New Build Snagging Survey Do’s and Don’ts

Most people buy a new house to get one that suits their needs and meets their design preference. Another reason is to ensure that they have a property that is in excellent condition – well-built and damage-free.

You probably have the same reasons for getting a new build house. You should know that just because the house is new, it doesn’t mean that it is in pristine condition.

Over the years, a decline in the quality of newly constructed homes has been noted. Even homes built by trusted developers or builders were found to have numerous defects.

Hence, to safeguard your interest and hard-earned money, you have to ensure that the house you are buying undergoes a snagging survey.

Just like most people, you may not be familiar with the concept of a new build snagging inspection. But don’t worry as we’ve put together a guide on the do’s and don’ts of snagging, which can help you get the house you’ve always dreamed of having.

New Build Snagging Survey Do’s

Do Schedule the Inspection Before Moving In

The best time to do the snagging survey is before you finalise the sale of the house or move in. You still have leverage over the developer or builder at this stage, which can motivate them to resolve the issues promptly. Moreover, inspecting the house is much easier when it is still empty.

As cited by several new-build buyers, developers or builders are slow to act on the snag lists when the deal has been closed. Even if they have a legal obligation to fix the defects uncovered during the warranty period, many of them take several weeks to respond to queries.

Do Hire Professional Snaggers

Snagging inspections need to be thorough. Missing just one yet critical defect may result in costly repair expenses later on. This is why it is vital that you let professional snagging specialists inspect your house.

With their know-how and experience, you can count on these professional snaggers to conduct a comprehensive survey. You can also trust them to know where to look and spot even the seemingly hard-to-find snags.

Do Get Independent Contractors

It is highly recommended that you choose snagging contractors not affiliated with developers or builders. This is to avoid any conflict of interest and ensure the integrity of the snag list.

Do Read and Understand the Snag List

When you get the snag list, do not send it to your developer or builder without reviewing it. In most cases, not all items on the list are going to be fixed. So, it is imperative that you identify your non-negotiables (or snags that must be fixed) to close the deal before meeting your developer or builder.

Go through the items and list down any questions you may have. Understanding what the snags are shouldn’t be difficult as there are typically photos of them in the report. But if you need to clarify some things, do not hesitate to call your snagging specialist.

New Build Snagging Survey Don’ts

Don’t Skip this Step

It can be tempting to forego the snagging inspection, especially since developers are required to conduct one before the property’s turnover. Relying solely on the snag list they provide is not a wise decision, though. In most cases, several snags are missed during developer-commissioned inspections. So, you really have to conduct another survey.

Meanwhile, if you are thinking of skipping the inspection to cut down on expenses, you may regrettably end up spending more later on. You don’t have to break the bank to hire professionals to snag your home. In Ireland, the snagging inspection cost for a 3-bedroom home is just around €230.

Don’t DIY the Snagging Inspection

The availability of online resources on how to create a snag list may convince you to do the inspection yourself. However, you have to recognise that reading or watching these tutorials won’t make you an expert.

Moreover, it’s different when you are on the ground, doing the inspection. You need to have a trained eye to find the snags.

It may seem like DIY-ing the snagging can help you save, but it won’t if you miss crucial snags that are expensive to fix.

Don’t Sacrifice Quality for Cost

When choosing a snagging company, don’t base your decision solely on their snag list price. To be more precise, do not pick a contractor just because it has the lowest fees. The quality of their work should be your primary consideration.

So, instead of just looking at their snag list prices, read about their reputation. Find out if they conduct thorough inspections and produce comprehensive snagging reports.

Are you looking for new build snagging survey contractors in Dublin? New Home Surveys are known for their high-quality inspections and comprehensive snag lists. Call us today on 016874452 (9am to 5pm) or 0852563277 or email us at sales@newhomesurveys.ie to get a free quote!