Buying a new build home is an exciting milestone, everything is fresh, modern, and created just for you. To make sure your new home is finished to the highest standard, many buyers choose to create a snagging list. This simple but valuable step helps highlight any finishing touches that may need attention, giving your developer the opportunity to address them so you can move in with complete peace of mind.
Whether you’re weeks away from completion or have just moved into your new property, understanding what snagging is and when to do it can help you feel confident that your home has been delivered exactly as promised.
What Is a Snagging List?
A snagging list is a detailed record of any items in a new build property that might need checking, adjusting, or finishing. These can range from cosmetic details, such as paintwork or fittings, to practical items like doors, windows, or plumbing. Some points are easy to spot, while others may benefit from a professional eye.
The purpose of a snagging list is simple: to give your developer the chance to confirm everything meets the high standards you expect.
Snagging is not a legal requirement, and it’s not formally part of the conveyancing process. However, for those purchasing a new build property, it’s often recommended in the same way a survey might be suggested for an older home.
When Should You Create a Snagging List?
The best time to carry out a snagging inspection is before you complete on the property, in what’s known as a Pre-Completion Inspection (PCI). If your developer is signed up to the New Homes Quality Code, you are entitled to arrange a PCI with a qualified inspector. This allows you to identify any items that may require attention before legal ownership is transferred, giving the builder the opportunity to address them prior to handover.
Because a PCI follows a standardised checklist, many buyers also choose to arrange a full snagging survey after moving in. This type of survey provides a more comprehensive review of the property, ensuring every detail, cosmetic and functional, is checked. Even if your home looks perfect, a professional inspection can provide extra reassurance that everything is in order and highlight any adjustments that may be helpful to raise under warranty.
What Should Be Included in a Snagging Inspection?
While snagging checklists vary depending on property type and layout, a thorough inspection usually covers both the exterior and interior of your home.
Externally, this may include assessing the roof, walls, fences, drainage, and finish of outdoor spaces such as driveways and garages.
Internally, everything from doors and windows to kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and heating systems can be reviewed. Inspectors also check cosmetic finishes such as paintwork, tiling, and fittings.
Even small details are worth noting so that your developer can review and, where needed, make adjustments, helping you feel confident in the long-term quality of your new home.
How Does Snagging Fit Into the Legal Process?
While snagging is not part of the legal conveyancing process, it plays an important supporting role. At PLS, we specialise in new build conveyancing, and while we don’t carry out snagging surveys ourselves, we ensure our clients are fully informed about their right to request one, and how to time it properly around legal completion.
Buying a new build home involves more than just exchanging contracts. We believe that good legal advice should come with practical guidance too. Our role is to protect your interests not only in the contract, but in the overall buying experience, and advising on snagging is part of that.
At PLS Solicitors, we don’t just help you buy a home, we help you buy with confidence. Our conveyancing team is experienced in new builds and is here to ensure you move forward fully informed, fully protected, and fully reassured.
