Snag List Dublin: Now Covering the Whole of Ireland
Call: 016874452 (9am to 5pm) or 085 256 3277
As a home buyer, it is essential that you understand that being newly built does not always translate to a problem-free property. This is why a snagging survey is conducted to check for snags or faults so buyers of brand-new houses like you won’t move into low-quality or substandard ones.
This inspection is necessary because building something to perfection on the first try hardly ever happens. Mistakes can occur during construction, and expected standards may not be met at all times.
Yet, buyers deserve to enjoy their purchased property in the best condition it can possibly be in. In a sense, a snagging survey gives both the builder and the buyer an opportunity to meet halfway.
Defects Uncovered During a Snagging Survey
There are major, minor, and critical snags. These problems can be functional, structural or cosmetic in nature.
Below are a few examples of problems in a property that are uncovered during a snagging inspection:
- Cracked guttering
- Leaking roof
- Faulty heating system
- Gaps in the soffit
- Door or window does not fully close
- Cracked tile
- Poor painting job
- Weak or incomplete toilet flush
- Creaking floor
- Uneven ceiling
Conducting a Snagging Survey
You can hire professional surveyors to carry out the inspection. Some choose to go the DIY route, but this is not the smart move as you might end up missing some defects.
Certain articles or videos online make it seem that snagging a new build house is easy. But the reality is that this is a complex task that requires knowledge of house construction. It also demands training to conduct the surveys according to industry standards.
The technical knowledge of snagging specialists is necessary to properly inspect the property, determine what needs fixing and how, and prepare a thorough report of the findings.
Furthermore, the experienced eye of a professional can correctly assess whether the property was built according to plan and specifications. A snagging specialist would also be able to quickly tell if the property falls short, meets or exceeds the relevant standards.
What Is a Snag List?
You probably read or heard people say that you should order a snag list for your new build property. It just means the same thing as scheduling a snagging inspection.
A snagging list is produced to detail all the findings in the survey. It is the report you get after the inspection. The list will serve as a reference for all the issues that need to be addressed.
The report should include detailed descriptions of the snags. Nowadays, it is also common practice to have photos of the defects in the report.
It is crucial to document everything during the survey because the information gathered will serve as useful evidence when the need arises. They can similarly aid in addressing disputes if there are any.
After receiving the report, you should show it to your builder to notify them about the issues. Then, you agree on what needs to be rectified and when everything should be accomplished.
When your builder is done fixing the issues, you can schedule a re-snagging service. Here, the snagging specialists check if the defects were addressed and if new ones developed as a result of the repairs.
When Should You Get a Snagging Survey?
Before moving in, the buyer needs to ensure that the property is in good condition. A snagging survey is typically conducted two weeks before the official completion date of the project.
It is in the best interest of buyers to wait until the items on the snagging list are rectified according to their satisfaction before they close the deal.
However, it is worth mentioning that a snagging survey can also be conducted after you move in. Under the law, builders are legally obligated to address construction-related issues during the warranty period. But reports show that several home buyers who took this route had difficulty making their builders act quickly on their request.
So, to avoid spending your first months in your new home stressed out, schedule the inspection before you complete the sale or move in. This way, you get to enjoy your brand new house and have peace of mind that you got your money’s worth.
Are you buying a new build house in Dublin, Kildare or Meath? Get a thorough snagging survey and comprehensive snag list at a reasonable price from New Home Surveys – Ireland’s top snagging company. Call us now on 085 256 3277 or click here to request a quote.
