When to get the snagging survey done

onetimeatponycamp

I'm in the process of buying a new build (well, conversion) property. It was fully completed before I viewed. So far I've reserved the property and am in the process of arranging a mortgage. At what point should I organise a snagging survey - is that better done now, or later down the line? The developer has already acknowledged that the basin in the bathroom will need to be replaced as the builder fitted one that is too small. They have said that I can meet the EA there to measure and choose which one I will want. Is it better I do the snagging survey before that, so that they can do any other work at the same time as the basin, or after so that the basin is also checked?

thearchitect

When the property is completely finished and ready to move in, and before the exchange of contracts, is the appropriate time to make a snagging list.  This might not be possible as housebuilders can refuse to give you access to the property.

If you leave it until you have moved in, it becomes harder to get problems fixed as your housebuilder could argue either the old caveat emptor in respect of patent defects or alternatively that you have caused the damage when you moved in. It is also easier for contractors to work in an empty property for obvious reasons.

onetimeatponycamp

Thank you. It looks like then I need to get them to do the basin asap so that I can get the survey done before we exchange.

The only potential issue with that is that the property currently has show furniture etc. in it, so presumably that will need to be removed before the survey is done, as there could be damage from the removal process. Do developers generally agree to remove this and have the survey done before exchange, or is that likely to make it not possible to do yet?