If you have just had a new build finished, then you might be happy to sit back and enjoy the end results. However, you can’t always rest and relax straight away – not when there could still be issues with the new build that need to be resolved.
That is where snagging surveys come in. These are a way for the builder or contractor to check that everything is as it should be before they give the project the final thumbs up it needs.
What is a Snagging Survey?
A snagging survey is a comprehensive inspection of the work that has been carried out on a construction or refurbishment project. In simple terms, it is an inspection to make sure that everything is fine with the new build.
Snagging surveys might look for things like poorly-applied plaster, sticking windows, and uneven surfaces. Overall, they are meant to find “smaller” flaws that could still be a major problem later down the line, making sure that your home is not left with major problems just under the surface.
The best time to carry out a snagging survey is at the end of the project when everything else has already been completed. This allows the inspecting team to look over the finalized version of the property and point out any issues that might need to be resolved.
Why is a Snagging Survey Important?
While snagging surveys are often optional, they are a very good idea. If you are getting a new build done or are planning to refurbish a property, then these can help you spot any issues while they are still small enough to be fixed.
Most new builds are obviously going to have regular checks for quality and stability during the construction process, but these are often focused on larger components of the project. A snagging survey is more focused on cosmetic problems, which may or may not affect the quality of your build in the long term.
Even if the property is in no danger of falling apart, a snagging survey can highlight minor imperfections that could still cause you trouble later on. For example, a slightly uneven surface may not seem like a big deal, but this could lead to future issues with fitting certain pieces of furniture.
How to Arrange Snagging Surveys
There are a lot of certified snagging survey teams out there that can run a quick inspection of your property to check for any potential flaws or weaknesses. While some builders may offer these services as part of their contract, it is not hard to find independent teams.
The cost of snagging surveys is dependent on the size and scope of the project. In general, they range between £300 and £600, but this all depends on the effort involved and the specific team that you are working with.
In general, getting a snagging survey for a new build is a great idea. Having some trained eyes looking over the new property can ensure that nothing obvious gets missed and that you are not left with a nasty surprise in the near future.
