Snagging - Getting the best response.

Ollie_D

Hi,

I am due to complete on a new build property in December and the next thing on my list to sort is possible snagging issues.

My thoughts are to get a 'professional snagger' to look over the whole property ideally prior to completion (I think the developer should allow this?).

I have several reasons for thinking this is the best approach:

We are one of the last properties to complete on this site, so I'd like to get anything major sorted before all trades leave site.

I'm not sure I trust myselff to pick up everything, so it would give some reassurance.

Maybe incorrectly, I think this gives the 'snags' more prevalence if a professional has noted them.

Has anyone used one of these services, would they be willing to share a copy of the report? Did you find that it helped get issues resolved?

Thanks!

Grezz24

im about to be in the exact same situation and would be interested to see the replies.

For what its worth we are going to get someone in to do a 'professional snag' purely because we wont spot everything and this removes any kick back from the developer saying 'oh you're wrong it should be like that' etc.

SmashedAvacado

1. your solicitor should have put provisions in the sale contract governing how snagging would be dealt with / the standard of finish expected. It sounds obvious but many do not. The seller is only obliged to do what they are contractually obliged to do - so your first port of call is to ask the solicitor what the developer has agreed in relation to snagging

2. notwithstanding 1 above, i would indicate to the developer that you want your own snagger to visit and do a report. When engaging your snagger, i would also ask for a price that included a follow up inspection so you can ascertain what has been done / what hasnt been done - as otherwise you might not be able to tell when the developer says they have done things

Jane_B

Depending on the developer, doing the snag check before moving in might not be possible, or needed. We purchased with Taylor Wimpey so had a 2 yr guarantee on works and repairs. My husband works in property so was able to do the snagging himself, in total we had a list of about 210 things which needed to be fixed, some major some very minor (Scratches in tiles etc.) they were all fixed within the first 4 months.

Check with the developer if they will allow the snag check to be completed prior to move in, as most will not allow it. If you do not think you can spot everything you need, then hire a professional.

whatdoyouthink...

I used this check list from the NHBC to do my snagging when I moved in...

Might be worth checking out before you pay someone to do it.

http://www.nhbc.co.uk/nhbcpublications/literaturelibrary/homeownerdocuments/filedownload,42392,en.pdf

Ollie_D

I'm fairly sure we're allowed a snagging visit prior to completion. We will have 2 years to notify Redrow of any issues, but being the sceptic that I am I feel they could fob some problems off "you must of done that moving in..." etc. If we dont do it immediately.

eddddy

As you say, most new builds have a 2 year warranty against defects. You can report snags/defects at any time during that period.

If the developer doesn't allow a snagging survey before completion, you can get one done just afterwards.

Some defects take a while to show up, so some people also have a snagging survey just before the 2 year warranty is up.