What is a Snagging Report?

If you are buying a new property there will always be minor problems that are usually found after you have moved in. It might be a loose electrical fitting because someone forgot to screw it up tight. Easily rectifed in two minutes by the electrician or site supervisor. But the majority of new houses have a few more problems and can often cause weeks and months of worry to new owners if they are not caught early. The average new home has over 100 items reported as snags to the builder (if a snagging report is produced of course).

We recently snagged a new apartment for a young couple, they told us that the bathroom layout had changed from the original plan but that everything was there and working perfectly. However, we noticed two problems that they didn't, that would have caused major problems in the near future and others when they came to sell. We are experienced and know how buildings should be built and work so we see things a layman might not. In this case we spotted that although they had a shaver socket as promised in the contract, because of the change of layout the electrician had placed it in the original position. This meant it was now on the opposite wall to where it was needed. So when they faced the sink and new mirror on the wall, the shaver socket was behind them on the opposite wall. That's really not a good selling feature when they come to sell. We also pointed out to them that although the seal around the bath looked perfect it wasn't. To make sure a seal in a bath is perfect the builder is supposed to put the seal in place with the bath full of water. This obviously had not been done in this case because if we stood in the bath the seal broke, with a shower in the bath that would mean water would continually leak behind the bath every time they used the shower and would eventually leak into the bedroom wall. Obviously these were reported to the builder and rectified.

Just two examples of why you should have a professional come and carry out a snagging report. Prices for this important service start at £120 for a one bedroom apartment and will include photographs if required.

Sample defects What can happen after a leaky bath seal is not spotted.	Front bay window to NEW ground floor flat Ground level too high from new, water will breach damp proof course and cause damp in building.
Pipe from boiler not complying with building regulations Condensate pipe from a condensing boiler should be fitted direct to a drain due to possible acidic water leaving boiler.	Hole behind pipes in bathroom If water is splashed onto floor it will seep through the hole in the wall and damage the ceiling below and possibly the insulation in the cavity.
Gap under door I hope you like draughts in this home? Would you have spotted this fault?	Alarm hole On this house, part of the specification included an alarm system. This is one of the holes in the hall where the alarm controls should be. All the wiring is in place and dangling in various places but the builder has not installed the alarm!

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