Category: Next Step Snagging News

Buying a new build is an exciting milestone — the smell of fresh paint, the untouched kitchen, and the sense that everything is brand new, but as a snagging inspector and previously as a construction manager I have seen firsthand that the timing of your move-in can make a big difference to your journey and the quality of your home.

Why Timing Matters

While you might think your completion date is purely about your convenience or your builder’s schedule, there’s a hidden factor at play: UK house builders’ sales targets.

Most major UK house builders work to strict half-year and year-end targets. The two key deadlines are:

• End of June/July – half-year results
• End of November/December – year-end results

This means the months leading up to these dates — June, July, November, and December — are often a rush to get as many homes “over the line” as possible before the reporting cut-off.

Unfortunately, when the focus shifts from craftsmanship to deadlines, quality can suffer. I’ve inspected many properties completed during these high-pressure months and found more snagging issues than average.

If you have the flexibility, try to avoid moving in during June, July, November, or December. It’s not that every home finished in these months will have problems — but statistically, the risk of rushed workmanship is higher. Speak to the developer and say you cannot move in during these months. My advice if you are looking to move around this time would be to go for the end of the following month. There tends to be a drop off in numbers after this rush and if you are part of the few getting built the month after you can reap great benefits in terms of quality.

The Best Time to Move In

The quieter months in the building calendar — January to May and August to October — tend to see less pressure on site teams. This often means more time spent on finishing touches, better quality control, major defects inspections and fewer headaches for you as a new homeowner.

Final Tip

We recommend a professional snagger for every move in month as every property we have inspected has issues. However if you do have to move in during a busy target month, a professional snagging inspection is more important than ever. Catching issues early means you can get them resolved under your builder’s warranty before they become bigger problems.

Your dream home should feel perfect from day one — and timing your move just right can help make that happen.

Book a Snagging Inspection

To enquire or book your snagging inspection please visit
Next Step Snagging
or call 07827 401 524.

 

Understanding Snagging Survey Costs

The cost of a snagging survey varies significantly, starting at around £200 for basic assessments, such as those for studio apartments, and can increase up to £530 for more detailed evaluations, like those for a 6-bedroom house. These surveys play a crucial role in identifying potential issues in new build properties, allowing builders to address them early on, which can save homeowners substantial amounts in future repair costs.

The exact cost of a snagging survey depends on the size and complexity of the property, with different pricing tiers for houses and apartments of various sizes. For example, a snagging survey for a studio apartment might cost as little as £200, while an assessment for a 6-bedroom house could be as much as £530.

When booking a survey, a deposit is usually required, with the remainder of the balance due on the day of inspection.

What’s covered with our checks?

How many snags are normal in a new build?

The amount of snags found in a new build property depends on a variety of factors:

• Size – The larger a property, the higher the chance of more issues being raised.
• Speed of Build – One of the main reasons for poor quality homes is the speed in which properties are built. Lots of developers want to build as many properties as quickly as they can. This can reduce the amount of attention to detail.
• The Company – The way in which companies plan and build varies greatly throughout the construction industry. If a company does not invest in the correct and high quality resources to build houses, corners can be cut and the overall finish will be compromised.
• On-site Team – The competence of the on-site/office team tasked with the project can greatly affect the standard of your property. For example, you may have two developments a mile from each other being built by the same company but under different teams; however, one is building homes with 300+ snags and the other is winning awards. This is completely down to the competence & qualifications of the team managing the newly built properties.
• Time of Completion – Believe it or not, the time of year your property completes can have an effect on the amount of issues you have! Developers have a ‘Half year’ target and a ‘Year end’ target. ‘Half Year’ being in June/July and ‘Year End’ target being in December. If you complete in either of these months, it’s possible your property has been rushed to complete in time to hit these targets.
• Season of Build – If your property completes in Summer, it’s likely it was built over the winter. Bear in mind, greater issues can arrive from saturation of materials built in the winter months. For example, winter build houses may experience water damage to kitchen units and significant cracking.
• Trades Used – Some trades are good, some trades are bad; this will be largely dependent on skill, experience, qualifications and overall competency. Similar to the on site/office team competency, the trades used can have a huge impact on the finish of a new build home.

On average, Next Step Snagging identifies 150 – 250 items per snagging inspection. And on every inspection items are picked up that would have cost money or created issues later on down the line, tainting the ease of moving into a new build home.

Next Step Snagging is an inspection company based in Hampshire, covering the South of England. We specialise in newly built or renovated properties. To read more about our snagging inspections click here.

Comprehensive snagging inspections

At Next Step Snagging, we take pride in conducting comprehensive snagging inspections. Our diligent inspectors meticulously scrutinise every nook and cranny, internally and externally.

With each survey we undertake, we consistently discover an average of 200 items that require attention. Among these, we place special emphasis on identifying major or structural issues. In fact, our surveys have unveiled a minimum of 10 such significant concerns on average per inspection. It’s worth noting that these major issues were previously unknown to the homeowners, highlighting the importance of our thorough approach.

Take, for instance, the installation of wall plate straps. These crucial structural components, mandated by building regulations, play a pivotal role in preventing wind uplift forces from compromising the integrity of the roof. In simpler terms, wall plate straps secure your roof to the building, fending off the potential risks posed by strong winds.

The example of wall plate straps illustrates just one of the many critical issues we meticulously assess during our snagging surveys.

With our unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive snagging inspections, we aim to provide homeowners like you with the knowledge and peace of mind you deserve.

Professional report to ensure snags are taken seriously by your developer

Navigating through issues with developers can often prove to be an arduous journey, as both customers and personal experiences have demonstrated time and again. Witnessing the trials and tribulations endured by homeowners in their pursuit of rectifying even the most basic issues is disheartening, to say the least.

This is precisely where our expertise as industry-qualified professionals comes into play. Our comprehensive snagging reports provide you with an invaluable weapon when engaging with developers, ensuring that your concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly. While developers may sometimes attempt to exploit a customer’s potential naivety or lack of experience, a report from a reputable professional body holds significant weight, compelling them to uphold their responsibility and safeguard their business reputation.

When the developer receives our reports, they are faced with a clear and unmistakable account of identified snags. This undeniable evidence pushes for swifter resolution, sparing both you and the developer valuable time and resources. Our comprehensive reports, unlike fragmented or incomplete lists that may arise if customers attempt snagging themselves, provide a holistic and cohesive overview of the issues at hand.

Rest assured that our aim is not only to uncover defects but to empower you as a homeowner, equipped with a powerful tool that garners the attention and action your concerns deserve.

 

Ensure your property has been built to the correct regulations and standards

At Next Step Snagging, we believe in safeguarding your investment, both now and in the future. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to properties not built to regulations is the potential impact it can have on the resale value of your property. We understand that when you’re selling your property in the future, you want to ensure a smooth and successful transaction without any unexpected setbacks.

Imagine you’re five years down the line, ready to sell your property, and the buyer orders a survey. If it reveals that certain items in your property are not built to regulations, it can have serious repercussions. Not only could it jeopardize the sale altogether, but it could also require you to invest additional funds to rectify the non-compliance or result in a lower sale price.

Let’s consider an example: the incorrect installation of fire doors. If you live in an apartment or a house above two floors, fire safety regulations require the proper fitting of fire doors and intumescent strips. If these vital safety features are not in place, you could be faced with the costly task of replacing all the doors and installing intumescent strips before the sale can proceed. This unexpected expense and hassle can undoubtedly impact your overall selling experience.

That’s where Next Step Snagging comes in. By conducting thorough inspections and ensuring that your property meets all the necessary regulations, we can help you preemptively address any potential issues that could arise during a future resale. Our meticulous eye for detail ensures that every aspect, from fire safety measures to building code compliance, is thoroughly evaluated.

By proactively addressing these concerns, we aim to protect your investment and provide you with the confidence that your property is resale-ready.

We’re here to support you in ensuring that your property meets all the necessary standards for a smooth and successful resale in the future.

 

Save money finding problems now that can be rectified under warranty

Allow me to advise you on a compelling reason why investing in a comprehensive snagging list can actually save you a significant amount of money – something that is of utmost importance to most of us!

When you purchase a new build property, you typically benefit from a two-year warranty provided by the developer. This warranty period presents a crucial opportunity to identify and rectify any issues through effective snagging. We highly recommend getting these snags addressed within the first two weeks after receiving your keys, as this early action can prove to be ideal.

Let me paint you a scenario to illustrate the potential cost implications. Imagine there is a small, undetected leak lurking beneath your bath. It’s not uncommon for new properties to experience issues upon handover, and leaks tend to be one of the more prominent culprits. What might appear as a minor inconvenience can, over time, cause extensive and costly damage.

Gradual leaks, left unnoticed for months or even years, have a knack for saturating the floor below your bathroom. This leads to moisture seeping through gaps where pipes penetrate, resulting in damage to the flooring and the ceiling below. The presence of persistent moisture can also pave the way for the dreaded mold to take hold.

Water has a sneaky habit of finding pathways behind walls, potentially causing damage anywhere in your property. In the worst-case scenario, this continuous leaks can even lead to ceilings or walls collapsing, leaving you with a hefty repair bill running into thousands of pounds.

Here’s where we step in at Next Step Snagging to provide added value. As part of our comprehensive snagging service, we include a thermal survey at no extra cost. This invaluable tool allows us to carefully inspect hidden areas, such as walls and spaces beneath baths, unveiling potential leaks or moisture-related issues that would otherwise remain concealed.

By identifying and addressing these problems during the warranty period, you can leverage the developer’s responsibility to rectify them promptly, saving yourself a considerable amount of money in potential future repairs. It’s all about being proactive, protecting your investment, and preserving your hard-earned money.

If you’re ready to embark on this savvy approach to snagging and want to know more about how we can assist you, feel free to share any further inquiries or concerns.

Note: Once your warranty finishes you should have a further 8 years cover by the Building Inspector (i.e. NHBC) but this can take longer to get any lists of issues fixed and this list of issues they will fix will not be as conclusive as the developer in most cases.

Be made aware of issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye

Not only do our inspections at Next Step Snagging cover visible issues, but we go above and beyond to ensure that you are made aware of any hidden problems lurking out of sight.

By utilizing cutting-edge technology, we can snag all the parts of your house that remain elusive to the naked eye. These hidden areas often harbor issues that would otherwise go unnoticed, potentially causing significant damage if left unaddressed. Without the benefits of our service, you may never even become aware of the underlying damage that could be silently compromising your home.

Thanks to our diligent drone surveys, we have the ability to detect even the tiniest cracks in roof tiles that may go unnoticed from the ground. This proactive approach allows us to help you prevent water ingress into your loft space, safeguarding your home from potential leaks and subsequent damage.

Furthermore, our thermal imaging capabilities offer a whole new dimension of insight. By capturing images that reveal temperature variations, we can identify leaks and cold spots concealed behind walls. This invaluable information empowers you to address these issues promptly, preventing further damage and ensuring the long-term integrity of your property.

Here’s the cherry on top – our thermal imaging and drone surveys are all included in the price of our snagging service. We believe in delivering comprehensive value to our customers, ensuring that you receive the most thorough and detailed inspection possible without any added costs.

When it comes to protecting your investment and maintaining the value of your home, knowledge is power. Take advantage of our state-of-the-art technology and expertise, putting your mind at ease knowing that we have your back when it comes to catching those elusive, hidden issues.

Peace of mind

At Next Step Snagging, we understand that peace of mind is absolutely priceless, especially when it comes to your new property. There’s nothing worse than moving into a home only to be plagued by worries and issues that could have been prevented.

We want you to feel completely at ease, knowing that your property is not only safe but also fit for purpose. Our dedicated team is here to ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected, leaving no stone unturned. We believe that a home should be a sanctuary where you can create cherished memories, without the stress of potential problems lurking beneath the surface.

With Next Step Snagging by your side, you can put your mind to rest. Our meticulous inspections will identify any issues or concerns, giving you the confidence to fully enjoy your new home. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our commitment to providing comprehensive inspections.

When you choose Next Step Snagging, your peace of mind is our top priority. We go the extra mile to make sure your property meets the highest standards, giving you the reassurance you deserve. Let us take care of the nitty-gritty so that you can focus on creating a space filled with joy, comfort, and lasting memories.

Save time

At Next Step Snagging, we truly understand the value of time, especially during the hectic process of moving house. We recognize that your schedule is already filled with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, and the last thing you need is to encounter unexpected problems and issues along the way.

That’s why we’re here to save you precious time and spare you from additional headaches. By entrusting us with your snagging needs, we’ll create a comprehensive PDF list specifically designed for easy forwarding to your developer. This means that you won’t have to waste valuable hours trying to compile a list of issues yourself or communicate them individually.

Imagine the relief of having a professionally prepared PDF in your hands, neatly listing all the concerns and areas of improvement that we have identified during our thorough inspection. This concise yet detailed report will allow you to effortlessly share your findings with your developer, streamlining the process and ensuring that all the necessary repairs are addressed promptly and efficiently.

Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive list upfront, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming rounds of follow-ups or overlooked problems.

Let us shoulder the burden of snagging, freeing up your time to focus on other important aspects of your move. We’re here to make your transition as smooth as possible, enabling you to settle into your new home with peace of mind and without any unnecessary delays or surprises.

Welcome to Next Step Snagging, Surrey and Greater London’s trusted leader in new build snagging surveys.

Our team of experienced professionals also extends their expertise across Hampshire, Berkshire, and Sussex. We’re dedicated to ensuring that your new home meets the high standards you expect.

What is a New Build Snagging Survey?

A new build snagging survey is a specialised examination of newly constructed properties, aimed at identifying and reporting any defects, issues, or inconsistencies

that may arise from the construction process. These could range from minor cosmetic flaws to more significant structural concerns. A snagging survey ensures that your new home is delivered in the best possible condition, and any snags are addressed promptly by the developers whilst under warranty.

Why Choose Next Step Snagging?

Qualified Inspectors: Our team consists of dedicated professionals who undergo rigorous training to ensure the most thorough inspections.

Comprehensive Reports: We provide you with a detailed report, categorising and explaining every snag we identify, allowing you to take informed steps with your developer.

Client-Centric Approach: We value our clients and are always ready to guide them through the post-survey process, making sure every concern is addressed.

Industry experience: Our exceptional team boasts an extensive track record as seasoned construction managers, accumulating over a decades worth of invaluable experience.

Our New Build Snagging Survey Process

Booking: Easily book an appointment at a time convenient for you.

Site Visit: Our qualified inspectors conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your new build.

Reporting: Within a short turnaround, receive an extensive snagging report detailing every issue discovered.

Post-Survey Assistance: We don’t just stop at reporting; our team will be on hand and offer a follow up call to run you through any questions you may have.

Serving Surrey, London, Hampshire, Berkshire & Sussex

As local specialists in the area, we understand the dynamics and intricacies of properties spread across Surrey, London, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Sussex. Whether

it’s a townhouse in Hampshire, a luxury flat in London, or a countryside home in Sussex, our expertise ensures we deliver accurate and reliable snagging surveys tailored to the unique characteristics of these regions.

Get In Touch about our New Build Snagging Survey Services

Testimonials

“Had my 3 bedroom home snagger last week. Amazing service, amazing industry knowledge, comprehensive report. Couldn’t fault Next Step Snagging. I will be recommending them going forward to anyone i know with a new build” – Liam.

“I would recommend for any new house owner!” – Debs.

“Absolutely delighted with the snagging service I used for my recently purchased new build property!” – Tom

Take The Next Step with Us

Your dream home deserves nothing short of perfection. Ensure that your new property in Surrey, London, Hampshire, Berkshire, or Sussex stands up to the mark.

Contact Next Step Snagging today for a comprehensive new build snagging survey and move into your home with confidence!