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Snagging survey on a new build

laurajane6486
laurajane6486 Posts: 55 Forumite
Name Dropper Combo Breaker First Anniversary First Post
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi all,

I will complete on a new build purchase (ftb) on the 28th. From everything I had previously read I was planning to have a snagging survey done. In the past few days I have phoned a couple of local snagging surveyors I found online (couldn't get any personal recommendations) and their opinion seems to be they're not really necessary?! Now I'm confused! They both said that they weren't worth it unless I had found snags and was having trouble getting the builders to rectify the snags? Both said they would be happy to do it if I insisted but they didn't want me to waste my money on something unnecessary. Which seemed nice of them as they could have just taken my money. Or am I being naive?

So now I don't know what to do. They're the only local snagging surveyors where I live. Are there any national or regional (West Midlands/Shropshire) anyone could recommend? Should I definitely be having one done or should I do my own snagging? I must say Keepmoat have been excellent so far. I've been visiting the house weekly for the past few weeks and they've already been quick to rectify anything I've picked up on.

Any opions much appreciated!
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Comments

  • Chanes
    Chanes Posts: 882 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    It's unusual for people to turn down work could it be they're actually right? I always thought a snagging specialist was money well spent on buying a new house because they are trained to see the detail.

    For peace of mind and the price (when compared to the total the house costs you) I think I would still want it reviewed by a surveyors eyes.
  • SuzieSue
    SuzieSue Posts: 4,096 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    If they are really snagging surveyors then how on earth do they stay in business if they don't do any snagging surveys?

    If I was buying a new build now I would definitely get a snagging survey done because house building standards are so variable and the quality of the build often just depends on how good the site manager is.
  • OneYorkshireLass
    OneYorkshireLass Posts: 3,166 Forumite
    First Post
    here's a DIY one


    http://www.landlordexpert.co.uk/documents/Free_Snagging_Kit.pdf
  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Posts: 12,519 Forumite
    First Post Name Dropper First Anniversary
    SuzieSue wrote: »
    If they are really snagging surveyors then how on earth do they stay in business if they don't do any snagging surveys?

    If I was buying a new build now I would definitely get a snagging survey done because house building standards are so variable and the quality of the build often just depends on how good the site manager is.

    Snagging surveyors make money from snagging large developments of offices, factories, or flats and housing developments prior to handover.

    There's no money in doing them for single houses.
  • SuzieSue
    SuzieSue Posts: 4,096 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    daveyjp wrote: »
    Snagging surveyors make money from snagging large developments of offices, factories, or flats and housing developments prior to handover.

    There's no money in doing them for single houses.

    Thanks, then the OP needs to contact companies that specialise in doing one-off houses. There have been tv programs in the past where employees from such companies have surveyed new builds so I assume they still exist.
  • ComicGeek
    ComicGeek Posts: 1,539 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper
    Now that the ceilings are closed up, walls plasterboard, decorated etc, a lot of issues could be covered up. Really useful snagging should be carried at key stages during the build, but always difficult to get access from house builders as they know this as well.

    Use a DIY checklist, and take your time to look through absolutely everything - best to do it before you move anything in if you can, otherwise can be easy to miss things. Take photos of any issues.
  • lush_walrus
    lush_walrus Posts: 1,975 Forumite
    They are correct, it's not their role to snag an individual house. It is very unusual request.

    For those suggesting things are covered up, the bullders will have applied to Building Control, and had regular inspections so things you can not see will have been checked by others.

    I presume your house will have a 10 year guarantee with NHBC? So you are covered for major issues that may arise, through a bad detail creating an isssue or workmanship. So all you actually need to do is arrange s walk around prior to completion with the builders to see if there is anything not finished correctly, or if anything is missing / to the wrong spec or sloppy workmanship.
    The advice you have received to get this done is perverse - there is no reason to need independent snagging, look yourself.
  • lee111s
    lee111s Posts: 2,988 Forumite
    Combo Breaker First Anniversary
    lush_walrus wrote: »
    They are correct, it's not their role to snag an individual house. It is very unusual request.

    For those suggesting things are covered up, the bullders will have applied to Building Control, and had regular inspections so things you can not see will have been checked by others.

    I presume your house will have a 10 year guarantee with NHBC? So you are covered for major issues that may arise, through a bad detail creating an isssue or workmanship. So all you actually need to do is arrange s walk around prior to completion with the builders to see if there is anything not finished correctly, or if anything is missing / to the wrong spec or sloppy workmanship.
    The advice you have received to get this done is perverse - there is no reason to need independent snagging, look yourself.


    This in spades.
  • ComicGeek
    ComicGeek Posts: 1,539 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Name Dropper
    lush_walrus wrote: »
    For those suggesting things are covered up, the bullders will have applied to Building Control, and had regular inspections so things you can not see may have been checked by others.
    Fixed that for you - no way that every part of every house is inspected by Building Control/NHBC. The build quality that I see on large housing developments as part of my consultancy work is shocking, and does not get seen by BC/NHBC before being hidden. Build quality and control for large developments is getting worse and worse as pressures on completing plots as quickly as possible have increased over recent years, and good site managers are hard to find and overworked.


    NHBC doesn't cover against all defects. Given that it can be the single largest purchase that someone may make in their life, if they're not able to undertake snagging themselves then why not get someone else to do it.
  • RMSP
    RMSP Posts: 4 Newbie
    Hello, I just joined the forum as I too have a similar problem...I have purchased new house before with NHBC warranty and was never aware of such thing as a company doing the snagging list. I am now trying to buy a small flat for my daughter in a office building conversation in Reading area and my solicitor has suggested getting such done to protect myself. However talking to one snagging company I was told there was not much point to do such unless I am clear what new build warranty would actually cover , so i am also confused and these reports seem pricey (over £300 even for one bed flat) so I am stuck on this decision and do not have any recommended company as yet. sorry cannot help with your question as i am also in similar boat
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