How to Get a Snag List for Your New Dublin Home

A snag list is a report containing all the small defects or snags present after the property has been completed. These defects can either be functional or cosmetic. Most of the time, the snags discovered are the cosmetic type.

Functional snags pertain to problems wherein something is not working properly, e.g. sockets without power and faucets with no water flowing. Meanwhile, cosmetic snags are defects which affect the aesthetics of the property like peeling paint and scratched windows.

However, the problems uncovered are not just functional and cosmetic types. Sometimes, experienced snagging specialists find structural issues like uneven floors. Structural problems are concerning because they can make the property unsafe.

Clearly, you cannot skip getting a snagging survey. Doing so can lead to hefty repair expenses later on. Worse, you or your loved ones may end up getting hurt.

Now that you know how important this kind of inspection is, the next question is how to get a snag list drawn up. Read on to find out what your options are.

Snag List from the Developer

According to the law, the property developer or contractor is required to conduct a snagging survey after it completes the project.

Basically, the contractor hires a professional snagger to do the inspection. If no issues are uncovered, the specialist provides a certificate or report that indicates that the property has no defects.

A word of caution:

You need to conduct your own snagging survey even if the house was already inspected and certified defect-free.

Why do you need another snag list drawn up? Chances are high that the snagging specialists (hired by the contractor) missed some defects.

Oftentimes, it is just an honest mistake, i.e., the inspector really did not notice the snags. But it could also be because the snagger is not thorough.

Another possibility is that the snagging specialists prioritised the interest of the contractor and opt to ignore the issues they uncovered. This is unfortunate, but it happens which is why it is necessary for buyers to commission a snagging survey before they sign the contract.

For the second inspection, you have two options – DIY or hire an independent snagging company.

DIY Snag List

Going the DIY route is something you can consider if you have a background or experience in engineering, architecture or construction. Your knowledge can help you accomplish this task without a lot of difficulties.

When you do the inspection on your own, the first thing you have to do is to get a snag list template online. This is going to serve as your guide when you do the survey.

The most common practice is to check the exterior parts first. When it comes to the interiors, the process is to inspect the rooms one at a time.

When you survey the room, you do not just look around. You have to manipulate and touch things to find defects. For example, you have to open and close the windows to check if they are working properly. You also have to touch the walls to feel if there are chips or scratches.

Aside from listing down the defects you discovered, you also need to take photos of them. Nowadays, it is best practice to include images of the issues on the snagging report.

It may seem easy, but conducting a snagging inspection is a tedious task. You need to have a trained eye or you’ll easily miss some snags.

Snag List from an Independent Snagging Specialist

If you want a thorough inspection and a comprehensive report, it is best to let a professional do the inspection.

To be more specific, hire an independent snagging specialist – a company that’s not affiliated with any contractor or developer.

With an independent contractor, you can rest assured that there won’t be any conflict of interest – that the snagging specialists are going to do their best to help you get the house that you want.

So, make sure that the company you are eyeing is not working for contractors or developers. It is also important that you pick one that is known for doing excellent snagging inspections. Look for reviews about the company to learn about the quality of the service they render.

Remember, you are going to spend a lot of money to buy your house. So, you need to ensure that you are getting what you paid for, and you don’t even have to pay a huge amount to do this. The cost of a professional snagging inspection is nothing compared to the cost of repairing defects that are discovered after the sale is finalised.

Need to get a snag list drawn up for your new build home? New Home Surveys is Ireland’s preferred independent snagging company. Call us now on 085 256 3277 to learn more about our services!