Read ahead to this blog post if you have recently purchased or are about to buy a newly constructed home. Most new homeowners wonder how to snag a house and conduct their snagging inspection. So, explore and learn how to do it the right way.
When Does Snagging Begin?
Snagging begins at the home demo. This is your first chance to see your new house. Your house demonstration will include a key handover to inspect your new home. Take your time and do this carefully at the home demonstration and key handover. Because there may be a time delay between your home demonstration and when you obtain the keys to your new home, tradesmen in your home may have caused further issues.
Some builders prefer a same-day home demonstration and key handover. Never do this—you’ll have enough to worry about without a home demonstration with the site manager. Take your time and look around during your house show. Do not let the site management rush you. You’ll be eager to see your new house for the first time. But there’s much to absorb.
Ask questions if you’re unsure. Ask the site manager to repeat what you missed or didn’t comprehend. No problem—they’ll gladly explain it again.
Snags identification
All new homeowners spot problems. More noticeable ones include modest ornamentation, flaws, chips, and dents. Most are minor. Therefore, the more serious ones go overlooked. The homeowner is to blame because most new homeowners don’t know how their homes were built and may not have a trade or industry experience to search for.
You may have a family member or acquaintance with industry experience who knows what to look for. If you’re unclear about what to look for, try our YouTube channel. The videos will show you what and where to look.
Snagging report
Giving your site manager a simple snagging list will help better if you offer photos and snag locations. Snagging inspections should be done methodically to please your site manager.
The report should be simple and describe the issue and its location. Since a room has four walls, telling the site manager about a dent in the living room wall won’t help!
Checking your house exterior
Starting on the road or pathway gives you a good front elevation perspective. Check your driveway and paths for damage or loose paving. If it rains, check these for water. Has the lawn been laid flat with no damage or footmarks? Check for dead plants to replace.
Are the garden sections merely soil, rotovated, and scraped flat with no stones larger than 25mm? The ground should also be clear of builders’ detritus. Are the posts straight, and are there any gaps under the fence that may need gravel boards? Does the gate open and close properly? Do the latch and bolt work?
Check the front of your house.
Does the brickwork appear unspotted? Do the bricks or render have damage? Are your artstone cills and heads clean and crack-free? Look for scratches and damage on windows and sills. Does the window seal have no broken or messy mastic?
Soil or chipping around the house should be 150 mm below the damp-proof course. Sometimes, builders install a double DPC, although the NHBC guidelines don’t indicate the ground level shouldn’t be 150 mm below the damp proof course. Are air bricks clogged and the earth sinking away? A 75 mm space should exist between the airbrick and the ground.
Examine your fascia boards and soffit for damage and cleanliness. Check roof tiles or slates for deterioration or unevenness going up valleys. Are ridge tiles securely fixed? Check this from across the road at the front and back of the rear garden. The same procedure for front, left, right, and rear elevations, whichever corresponds to your property.
Shipping your snagging report
Give your builder your snagging list after you’re done. Always email customer service this list. Ask customer service to record any issues you provide your site manager. If you need to resolve with your warranty provider, you’ll have an audit trail.
This list isn’t thorough but should help you spot builder issues. We always recommend using a third-party snagging Dubai to buy a new home. They will constantly find more issues and write a professional snagging report for your builder.