Expert new build property inspections by RICS-qualified surveyors








Purchasing a new build home in Akebar is an exciting milestone, but even the most reputable builders can miss defects during construction. Our snagging surveys provide a thorough inspection of your property, identifying issues before you move in so they can be addressed by the developer. We examine every detail systematically, documenting each defect with photographs and priority ratings that help you understand what needs immediate attention versus cosmetic fixes.
Akebar is a small but growing village in North Yorkshire, nestled in the attractive rural landscape between Bedale and Leyburn. The local economy here is supported by tourism and hospitality, with Akebar Park and The Friars Head restaurant drawing visitors to the area. We're seeing increasing interest in new build properties throughout the region as more buyers seek modern homes in this peaceful countryside location. Our local inspectors understand the construction methods commonly used in North Yorkshire developments and know exactly what defects to look for.
A snagging survey is different from a standard property survey because it focuses specifically on the finishing standards and minor defects that builders should correct before handover. Our inspectors typically find between 100 and 200 snags in a typical new build property, ranging from poorly sealed windows to drainage issues that could cause problems down the line. We provide you with a comprehensive report that's formatted specifically for you to send directly to your builder or developer.
The defect liability period for new builds is typically 12 months from completion, making it crucial to identify issues while they're still the developer's responsibility. Our detailed documentation supports any claim you make, giving you the best chance of getting problems resolved quickly. Don't let small defects become expensive headaches - book your snagging survey today.

180 residents
Parish Population
2-4 bedrooms
Average New Build Size
2-4 hours
Typical Survey Duration
From £299
Survey Start Price
Our inspectors conduct a comprehensive room-by-room inspection of your new build property, examining every accessible area from the roof space to the foundations. We check the quality of finishes, the operation of doors and windows, the condition of sanitaryware, and the installation of fixtures and fittings throughout the property. Every switch, tap, and hinge gets checked because even small defects can indicate larger installation problems.
The external elements receive particular attention because they bear the brunt of the North Yorkshire weather. Our surveyors examine the roof covering, gutters and downpipes, brickwork and pointing, window frames, doors, and external rendering. We also inspect the driveways, pathways, and garden boundaries where applicable. The freeze-thaw cycles common in this region can worsen small defects quickly, so we pay extra attention to vulnerable areas.
Inside the property, we inspect all walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, uneven surfaces, and poor finishes. We check the plumbing system for leaks and proper installation, test all electrical outlets and light switches, and verify that kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures are properly fitted and functioning. Our thermal imaging equipment can detect hidden issues like damp penetration, cold bridges, and insulation gaps that aren't visible to the untrained eye.
Our surveyors document everything with detailed photographs and provide you with a comprehensive report that you can send directly to your builder or developer. The report includes a priority rating for each defect, helping you understand which issues require immediate attention and which are minor cosmetic concerns. We also verify that appropriate building regulation certificates were issued during construction, giving you confidence that your property meets required standards.
Average UK pricing 2024
Choose your preferred date and time using our simple online booking system. We'll confirm your appointment within hours and send you a confirmation with all the details you need. Our flexible scheduling means we can often accommodate short-notice bookings, which is particularly useful if you're trying to arrange the survey before your developer handover date.
Our qualified surveyor visits your Akebar property and conducts a thorough inspection lasting between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size of the property. They examine every accessible area systematically, from the loft space down to the foundations. We use specialist equipment including thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to detect hidden defects that might not be apparent during a visual inspection.
Within 48 hours of the inspection, you receive a detailed snagging report with photographs, defect descriptions, and priority ratings. The report is formatted specifically for you to send directly to your developer. Each defect is clearly described with its location, our findings, and our recommendation for how it should be resolved.
Use our report to request corrections from your builder. Many developers respond quickly to formal snagging lists because they understand documented defects are harder to dispute. Our detailed documentation supports your position and helps ensure issues are addressed during the defect liability period, typically 12 months from completion.
If possible, book your snagging survey before the developer completes the final handover walkthrough. This allows you to identify issues while the builder's team is still on site and can address problems immediately. Having our report in hand during the handover means you can walk through with documented evidence of every defect, making it harder for the developer to dismiss issues. However, we can also inspect properties where you've already moved in, and we'll identify any outstanding issues that remain the developer's responsibility under your structural warranty.
Our inspectors use specialist equipment to detect issues that aren't visible to the untrained eye. Thermal imaging cameras can reveal hidden damp, cold bridges, and insulation gaps, while moisture meters identify areas where water has penetrated building materials. This technology is particularly valuable in North Yorkshire where properties must cope with significant rainfall and winter cold.
We also check that the property meets current building regulations, which is particularly important in newer developments where the local building control authority will have inspected various construction stages. Our surveyors understand what should have been inspected and can verify that appropriate certificates were issued. If we find areas where proper certification is missing, we'll flag this in your report so you can follow up with the relevant authorities.
The North Yorkshire area has seen various types of new build construction, from traditional brick and block builds to more modern methods. Our local experience means we know what defects are most common in the construction types used in this region and can focus our inspection accordingly. We've seen issues with everything from traditional masonry construction to newer timber-frame builds, and we adapt our inspection approach to match.

Our inspectors consistently find similar issues across new build developments, regardless of the builder. Poorly finished plasterwork is extremely common, with walls having uneven surfaces, visible seams, and inadequate sanding before painting. These cosmetic issues often indicate rushed finishing schedules where builders moved too quickly between plastering and decorating. We measure wall levelness and document any deviations that could affect your ability to hang pictures or fit furniture flush against walls.
Doors frequently stick or don't close properly because frames were installed before plastering was complete, and this can cause ongoing problems with drafts and security. We test every door in your property, checking that they open and close smoothly without sticking or gapping. Ill-fitting doors aren't just annoying - they can compromise security and energy efficiency by allowing drafts. Our report documents each problem door with photographs showing the specific issue.
Incomplete sealant around windows, doors, and wet areas is another frequent finding. This might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but gaps in sealant can allow water penetration that leads to damp problems over time. In North Yorkshire's climate with significant rainfall, proper sealant is essential for keeping weather out. Our surveyors check every seal thoroughly, knowing that these details matter for long-term property condition. We particularly focus on wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens where water damage can occur hidden behind tiles.
Drainage issues are particularly important in North Yorkshire where heavy rainfall is common. We test all gutters and downpipes, checking for blockages, incorrect falls, and inadequate connections. Standing water near the foundation can cause serious structural problems over time, so we pay special attention to the external drainage layout. We also check that ground levels slope away from the property rather than towards it, which is a common oversight in new builds that can lead to damp penetration.
A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new build property that identifies defects, poor finishes, and incomplete works that the developer should address before or after you take ownership. Even in a small village like Akebar, new build properties can have hidden issues that aren't apparent during a viewing - our inspectors often find 100-200 defects in a typical new build. A snagging survey gives you documented evidence of every issue, providing you with a professional list to send to your builder that supports any claim during the defect liability period.
Our snagging surveys in Akebar start from £299 for a one-bedroom apartment, with typical costs ranging from £369 for a two-bedroom house to £449 for a four-bedroom property. The price depends on the size and type of property, with larger homes requiring more inspection time. We provide a detailed report with photographs and priority ratings for every defect found, giving you everything you need to request corrections from your developer.
Ideally, book your snagging survey before the developer's final handover appointment so you can walk through the property with our report in hand - this is when builders are most responsive to addressing issues. However, if you've already moved in, we can still inspect the property and identify any outstanding issues that remain the builder's responsibility under your structural warranty. The key is to book before your 12-month defect liability period expires, as this is when the developer is legally obligated to address qualifying defects.
A typical snagging survey takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property - a large five-bedroom house will naturally require more time than a compact two-bedroom. Our inspector works systematically through every room and the exterior, documenting all defects with photographs and detailed descriptions. We don't rush - our thorough approach means we often find defects that less detailed inspections miss.
Your report includes a priority rating for each defect, helping you understand which issues are urgent and which are minor cosmetic concerns. You can send the report directly to your developer or builder requesting they address the items before your warranty period expires. Many builders are more responsive to formal written snagging lists than verbal requests because they understand documented defects are harder to dispute. If the developer refuses to address issues, your report provides the evidence needed for any formal complaint process.
Most developers have a legal obligation to address snagging issues during the defect liability period, typically 12 months from completion. Your report provides documented evidence of defects present at the time of inspection, which supports any claim you make. Many issues can be resolved quickly during a follow-up appointment with the builder, while more serious defects may require negotiation. Our detailed priority ratings help you focus on the issues that matter most when discussing corrections with your developer.
While most snagging items are finishing defects, our surveyors are trained to identify potential structural issues that go beyond cosmetic problems. If we find anything suggesting serious structural problems - such as significant cracking, movement, or issues with foundations - we'll flag this clearly in your report and may recommend a follow-up Level 3 structural survey for a more detailed assessment. Your safety is our priority, and we won't hesitate to recommend further investigation if we spot warning signs.
Building regulation approval means the construction meets minimum standards at the time of inspection, but it doesn't guarantee quality of finish or that all work was completed correctly. Our snagging survey goes beyond building regulations to check the quality that affects your daily life - things like properly sealed windows, smooth-running doors, and correct installation of fixtures. Many properties with full approval still have significant snagging issues that our inspectors identify regularly.
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Expert new build property inspections by RICS-qualified surveyors
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.