Home Inspections Southeast can conduct a New Build Snagging inspection of your new home. With over 25 years’ experience in the Construction Industry and with at least 20 years of that at management level we are experts at New Build Snagging.
We will identify snagging issues and present them in an effective and detailed snag list for you to present and discuss with your developer. Ideally the inspection would be carried out before you move in, so the developer has time to address all the problems before occupation. This however often isn’t possible as the developers refuse to give access to the property, or it simply isn’t finished in time. They are legally allowed to refuse access as they still own the property till completion. If the developer won’t allow the inspection to be done before completion or there is not time to arrange it, then the inspection should be carried out as soon after completion as possible. It becomes more difficult to get agreement from the developer to fix some items the longer it has been between occupation and inspection, they could and often do argue that you the homeowner caused the damage when moving in or that it is simply cosmetic or shrinkage.
New Build Snagging inspections – The inspector will discuss the property with you before the inspection is carried out. This can be done over the phone, on teams or in person on the day of the inspection, during this discussion you can highlight any concerns you have with the property. The inspector will want to walk round the property on their own. They will need access to all rooms, the loft and any garages or outbuildings, they may also need to inspect drainage runs outside the property. The inspector will take a great number of photos and maybe video to help with their report, the inspectors are aware and experienced in inspecting newly occupied homes so will expect moving boxes etc to be present, they cannot however move furniture or take up floor covering etc when carrying out the inspection.
Can the developer refuse to do snagging? – It is the developer’s responsibility to check and fix any cosmetic defect before completion of the sale, in reality it is very unlikely they are going to pick up everything. This is why a customer should carry out or commission a snagging list, the developer is responsible for putting right any defects caused by their failure to build in accordance with the standards set out by the building regulations and warranty provider. However, the guidance can be subjective, which is where it can become tricky. You/We might consider something to be a fault, but the developer may argue it’s not. Most of the time this is all about negotiation, you may not get everything you want. Remember no new home is going to be completely flawless because it’s built by people, not machines, in what is sometimes unpleasant conditions. Try to keep things amicable with the developer as it will make the process easier. If there is a breakdown in communications between you and your developer your warranty provider can help which is normally free of charge. If you have used our New Build snagging inspection service, we to may be able to assist too.
Please note: Children cannot be left unaccompanied in any part of the house for safe guarding reasons during the inspection.