Snagging Survey in Bicton

The Bicton Heath area has experienced substantial residential growth over the past decade, with developers delivering hundreds of new homes to meet demand from buyers seeking modern properties in this desirable location near Shrewsbury. While new-build properties come with 10-year warranties from providers like NHBC, the reality is that 94% of new build homeowners report encountering defects with their property. These issues range from minor cosmetic problems to serious construction faults that can cost thousands to rectify.

Our inspectors understand the specific construction methods used by volume housebuilders like Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, who dominate new development in the Bicton area. These builders typically use traditional masonry construction with brick elevations and concrete tile roofing, but the speed of construction means corners can be cut. Our detailed inspections cover structural elements, thermal performance, and building regulation compliance that developers may have overlooked.

The local geography adds another layer of importance for snagging surveys in Bicton. Properties in this area sit near the River Severn floodplain, and the underlying clay soils present shrink-swell risks that can affect foundations over time. While new builds should account for these ground conditions, our inspectors check that drainage systems, damp proof courses, and ventilation are properly installed to prevent future problems. Given that surface water flooding affects around 12.5% of properties in the wider Shrewsbury area, we pay particular attention to outside areas, guttering, and ground levels around new-build properties.

Many buyers in Bicton Heath are purchasing their first home or moving from older period properties, and may not recognise signs of poor workmanship that our experienced inspectors spot immediately. From incorrectly installed windows to inadequate sealant around wet areas, these defects may not be apparent during a property viewing but can lead to significant problems once you move in. Our survey gives you the professional documentation needed to ensure the developer addresses these issues before your warranty period becomes more complicated to invoke.

Our comprehensive snagging inspections cover over 300 individual items across your new-build property. We start with the exterior, examining brickwork, roof tiles, fascia and soffits, windows, and doors for alignment and finishing quality. Our inspectors then move inside to check wall and ceiling plasterwork, skirting boards, door frames, and staircases for damage or poor installation. We test every electrical socket and light switch, check plumbing fixtures, and examine the heating system to ensure everything functions correctly.

In Bicton, where developments sit near the River Severn floodplain, we pay particular attention to damp proofing, ventilation, and any signs of water ingress that could indicate construction issues. Our inspectors also examine the integrity of windows and doors, checking seals and functionality, as these are common problem areas in newer construction. The survey includes a thorough review of any balconies, terraces, or external spaces included with your property.

We document everything with detailed photographs and produce a clear report rating issues by severity - from critical structural concerns that need immediate attention to cosmetic defects that affect the finish of your home. This gives you a comprehensive punch list to present to your developer, whether it's Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, or another builder constructing your property in the Bicton area.

Our inspection also covers the technical aspects that affect your home's performance, including checking that u-values meet building regulations, verifying insulation is properly installed in walls and roof spaces, and ensuring mechanical ventilation systems function correctly. We examine the electrical consumer unit to confirm RCD protection is correctly fitted, and check that all plumbing connections are secure and leak-free. These technical checks often reveal defects that aren't visible during a casual inspection but could cause problems shortly after you move in.

• External walls and brickwork
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Windows, doors, and seals
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical safety checks
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Plasterwork and finishing
• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures

Our inspectors regularly identify recurring patterns when surveying new-build properties in the Bicton area. Plasterwork defects rank among the most common issues, including cracked plaster, uneven surfaces, and poor finishing around corners and edges. These problems often become apparent only during detailed inspection, as they may not be obvious during a casual viewing. We frequently find that plaster hasn't been allowed to dry properly before decoration, leading to issues when paint or wallpaper is applied.

Door and window issues also feature frequently - ill-fitting frames, damaged seals, and windows that don't close properly. In new construction, window seals are often incomplete or damaged during the building process, which can lead to draughts and water penetration. This is particularly concerning in Bicton given the area's proximity to the River Severn and potential for flooding. Our inspectors check all windows for proper operation and examine seals around the entire frame.

Incomplete sealant work represents another significant category of defects, particularly around windows, doors, and wet areas. Poor sealant installation can lead to draughts and water penetration. We also commonly find drainage issues, including improperly connected gutters and downpipes, which can cause water to pool near the property's foundations. Given the local clay soil conditions that cause shrink-swell movement, proper drainage is essential to prevent future subsidence issues.

Electrical and plumbing rough-ins sometimes contain faults that aren't immediately visible. We check that all outlets are correctly wired, that RCD protection is properly installed, and that plumbing connections are secure and leak-free. On the exterior, we frequently see landscaping that hasn't been completed to specification, incomplete driveway surfacing, and boundary treatments that differ from what was promised at the point of sale. Kitchen and bathroom fixtures are another common source of defects, with improper installation of hobs, sinks, and sanitaryware appearing regularly in our reports.

Thermal performance defects are increasingly common in new builds, with insulation sometimes installed incorrectly or gaps left in critical areas. Our inspectors examine insulation in roof spaces and cavity walls, checking for gaps, compression, or missing sections that could affect your home's energy efficiency. With rising energy costs, these defects can have a significant impact on your ongoing running costs.