Snagging Survey Exeter EX1

Our qualified inspectors bring years of experience examining new build properties across Devon and Somerset. We follow a comprehensive checklist that covers over 500 individual items, from the foundations to the roof. In the Exeter area, where geology can present unique challenges with surface water flooding during heavy rainfall, we pay particular attention to drainage gradients and external works that developers sometimes leave incomplete.

The most common issues we identify in Exeter new builds include poorly finished plasterwork and drywall junctions, doors and windows that don't close properly, incomplete sealant around wet areas, and drainage systems that fail to direct water away from the property. Our inspectors regularly find problems with extractor fans, thermostat settings on boilers, and minor electrical omissions that should have been addressed before handover. In properties where developers have used traditional masonry construction, which is standard in the EX1 area, we verify that cavity walls are properly insulated and that wall ties are correctly spaced.

We also examine the exterior fabric of the building, checking render quality, brickwork pointing, roof tile alignment, and the integrity of damp proof courses. The newer developments in areas like Tithebarn and Pinhoe often feature a mix of render-finished and brick-faced properties, and our team knows how to identify common defects in both construction types. We've found that some developers in the Exeter area have used insufficient external insulation or improper detailing around window openings, which can lead to thermal bridging and condensation issues.

Our detailed report gives you a professional document to present to your developer for remediation. We prioritise issues by severity, categorising them into critical defects, minor defects, and cosmetic snags. This professional formatting means developers take our reports seriously and are more likely to address issues promptly rather than dismissing vague complaints.

• Internal walls and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and drainage
• Electrical installations
• Damp proof courses
• Roof and tiles
• External render and brickwork
• Drainage and gradients

The EX1 postcode area has seen substantial growth in recent years, with major developers delivering hundreds of new homes. At Ashworth Place in Tithebarn, Persimmon Homes has constructed properties ranging from two-bedroom flats to five-bedroom family homes, with prices between £239,995 and £404,995. This development exemplifies the type of property where a snagging survey proves invaluable, as even well-established builders can overlook finishing details.

Bloor Homes' Lunar Rise development in Pinhoe offers another option for buyers in the EX1 area, with two to four-bedroom homes priced from £303,000 to £470,000. These higher-value properties represent significant investments, making professional snagging inspections a wise decision. We've inspected numerous properties on this development and commonly find issues with window installations, drainage gradients, and external rendering that require developer attention.

The nearby Cherrywood Grange development from Persimmon Homes is also coming soon, adding to the selection of new build options in the area. This development on Stone Barton Road will add more properties to the growing Tithebarn community, and we expect to see similar snagging issues as other new build sites in the area.

When purchasing any new build in these developments, you're likely covered by an NHBC, LABC, or Premier Guarantee warranty. These warranty providers have specific procedures for reporting defects discovered during the first two years of ownership. Our snagging report provides the documentation you need to initiate those warranty claims effectively. Without a professional survey, you may struggle to prove that defects existed at handover, which can complicate warranty claims significantly.

• Ashworth Place (Persimmon)
• Lunar Rise (Bloor Homes)
• Cherrywood Grange (Persimmon)
• Tithebarn precinct
• Pinhoe village

Our experience inspecting properties across the EX1 area has revealed recurring defect patterns that Exeter buyers should be aware of. One of the most frequent issues we encounter is improper drainage installation. Due to the topography in parts of Exeter, particularly in new developments on sloping ground, drainage gradients are sometimes incorrectly configured. This can lead to water pooling near foundations, which over time can cause damp penetration and structural concerns.

Window and door installations are another common problem area. We've seen numerous properties where windows weren't properly sealed, leading to drafts and potential water ingress during heavy rain. Door frames are sometimes out of square, causing doors to stick or not close properly. These issues may seem minor but can affect energy efficiency and security of the property.

Plumbing problems we regularly identify include poorly connected waste pipes, incorrectly fitted taps, and toilets that aren't properly secured. In properties with combi boilers, which are standard in most new builds, we frequently find that thermostat settings haven't been optimised, leading to inefficient heating and higher energy bills. Our inspectors test every tap, flush every toilet, and run the heating system to identify these issues.

External defects are equally common in our Exeter surveys. Poor quality rendering, inconsistent brickwork pointing, and missing or damaged roof tiles are regularly documented. We've also found issues with damp proof courses where they haven't been properly continued through mortar joints or where the external ground level has been built up above the DPC. These defects can lead to rising damp and require expensive remediation if not addressed by the developer.