What is snagging?

What is Snagging?

Snagging is a term used within the construction industry to describe the process of inspection to compile a list of defects & outstanding works required to be undertaken to a property prior to completion. Whilst your house builder should have undertaken their own inspection never just assume that they will do this thoroughly.

A snagging inspection is not be confused with the home buyers “inspection visit”. This is usually just a demonstration of how things work such as heating, alarms etc. Buyers are quite often rushed from room to room and not given the time to properly inspect the finish and quality. This is why home buyers should always undertake a detailed snagging inspection.

When should the snagging inspection be undertaken?

Ideally the inspection should be undertaken about a fortnight prior to completion to allow the house builder adequate time to rectify any defects / outstanding works identified during the inspection.

Unfortunately several leading house builders will not allow an inspection prior to completion citing “Company Policy”. Why they adopt this stance is a complete mystery. In this situation, the snagging inspection can be undertaken immediately after completion. All the defects / outstanding works will still identified but, unfortunately, this may cause upheaval for the home owner who may well now be in occupation.

Indeed you can undertake the inspection at any time during the first two years of your warranty and submit a snagging list to the house builder.

Who should undertake the inspection?

If the home owner (or a family member or friend) is competent and has the technical knowledge to undertake the inspection then they can certainly do it themselves.
However if they do not have the necessary expertise then they should give serious consideration to using the services of a specialist company to undertake the inspection of their new home to ensure it is constructed to the relevant standards of workmanship and building regulation and any defects / outstanding works are identified and notified to the house builder for prompt rectification.