.

When to Book Your Snagging Survey: Ideally, arrange snagging inspections shortly before your scheduled completion date, typically 2-4 weeks prior. This timing ensures the property is substantially complete, allowing comprehensive assessment, while leaving developers time to address issues before you move in. Some buyers also arrange follow-up inspections after six months when certain defects become apparent only after occupation and seasonal changes.

Why New Builds Need Snagging Surveys

Many new build buyers assume NHBC warranties and building regulation inspections guarantee perfect construction. However, warranties don't eliminate the possibility of defects, and building control inspections cover regulatory compliance, not finishing quality or workmanship standards.

Construction Pressures: Modern house building operates under significant commercial and time pressures. Developers work to tight schedules with complex supply chains and multiple subcontractors. While most aim for quality, the reality of construction means defects occur regularly. Having new builds inspected by independent chartered surveyors identifies issues for correction while developers are motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and their reputation.

Hidden Defects: Some issues aren't apparent to untrained observers but become problematic later. Our professional surveyors spot these potential problems during snagging inspections, preventing future difficulties.

Negotiating Position: Identifying defects before completion gives you stronger negotiating position. Developers generally prefer addressing issues before buyers move in rather than dealing with complaints afterward. A comprehensive snag list from professional surveyors provides the documentation needed for effective negotiation.

Financial Protection: Rectifying defects after completion, especially if developers resist, can be expensive and stressful. Snagging surveys cost typically £300-£600 but often identify issues worth thousands of pounds to rectify, making them excellent value for protecting your investment.

Common Defects Found in Snagging Surveys

During snagging surveys across Weymouth, Dorchester, and throughout Dorset, our chartered surveyors regularly encounter similar defects. Understanding what we look for helps you appreciate the survey's value.

External Issues

Drainage Problems: Inadequate falls in surface water drainage, improperly installed gullies, or blocked drains are common. We test drainage function and check that surface water disperses correctly. Poor drainage causes standing water that damages paths, drives, and potentially building foundations.

Brickwork Defects: Despite modern construction, we frequently find poor brickwork including inconsistent mortar joints, smeared mortar on brick faces, damaged bricks, and inadequate weathering details. While sometimes cosmetic, these issues can affect weather resistance and long-term durability.

Roof Issues: Missing or damaged tiles, inadequate fixing, poorly fitted ridge tiles, or defective flashing around chimneys and valleys occur regularly. We inspect roofs carefully, identifying issues requiring correction before they cause leaks.

Windows and Doors: Installation defects are common, including inadequate sealing, poorly adjusted hardware, damaged frames, and scratched glass. We test all opening windows and doors, checking operation, weather seals, and security hardware function.

External Decoration: Paint coverage, finish quality, and protection of external woodwork vary significantly. We note areas requiring additional coats or proper preparation before painting.

Internal Defects

Plastering Problems: Uneven plaster, poor corners, inadequate preparation for decoration, and surface damage are frequently identified. While developers may claim minor imperfections are acceptable, professional standards require smooth, even surfaces ready for decoration.

Flooring Issues: Poorly fitted carpets, damaged floor coverings, uneven screeds, and inadequate underfloor insulation all occur in new builds. We examine floor finishes throughout properties, identifying all defects requiring attention.

Kitchen and Bathroom Fitting: Incorrectly aligned units, damaged worktops, poorly sealed joints, and inadequate tiling are common in fitted areas. Bathrooms particularly require careful sealing to prevent water damage. We check all fittings, seals, and finishes in these critical areas.

Decoration Quality: Paint coverage, cutting in around edges, splashes on wrong surfaces, and incomplete areas frequently need addressing. While final decoration is sometimes buyers' responsibility, base coats should meet reasonable standards.

Joinery Defects: Internal doors often have installation issues including poor alignment, incorrectly fitted locks, damaged surfaces, and inadequate clearances. Skirting boards and architraves may show gaps, poor joints, or incomplete fixing.

Services and Systems

Heating Systems: While we don't fully test heating systems during snagging surveys, we check that radiators heat properly, thermostats function, and controls operate as intended. We note any obviously defective or poorly installed heating elements.

Electrical Installation: We test that sockets, switches, and light fittings work correctly. We don't electrically test circuits but ensure visible installation appears complete and functional. Missing socket covers, damaged faceplates, or poorly positioned outlets get noted.

Plumbing: Taps, showers, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures receive functional testing. We check for leaks, adequate water pressure, proper drainage, and that all fixtures operate correctly.

Ventilation: Building regulations require adequate ventilation in modern properties. We check that extract fans function, trickle vents are fitted and operational, and ventilation provisions meet requirements.

The Snagging Survey Process

Understanding what happens during snagging surveys helps you appreciate the thorough inspection your property receives from Weymouth Surveyors.

Pre-Inspection Preparation: Before attending, we review plans and specifications if available, understanding what should have been built. We bring appropriate tools including spirit levels, moisture meters, and testing equipment.

Systematic Inspection: We work through properties systematically, typically starting from the top and working down. Every room receives careful examination. We test all opening elements, check finishes, examine installations, and note all defects found.

Photographic Evidence: Each defect is photographed, providing clear visual evidence for developers. Photos help ensure all issues are understood and properly addressed.

Comprehensive Reporting: Following inspection, we prepare detailed snag lists documenting every defect found. Reports categorize issues by severity and location, making them easy for developers to work through systematically.

Priority Classification: We classify defects by urgency. Major issues affecting safety, weather resistance, or functionality receive highest priority. Lesser defects like minor decoration imperfections are noted but classified as lower priority.

After the Snagging Survey

Receiving your snag list is just the beginning. The report becomes a powerful tool for ensuring developers address all identified issues.

Presenting the Report: Provide your snag list to developers or their sales teams promptly. Most reputable developers appreciate professional snag lists as they clearly identify work needed without ambiguity or disagreement.

Negotiating Timescales: Discuss when developers will address snagging issues. Some items may be fixed before completion, while others might be scheduled for shortly afterward. Get clear commitments in writing regarding timescales for all rectification work.

Follow-Up Inspections: Once developers claim snagging work is complete, arrange follow-up visits to verify proper rectification. Don't sign off on work until you're satisfied all issues have been properly addressed.

Warranty Claims: Items developers won't address, or defects appearing later, may need warranty claims through NHBC or similar warranty providers. Professional snag lists provide strong evidence supporting claims.

Retention of Funds: If purchasing through some schemes allowing retention of funds until snagging completion, your professional snag list justifies holding back money until work is satisfactorily completed.

Snagging vs Building Surveys

Some buyers wonder whether they need both snagging surveys and traditional building surveys for new builds. While snagging surveys focus on finishing quality and immediate defects, building surveys assess overall construction quality, structural adequacy, and compliance with building regulations.

For most new build purchases, snagging surveys provide appropriate inspection levels. However, larger developments, non-standard construction, or properties where you have specific concerns might justify comprehensive building surveys alongside snagging inspections.

Choosing Your Snagging Surveyor

Not all snagging surveyors offer equal service. When selecting surveyors for your Weymouth or Dorset new build, consider:

Professional Qualifications: Choose RICS chartered surveyors with proven experience in new build inspections. Professional qualifications ensure surveyors understand construction standards and building regulations.

Local Knowledge: Surveyors familiar with local developments and developers understand area-specific issues and local building practices. Our extensive knowledge of Dorset new builds ensures we know what to look for.

Comprehensive Service: Good snagging surveys examine every accessible part of properties, producing detailed reports with photographic evidence. Avoid limited inspections that may miss important defects.

Independence: Ensure surveyors have no connections to developers or builders. Independent chartered surveyors provide impartial assessments focused solely on your interests.

The Value of Professional Snagging Surveys

While new build properties should be defect-free, reality shows otherwise. Professional snagging surveys from experienced chartered surveyors identify issues for correction, protecting your investment and ensuring you receive the quality home you're paying for.

At Weymouth Surveyors, we've conducted numerous snagging inspections across Dorset's new developments. Our experience means we know exactly what to look for and how to document findings effectively for developer action. Our detailed snag lists give you the evidence needed to ensure proper completion of your new home.

Conclusion

Snagging surveys represent essential protection for new build purchases in Weymouth, Dorchester, and throughout Dorset. The modest survey cost provides excellent value through identifying defects worth potentially thousands of pounds to rectify, while giving you leverage to ensure developers address all issues properly.

Don't assume your new build will be perfect. Independent professional snagging inspections from RICS chartered surveyors provide the thorough examination needed to identify all defects requiring attention. If you're buying a new build property across Dorset, contact Weymouth Surveyors to arrange your professional snagging survey. Our expertise ensures you move into a properly finished home meeting the standards you deserve.