If your snag list shows that there are defects in your new build home then it is the responsibility of the builder to rectify these errors prior to you taking occupancy. However, sometimes requests to perform maintenance or repairs fall on deaf ears.

For many homeowners looking forward to their move-in date, what to do in situations like this can be confusing. Home Snagging UK has the answers.

Develop a Snagging List

Those who are about to take occupancy in a new build home are often not aware that a snagging survey is required. While it is true that major oversights are rare and most builders will take care to adhere to the Building Code, minor issues may slip beneath the radar. Examples include sloppy paintwork and issues with flat roofs, uneven brick or faulty tilework.

These problems can also escape your notice, hence the importance of a snagging survey prior to taking occupancy. The result of your efforts should be a focused list that can be supplied to developers so that they can correct the issues.

You can develop your own snagging list, however, there are issues that may escape your notice. A better option is to retain the services of a professional snagging company. A company like this will perform a comprehensive survey and inspection, guided by years of experience. The inspection will make use of technology such as drone inspections, examine photos and even use a thermal imaging camera to provide information that they will then cross reference with the relevant regulations in order to ensure that the new home is compliant with accepted standards. Most offline and online estate agents recommend this prior to moving in.

Records are Important

Each and every interaction that the homeowner has with the builders and developers should be recorded. Copies of any communications should also be forwarded to the site management and the customer service department of the company concerned. Try and deal with a single point of contact in order to simplify those communications. Communication that conforms to these simple guidelines will ensure that the correspondence is seen by representatives in multiple departments at the developer. It motivates the developer to make that extra effort to rectify problems – and your unique case is on several target trackers, adding to the motivation.

Once the snagging survey reaches the developer it is almost inevitable that there will be some discussion of the contents. What is essential to record is the developer’s commitment to rectifying any issues and the date by which the actions need to be taken. Take before and after photographs – those should also form part of your records.

The De-Snagging Report

Once you have handed your snagging list to the builder it is their responsibility to make the required repairs and touch-ups. This will have an added sense of urgency if they are covered by the New Build Warranty. It is not uncommon for repairs to cause additional damage or uncover further issues. The builder or the development representatives may also not have adequately addressed those issues raised in the snagging list, a de-snagging report is essential in order to ensure that all work has been done.

The de-snagging report involves an additional visit to the property by the de-snagging specialist to ensure that the builder/developer has fixed the flaws that have been pointed out. Our experienced and professional de-snagging team will return to conduct the follow-up survey, identify if further defects are present, and also ensure that those on the original snagging list have been dealt with. This report will then be sent to the developer. 

NHBC New Build Warranties

In the UK, newly built residential homes are covered by a warranty provider, and it is their ultimate responsibility to ensure that all flaws in new build homes are corrected prior to the owner taking occupancy. Around 80% of the new homes in the UK are covered by NHBC’s Buildmark warranty, making NHBC the largest warranty provider in the country. This property developer warranty ensures that new build owners are delighted with their homes when they finally move in.

Within two years of the construction of the home you should liaise directly with the builder should any problems arise. It is the builder’s responsibility to fix these issues. However, should you find yourself in a dispute situation then the NHBC will despatch a Claims Investigator to follow up and rectify the situation. This will involve a visit to your home with the builder and the NHBC  representative. After this visit, the NHBC will have four days to issue a report outlining the issues and the deadline for the corrective action that should be taken by the builder.

Claims that Remain Unresolved

Should you not achieve the end result you are looking for (such as when your snagging list has not been dealt with after eight weeks) then you can file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service. The same will apply should you not agree with the findings of the NHBC Claims Investigator.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals