When should a snagging survey be done?
Snagging is the process of checking a property for faults that need to be rectified. The three types of snagging inspection are Pre completion, Post completion and De snag.
Pre Completion Inspection
The developer must allow the customer a chance to have an independent inspector to carry out the pre completion inspection. This inspection is usually carried out within 5 days after the notice to complete has been served. An inspection can be arranged for an earlier date if agreed between the customer and developer. This allows enough time for the developer to rectify issues before your completion date.
Post Completion Inspection
Ideally you should try to have a post completion inspection within the first two weeks after completion.
Reasons for this
- Higher on the developers priority list
- Any issues which could cause further damage are identified right away
- Snags rectified quicker
- Developer cannot argue that you’ve caused the snags
- Developer has a clear concise list of every snag (from structure to paintwork) from the get go, so they can start to rectify items.
- If any big issues are identified it’s easier to make alternative arrangements
- Developer will likely still be on site as a point of contact
- Any fire or safety issues can be identified right away
However, if you don’t have the snagging inspection done within the first two weeks, do not worry. You have 2 years warranty with the developer for fixing all snags. This means you can provide a snagging list to the developer any time within the first two years. Your building insurance warranty will also give you 10 years cover, however they are very unlikely to come out for ‘general snagging’ items and are more geared toward major/structural items.
De snag Inspection
Your developer didn’t get it right the first time, do you trust them to rectify all the items correctly? At the 3-4 month mark after the first snag we recommend a de snag. This gives the developer ample time to complete the original snagging list. On a de snag inspection we will go back through every item to check it has been rectified correctly and to building standards as well as a repeat drone and thermal imaging survey.