Snagging Survey Shoreham-by-Sea

Snagging survey prices in BN43 start from £295 for a one-bedroom flat and typically run to £450-£550 for a three or four-bedroom house. With average new build apartment prices in Shoreham-by-Sea now exceeding £240,000 for a one-bed and £350,000 for a two-bed, the survey cost is typically less than 0.15% of the property value. A snagging report routinely identifies defects worth many times the cost of the inspection.

Yes - our inspectors cover all new build developments in the BN43 area including Kingston Wharf (Hyde New Homes), Wharf Twenty One (Southern Housing), and any other active sites around the Shoreham harbour regeneration zone. We are familiar with the construction type used in riverside apartment blocks and know what to look for in shared-ownership apartment schemes. Contact us with your plot number and developer and we will confirm availability.

Most new build properties in BN43 require 3-5 hours for a thorough snagging inspection. A one-bedroom apartment typically takes 2-3 hours; a three or four-bedroom house may take 4-6 hours. Our inspector will not rush the process. We use a systematic 500-point checklist and document every item photographically, so the report you receive accurately reflects the full condition of the property.

Flood risk affects the specification requirements for new builds in flood zones, but does not change the snagging process itself. Our inspectors do check flood-relevant features such as door threshold heights, waterproofing in below-ground areas, drainage gradients, and the condition of any flood door seals or barriers. More than 2,300 homes in Shoreham-by-Sea are in flood risk zones, and the Environment Agency completed major tidal wall improvements along 7.2km of the River Adur. For your specific plot, check the EA flood risk map and ask your developer for the flood risk assessment for the site.

Before completion if at all possible. Once you have legally completed and received your keys, any defects identified are still covered by the NHBC Buildmark warranty (or equivalent), but you lose some negotiating leverage. The ideal time to snag is after the property is fully finished but before your completion date - typically two to four weeks before exchanging final funds. Your developer must legally allow access for this inspection. If you have already completed, a post-completion snagging survey is still valuable during the two-year defects liability period.

In BN43 and other south coast coastal towns, our inspectors regularly find weatherproofing defects that inland inspectors see less frequently. These include balcony door seals that are incorrectly fitted or too thin for marine exposure, inadequate drainage falls on terraces that cause water pooling, window openings with gaps between the frame and masonry, and external cladding or render that has not been back-primed before fitting. Salt-resistant fixings are also required in coastal specifications - our inspectors check for the correct grade of stainless steel in exposed locations. These defects may not manifest as problems immediately, but they will within the first few winters.

Your new build home is covered by the developer's two-year defects liability period and typically an NHBC Buildmark or similar structural warranty. If defects are genuine construction failures, the developer is contractually obliged to repair them. If a developer disputes items, our written report with photographic evidence and reference to building regulations or warranty standards provides strong grounds for your position. In cases of persistent non-compliance, the NHBC Resolution service or the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) can assist. Most developers address genuine snagging items promptly to avoid formal disputes.

Yes, our inspectors cover the full BN43 postcode area including the Free Wharf regeneration zone, Shoreham Beach, Old Shoreham, North Shoreham, and all surrounding streets. We also cover adjacent postcodes in the Adur district including BN42 (Southwick), BN15 (Lancing), and BN44 (Steyning/Bramber). Coverage and pricing are confirmed when you submit your booking - simply enter your postcode and we will confirm if there is any travel supplement for your specific location.