Buying a brand-new home is an exciting milestone, but even newly built properties aren’t always perfect. Small issues, known as snags, can sometimes arise once you’ve moved in. Understanding what snagging is and how to address it can help you feel confident in your new home.
What Does “Snagging” Mean?
In the property world, snagging refers to the process of identifying and resolving minor defects or unfinished work in a new-build home. These snags are usually cosmetic issues rather than major structural problems, though occasionally more significant faults can be discovered.
Snagging is a standard part of the new-build journey. Developers expect a few small things may need attention once a home is completed, and they are responsible for fixing them within a reasonable timeframe.
Common Snagging Issues
Every home is unique, but some common snagging items include:
Paintwork imperfections – scuffs, scratches, or uneven finishes.
Doors and windows – sticking, not closing properly, or poor sealing.
Kitchen fittings – cupboard doors misaligned, worktops not level.
Bathroom fixtures – loose taps, leaking pipes, or poorly sealed tiles.
Electrical sockets or switches – not working or incorrectly fitted.
Heating issues – radiators not warming evenly, air pockets in the system.
External finishes – uneven brickwork, poor pointing, or damaged roof tiles.
Garden and driveways – uneven paving, fencing issues, or incomplete landscaping.
When Should a Snagging Survey Be Done?
The ideal time to carry out a snagging survey is just before you complete your new-build home. At this stage, the property is finished but not yet lived in, making it easier to spot any issues without furniture or personal belongings in the way. If your developer allows, arrange for a professional snagging inspector to visit within one to two weeks before you complete, so that any defects can be noted and scheduled for repair before you move in.
If you’ve already moved into your new home, you still have the right to raise snags. Most new-build properties come with a two-year developer warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials, which means you can submit a snagging list during this time and expect the issues to be addressed. In addition, your home will usually have a 10-year structural warranty that covers more serious issues with the building’s structure, so it’s important to keep an eye on how your home performs in those first few years.
How to Get a Snagging List Completed
Below is the general process for getting a snagging list completed on a new build property:
Hire a professional snagging inspector (often a surveyor) who knows what to look for.
Book the inspection as soon as the home is build-complete, but ideally before legal completion.
Receive a detailed snagging report, listing any issues with photos and notes.
Share the report with your developer, who is responsible for resolving the snags.
Agree on a timeline for completion of the works. Most developers will aim to fix issues within a set period after handover.
Check the repairs once they are done, and confirm you’re satisfied
Your Rights as a Buyer
As the purchaser of a new-build home, you have important rights when it comes to snagging. Your developer is responsible for putting right any problems that do not meet the expected standards of quality or that breach building regulations during the first two years after completion. Beyond this initial period, most new-build homes are protected by a 10-year warranty, such as those provided by NHBC or LABC, which covers structural defects.
It’s always best to raise any issues in writing, ideally with photos and dates, so you have a clear record of your concerns. Developers are generally expected to carry out remedial works within a reasonable timeframe once they have been notified. You can also request a final inspection as you approach the end of your two-year warranty period to ensure that all outstanding snags are resolved.
Recommended Timelines for Snagging
Pre-completion inspection: 1–2 weeks before legal completion (if your developer allows).
Immediately after moving in: Walk through the property and note any additional issues.
Within 7–14 days: Submit your snagging list to your developer.
Ongoing: Continue to log issues for up to two years under your warranty period.
End-of-defects inspection: Around the 2-year mark, you can request a final check before the initial warranty period expires.
Peace of Mind with Mulberry Homes
At Mulberry Homes, we pride ourselves on the quality and finish of our properties. However, we also understand that new homes may occasionally need small adjustments once you’ve settled in. Our team is committed to addressing any snags efficiently and ensuring you are completely satisfied with your new home.
If you’re considering a move to one of our new-build developments across the Midlands and the South East, get in touch with our friendly sales team today. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process and support you every step of the way.
