New Home Survey: What to Do When Your Developer Won’t Fix Snags

If you purchased a new home, there’s probably a lot of excitement to share. But before you exchange contracts and move in, some things need to be taken care of first, like getting an independent new home survey.

Here’s the thing:

If you’ve bought a new home, there will likely be snags or defects.

Snags are common in new homes in Ireland for various reasons – poor workmanship by the developer or other issues with your builder, such as delays in getting things done on time. But this does not mean you should just accept the fact that you paid a lot of money for a home that needs work. Instead, you should ensure that these defects are identified as soon as possible, which is where snagging surveys come in.

Why Is Getting an Independent New Home Survey Necessary?

It is worth mentioning that developers order a snag list before turning over the property to the buyer. It is part of the final stage of new house construction. But you shouldn’t solely rely on their snagging report when deciding to go through with the sale.

You see, the developer’s surveyor may miss critical snags that can become major issues later on because the check was rushed. It is also possible for their surveyor to intentionally exclude some defects in the snag list so the developer would not have to fix them. Similarly, they may tell you the defect is nothing serious and doesn’t need fixing just yet when this is actually untrue.

Remember, the surveyor works for the developer. So, you can expect that he will prioritise their interests. Moreover, the fewer snags there are, the better it is for the developer, as they can close the deal quicker. Hence, if you want to avoid surprises and get the house that you paid for, you need to order your own snag list.

By hiring an independent snagging specialist in Ireland, you can ensure that you get a clear picture of the property. No areas will be left unchecked. No defects will be left uncovered. You will have a comprehensive snag list.

You’re also less likely to be given biased or incomplete advice that would benefit them rather than you. You can expect recommendations on what needs to be done to make the house safe and liveable.

What Does the Surveyor Do During a New Home Survey?

The snagging specialists will visit the site and take pictures of the house. They will inspect your property, looking for any defects or problems. They will check every inch of your home, not just the indoor areas but also the outdoor elements.

They will also look at your new home’s plans and ensure that the developer followed them. Furthermore, they will determine if everything complies with the standards set by the law. This includes checking if the materials used are safe and don’t cause fire hazards or other dangers for people living on the property.

How Long Does the Process Take?

If a surveyor is hired, they can usually complete their work within 24 to 48 hours. It should be noted that they need to coordinate with your developer before going to the property. Basically, they would need the developer to grant them access to the house and inspect it.

So, if there is no hold-up with your developer, you can expect the inspection to be conducted immediately. In most cases, scheduling the survey can be done rather quickly. However, there are instances wherein the developer may take steps to delay the snagging or prevent it from taking place.

Once the survey is done, the snagging specialist prepares the report. Companies like New Home Surveys complete and deliver the snag list at least 24 hours after the inspection.

What Happens After Getting Your New Home Survey Report?

When you get the report, review it immediately. Understanding what’s in it should be easy since each defect should have a photo. But in case there are things you want to clarify, do not think twice about calling your snagger.

Create a list of your non-negotiables – snags that need to be fixed for you to go through with the sale. If there are multiple issues with the property, create a priority list so that you will know which ones need fixing first.

Next, check the contract between yourself and the developer. This will detail what has been agreed on regarding snags, particularly what types of snags will be repaired and the time frame.

If you are satisfied with the report, you must bring it immediately to your developer. Keep in mind, it’s important to report any home defects as soon as possible. Failing to do this means you’ll have to wait longer before you get to move in.

Meanwhile, if you ordered a snag list after moving in, you run the risk of paying for the repair if you don’t report the snags immediately. This is because developers are no longer responsible for fixing the snags after a certain period.

It is worth mentioning that, after getting the snag list, you can decide whether or not to go ahead with the purchase. If you decide against it, then that’s fine—the developer will fix these snags before listing and selling it again.

But if you want to go ahead with the purchase, then it’s up to you as a buyer to ensure that the issues are addressed before you close the deal. Remember, it is imperative that these issues are fixed so they don’t cause more significant problems further down the track.

Do Developers Fix All Issues on the Snag List?

It’s important to understand that developers have a responsibility to fix the issues on your snag list. But they may not be willing or able to repair everything. In some cases, they won’t even be able to fix some of the issues at all.

For example, it’s simply not possible for them to change the colour of your floorboards from grainy wood grey to white marble-like finish because it would involve ripping up all the flooring in your house and replacing it with new boards.

It’s also possible for the developer to refuse to repair certain items, which in their view, are not snags. These are the kinds of situations where having a professional snag list drawn up is beneficial. This is because the report has photos of the snags. It also cites regulations they failed to comply with, which can support your demand for them to do remedial work.

So, to answer the question, developers won’t fix all issues on the snag list, particularly those which are unreasonable and impossible. This is why it is important that you create a priority list and know how to negotiate with your developer.

What Can You Do If Your Developer Won’t Fix Snags?

There are a few steps you can take if your developer won’t fix snags in your new home. But these do not include you fixing the snags on your own.

While it can be tempting to DIY the snags, especially the cosmetic issues, it is in your best interest not to do it. If you unsuccessfully fix the defects, the developer might say you caused the problem and refuse to fix it.

As mentioned earlier, you have the option not to proceed with the sale after getting the snag list. You have the same choices when the developer refuses to fix the defects.

Alternatively, if your developer is ignoring you, you can ask your solicitor to write the developer or builder a letter demanding that they comply with what’s stipulated in the contract.

If they still refuse to fix the snags, you can file a formal complaint to the relevant professional body like The Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). You can also contact your warranty provider to see if they can provide a solution to the issue.

When all else fails, you can file a civil case against the developer or builder. However, this should be your last resort.  After all, legal battles can be expensive and tiring. If you proceed with it, you will end up worrying instead of enjoying your new home. So, if you can, try to settle things amicably with your developer.

In conclusion, it can be frustrating when you find defects in your newly built house but remember to remain calm and keep a level head. After all, the last thing anyone wants is more stress in their lives! It’s important to keep in mind that there are many ways to tackle new home problems. If one doesn’t work, then try another—and don’t give up until you get results.

Buying a new build house in Dublin or Wicklow? Hire a trusted snagging company to do a new home survey to ensure you get a comprehensive report that developers won’t question! Call us today on 016874452 (9am to 5pm) or 0852563277 or send us a message here to schedule your snagging inspection!

Royalty-free image supplied from Pexels as part of SEO service from 3R