There's a common belief that new build homes are perfect — pristine kitchens, spotless finishes, nothing to worry about. The reality, as any experienced surveyor at Clapham Surveyors will tell you, is very different. The average new build home is handed over to its buyer with between 30 and 150 defects. A snagging survey finds them — before you're legally obligated to accept them.
What Is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey (or snag list inspection) is a detailed inspection of a new build property, designed to identify defects in workmanship, finish and compliance with specification before you legally complete. It's typically carried out by a chartered surveyor working independently of the developer — which means they're working for you, not the company that built the property.
The resulting report is a comprehensive, photographic list of every defect found — from minor cosmetic issues (paint nibs, sealant gaps, scratched appliances) to more serious concerns (damp ingress, structural deficiencies, drainage problems). You then present this list to your developer before or immediately after completion and insist they remedy the defects.
When Should You Book a Snagging Survey?
Ideally, before legal completion. This gives you maximum leverage — the developer must fix defects as a condition of you completing. However, many developers try to prevent access before completion, which is where things can get tricky. Our advice is to push hard for pre-completion access. If the developer refuses, insist on completing only with a financial retention held by your solicitor pending snagging resolution.
If you've already completed (perhaps the developer refused access), don't worry — you can still get a snagging survey. Most new build warranties cover defects notified within two years of completion, so it's not too late.
What Do We Typically Find?
In our snagging surveys across Clapham Junction, Battersea and other South London new build developments, the most common defects we find include:
- Poor plasterwork — uneven surfaces, cracks, hollow spots
- Poorly fitted or misaligned doors and windows
- Bathroom and kitchen tiling with uneven grout lines or missing sealant
- Scratched or damaged kitchen appliances and worktops
- Damp ingress at window reveals, thresholds or behind kitchen units
- Poor external drainage and water pooling near the building
- Squeaking or uneven floors
- Electrical sockets, switches and light fittings incorrectly installed
- Non-compliance with the build specification or NHBC standards
Case Study: 47 Defects on a Clapham Junction New Build
Our client Chris and Donna had purchased a new-build flat near Clapham Junction. Our snag survey found 47 defects — including damp ingress behind kitchen units, a blocked soil vent pipe and three non-functional electrical sockets. The developer repaired all 47 items before the clients moved in. The survey cost less than the value of the damaged kitchen units alone.
FAQs
You can walk around with a list, yes. But a chartered surveyor brings specialist knowledge, professional tools (including moisture meters) and an independent professional eye. Developers take a formal surveyor's snag list far more seriously than a list produced by the buyer. It's always worth using a professional.
The NHBC Buildmark warranty covers defects that are notified to the builder within the first two years of completion. After that, the warranty covers more serious structural defects for years 3–10. A snagging survey ensures you capture and record all defects within the two-year period.
You have several options: escalate through the developer's formal complaints process; refer to the NHBC (who can compel the developer to remedy defects); or, as a last resort, pursue through the courts. In most cases, a professional snag report is enough to get defects fixed without escalation.
Book a Snagging Survey with Clapham Surveyors
If you're buying a new build property in or around Clapham, Clapham Junction, Battersea or South London, a snagging survey from Clapham Surveyors is essential. Get a free quote today — we respond within one working day.
Also read: Our snagging survey service | First-Time Buyer's Guide
