New-Build Property Inspections | Expert Defect Detection | From £300
Moving into a new-build property is one of the most exciting milestones, but behind the fresh paint and modern fixtures, countless defects may be hiding waiting to surprise you. Our snagging surveys in Arun give you the confidence to move in knowing exactly what needs fixing before you do. We are independent surveyors with no ties to builders or developers, meaning our reports are completely unbiased and focused solely on protecting your investment in your new Arun home. Our team has inspected hundreds of properties across the district, giving us unique insight into the typical defect patterns affecting each development.
Arun district has seen significant new-build growth in recent years, with developments popping up across Littlehampton, Arundel, and the surrounding villages. From the Barratt Homes sites at Kingley Gate and Penfold Grange to the Cala Homes luxury properties at Landgate Place in Arundel, hundreds of new families are settling into the area each year. Our local inspectors know the common issues that affect these specific developments and understand the construction methods used by the major volume housebuilders operating here. We have inspected properties at Kingley Gate in Littlehampton, Oakhurst Place, Penfold Grange in Runcton, Landgate Place in Arundel, and The Hedgerows in Climping, giving us firsthand knowledge of the typical snags that appear in each of these developments.
£376,462
Average House Price
5 Active Sites
New-Build Developments
1,820
Properties Sold (12 Months)
+2.1%
Price Change (12 Months)
The volume housebuilders active in Arun, including Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, Cala Homes, and Bovis Homes, construct hundreds of properties each year across the district. While these developers operate under strict building regulations and NHBC warranty schemes, the reality is that even the most reputable builders can miss defects during the fast-paced construction process. Our inspectors typically find between 100 and 200 snags in a typical new-build property, ranging from minor cosmetic issues like poorly finished plasterwork and ill-fitting doors to more serious problems affecting structural integrity and weather tightness. We have seen everything from missing insulation in cavity walls to improperly installed damp-proof courses that could lead to significant damp problems within the first few years of occupation.
The geological conditions in Arun add another layer of consideration for new-build properties. The district's varied geology includes clay deposits in some areas, which can lead to shrink-swell movement affecting foundations over time. Our inspectors pay particular attention to properties built on clay soils, checking for signs of foundation movement that may not be immediately obvious to untrained eyes. Combined with the coastal exposure in areas like Littlehampton and Climping, where salt spray and weathering can accelerate wear on external finishes, new homes in Arun face unique challenges that our inspectors know to look for. We check everything from roof tile alignment and cavity tray installation to the proper installation of damp-proof courses and structural lintels, ensuring your new home is built to withstand local environmental conditions.
The flood risk in Arun, particularly along the River Arun and in low-lying coastal areas around Littlehampton and Climping, also requires specific attention during a snagging inspection. Our surveyors examine drainage installations, ground levels, and the specification of flood-resistant materials where specified, ensuring your new home is prepared for the local environmental conditions. We check that fall pipes are correctly connected, that ground levels slope away from the property, and that any flood barrier specifications have been properly installed. With an average house price of £376,462 in the district, identifying defects early can save you thousands in remediation costs and protect the significant investment you have made in your new property.
The construction methods used by volume housebuilders in Arun typically follow modern building practices with brick and block cavity walls and pitched tiled roofs. However, our experience has shown that even with these standard methods, the devil is in the detail. We frequently find issues with window installation, particularly the quality of sealant and the presence of cavity closers, which are essential for preventing cold bridging and damp penetration. Our team also checks the specification and installation of extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens, as inadequate ventilation can lead to mould growth - a particular problem in the humid coastal climate of Littlehampton and surrounding areas.
Our snagging surveys are comprehensive visual inspections covering every accessible area of your new-build property. We examine the external envelope including walls, roof, gutters, and chimneys, looking for signs of defect or poor workmanship. Our inspectors walk the entire roof structure where accessible, checking tile alignment, flashing details, and the condition of felt or membrane underlays. We inspect brickwork for signs of movement or poor mortar joints, and examine render finishes for cracks or delamination that could allow water penetration.
Internally, we inspect walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, testing functionality and finish quality throughout. Our team opens and closes every window, tests every door for proper alignment, and checks that all fixtures and fittings are securely attached. We examine the condition of all sanitaryware, including baths, showers, toilets, and basins, checking for cracks, chips, and proper sealing. Our inspectors also lift access covers to inspect underfloor spaces where accessible, looking for insulation presence and proper ventilation.
Our surveyors also check all mechanical and electrical installations, from the consumer unit to taps and radiators, ensuring everything operates as it should. We test every socket, switch, and light fitting, checking that electrical installations are properly connected and safe. For plumbing, we run taps and test drainage, checking for leaks, low water pressure, and proper pipework insulation. Our team also inspects the heating system, verifying that radiators are balanced and the boiler is properly commissioned with documentation available.
The report you receive is a detailed document with photographic evidence of every defect we identify, organised by location and severity. We prioritise issues by categorising them as urgent, serious, or minor, helping you understand which problems need immediate attention and which can be addressed over time. This systematic approach means you can present the builder with a comprehensive snagging list that they cannot dismiss or ignore, giving you real leverage in getting defects remedied. We also provide a summary section that makes it easy to communicate the key issues to your developer in a clear, professional manner.
Source: Property Market Data, March 2026
Choose a convenient date and time for your snagging inspection. Our team offers flexible appointments across Arun, Littlehampton, Arundel, and the surrounding areas, including weekend availability for busy professionals. Simply use our online booking system or give us a call to arrange a suitable time that fits your schedule. We aim to book your inspection within 3-5 working days of your initial enquiry.
Our qualified inspector visits your new-build property and conducts a thorough visual examination of all accessible areas. We check interior and exterior finishes, test doors and windows, inspect fixtures and fittings, and examine the building's structural elements. Our inspector examines every room systematically, from the roof void down to the foundations where accessible, ensuring no area is overlooked. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size, with larger properties requiring more detailed examination.
Within 48 hours of the inspection, you receive a comprehensive snagging report via email. The report includes photographs of every defect, detailed descriptions, and severity ratings to help you prioritise remediation work. Our report is organised by location (e.g., kitchen, master bedroom, master bathroom, external front, etc.) making it easy to reference specific issues. We also provide guidance on what to expect when presenting the list to your builder and explain the NHBC warranty process if applicable.
Use our report to negotiate with the builder or developer. Our detailed documentation gives you solid grounds for requesting fixes before the warranty period expires. If needed, we can provide further support in communicating with the developer to ensure issues are addressed properly. Our team can even attend site meetings with builders if you require additional support during the remediation process, though this is rarely necessary with our comprehensive documentation.
Book your snagging survey as soon as possible after you receive the keys. Most developers have a "defects liability period" of typically 12 months from completion, during which they are obligated to fix reported issues. The sooner you commission a survey, the more time you have to identify problems and get them resolved before this period expires. We recommend booking within the first two weeks of receiving your keys to allow maximum time for the remediation process.
The Arun district has several active new-build sites from the UK's largest volume housebuilders, making it a hotspot for new-home buyers in West Sussex. At Kingley Gate in Littlehampton, Barratt Homes offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes priced from £319,995 to £509,995. This development has proven particularly popular with families attracted to the coastal lifestyle and good transport connections to London via Littlehampton station. Our inspectors have surveyed numerous properties at Kingley Gate and are familiar with the common defect patterns, including issues with window seals and external render finishes that we frequently encounter at this site.
Nearby at Oakhurst Place, David Wilson Homes (part of the Barratt Group) provides larger 3 and 4-bedroom properties ranging from £399,995 to £539,995. Both developments have seen significant buyer interest as families are drawn to the coastal lifestyle and good transport connections to London. Properties at Oakhurst Place typically feature larger plots with gardens, and our inspectors have noted particular attention needed to boundary treatments and drainage installation quality. The development sits in an area prone to surface water flooding, so we pay extra attention to ground levels and drainage during our inspections.
Further inland, Penfold Grange in Runcton (near Chichester) represents another Barratt Homes development with prices from £334,995 to £579,995. This development is located close to the South Downs National Park and properties here benefit from views but also face different environmental considerations. Our team has inspected properties at Penfold Grange and noted that the clay geology in this area requires careful attention to foundation performance and drainage. We check for any signs of subsidence or heave that may indicate foundation movement, particularly after periods of dry or wet weather.
The luxury end of the market is served by Landgate Place in Arundel, where Cala Homes offers 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom properties with price tags from £369,950 to an impressive £879,950. This development features higher specifications and premium finishes, but our experience shows that even luxury properties are not immune to snags. Our inspectors pay particular attention to the complexity of larger properties, where issues with coordination between different trades can result in defects that are not immediately obvious. The historic setting of Arundel also means some properties may have specific requirements regarding conservation considerations.
For buyers seeking more affordable options, The Hedgerows in Climping from Bovis Homes provides 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes from £329,000 to £525,000. Located near the coast, properties at The Hedgerows face specific challenges related to coastal exposure, including salt spray affecting external fixtures and the potential for surface water flooding in lower-lying plots. Our inspectors at this development have found issues with ground levels and drainage that require attention, and we provide detailed recommendations for flood resilience. Each of these developments has its own characteristic building style and common defect patterns that our local inspectors are familiar with through repeated inspections at each site.
A snagging survey is a detailed visual inspection of a new-build property that identifies defects, incomplete work, and quality issues that the builder should rectify. Our inspectors check everything from the roof and external walls to internal finishes, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical installations, and drainage. We test all fixtures and fittings, check for proper installation of damp-proof courses, and look for signs of structural movement or defect. In Arun specifically, we pay attention to issues related to the local geology, coastal exposure in areas like Littlehampton and Climping, and the specific construction methods used by the volume housebuilders active here. The resulting report provides a comprehensive list of issues for you to present to the builder, with photographic evidence for each defect.
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property, with our inspections typically ranging from 2 to 4 hours. A typical 3-bedroom house takes approximately 2-3 hours to inspect thoroughly, with our inspector systematically examining every room, the external envelope, and all accessible void spaces. Larger properties or those with more complex layouts, such as the larger homes at Landgate Place in Arundel with 4 or 5 bedrooms, may require 4 hours or more to ensure nothing is missed. Our inspectors are meticulous, examining every accessible area and testing all moving parts to ensure nothing is overlooked, no matter how small the defect may appear.
You should book your snagging survey as soon as you receive the keys to your new property, ideally within the first two weeks of occupation. Most builders in Arun have a defects liability period of 12 months from the completion date, during which they are legally obligated to rectify reported issues under the terms of your NHBC or other warranty cover. Booking early ensures you have plenty of time to identify all defects and negotiate repairs before this period ends. Our team can usually accommodate bookings within 3-5 working days, but we recommend scheduling as soon as possible to secure your preferred date, particularly during busy periods in spring and summer when many new-build completions occur.
Snagging survey costs in Arun typically range from £300 to £700 depending on property size and type, which is consistent with national averages. A 1-2 bedroom flat at developments like Kingley Gate or Oakhurst Place usually costs between £300 and £450, while a standard 3-bedroom house ranges from £400 to £550. Larger 4+ bedroom properties, such as those at Landgate Place in Arundel, cost from £500 to £700 or more depending on the square footage. The investment is minimal compared to the potential cost of fixing defects yourself, especially considering that our inspectors typically find 100-200 issues per property that would otherwise need to be identified and negotiated separately.
Yes, absolutely. Our detailed snagging reports are specifically designed to be presented to builders and developers, providing you with the documentation needed to get issues resolved under your warranty cover. The report includes photographic evidence of every defect, clear descriptions explaining what is wrong and why it is defective, and severity ratings that help the builder prioritise their remediation work. Most reputable builders, including Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, Cala Homes, and Bovis Homes operating in Arun, will accept the report and arrange to fix the identified issues within a reasonable timeframe. If there is any dispute about whether an item constitutes a defect, the detailed documentation and our professional report serve as valuable evidence supporting your position.
If the builder refuses to address the defects, you have several options depending on the severity of the issues and your warranty coverage. For homes covered by NHBC or other warranty providers, you can escalate the complaint through their dispute resolution service, and our detailed documentation supports any claim you need to make. The NHBC provides a resolution service for warranty disputes that many homeowners in Arun have successfully used. For serious structural issues or significant defects that affect the habitability of the property, legal advice may be necessary, and our reports provide the expert evidence needed to support your case. Our team can also recommend specialist solicitors who have experience with new-build defect claims if the situation escalates to that stage.
Based on our local experience inspecting properties across Arun, there are several area-specific issues that our inspectors frequently encounter. In coastal areas like Littlehampton and Climping, we often find accelerated corrosion of external fixtures, particularly metal brackets and rainwater goods, due to salt spray exposure. Properties built on clay soils, which are prevalent in areas around Arundel and inland, can show signs of foundation movement, particularly if mature trees are nearby. Drainage is a common issue across the district, with many new-build properties having insufficient falls away from the building or poorly connected drainage runs. We also frequently find inadequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, which leads to condensation and mould problems - particularly problematic in the humid coastal climate. Our inspectors know to check these specific areas based on local conditions and the known defect patterns at each development.
Yes, we strongly recommend a snagging survey even if your new home has NHBC warranty cover. While the NHBC warranty protects you against major structural defects, it does not cover cosmetic issues or minor defects that fall below their threshold for intervention. Our experience shows that most issues found in new-build properties are cosmetic or minor defects that would not be covered by the warranty but still affect your enjoyment of the property and represent substandard workmanship. Additionally, identifying issues within the first 12 months and getting the builder to fix them via the defects liability period is far simpler than making a claim through the warranty later. The NHBC itself recommends that new-home buyers commission an independent snagging survey to ensure they receive a quality product.
From £400
Condition report for newer properties and conventional construction
From £550
Detailed inspection for complex properties or major concerns
From £80
Energy performance certificate required for all properties
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New-Build Property Inspections | Expert Defect Detection | From £300
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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.
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