Snagging Survey in EX15 (Cullompton)

Our comprehensive snagging surveys examine every accessible area of your new build property. We start with the exterior, checking brickwork and blockwork for alignment, mortar quality, and signs of movement or cracking. Windows and doors are tested for proper operation, seal integrity, and correct fitting within their frames. We inspect rendering and cladding for adhesion issues, cracks, and weatherproofing effectiveness. Our inspectors pay particular attention to the junction details where different materials meet, as these are common failure points in modern construction.

Inside the property, our inspectors examine walls and ceilings for plastering defects, paint inconsistencies, and damp patches. We check all joinery including skirting boards, door frames, and kitchen units for gaps, damage, or poor installation. Every electrical socket and light switch is visually inspected, along with the consumer unit and any visible wiring. We test all sockets and switches for correct operation and safe installation, noting any faceplates that are damaged or poorly fitted.

The plumbing system receives thorough attention, with checks on water pressure, flow rates, and all visible pipework for leaks or poor connections. We examine the heating system, boiler operations, and thermostat functionality. In the bathroom and kitchen, we test all taps, showers, and waste connections for proper drainage and no leaks. Our inspectors run water through all outlets for several minutes to check for leaks under floors or behind walls that might not be immediately visible.

We also inspect external areas including driveways, patios, drainage, fencing, and garden areas where these form part of the property specification. Loft spaces are examined for insulation quality, ventilation adequacy, and any signs of damp or timber issues. Our team uses thermal imaging equipment where appropriate to identify hidden defects such as missing insulation, cold bridging, or damp penetration that isn't visible to the naked eye.

• Exterior walls, windows, and doors
• Internal walls, ceilings, and joinery
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical installations
• Heating and hot water
• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
• Loft insulation and ventilation
• Drainage and external areas

The EX15 postcode covers the market town of Cullompton and its surrounding villages including Hemyock, Kentisbeare, Blackborough, Culmstock, and Uffculme. New build activity has been steady in recent years, with Cavanna Homes completing the Oak Mount development in Hemyock, offering 40 three and four-bedroom houses in the beautiful Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This development has proven popular with families and commuters alike, attracted by the village atmosphere and good transport links to the M5.

Cullompton continues to expand with smaller developments bringing new housing to the town. The area's proximity to the M5 motorway makes it popular with commuters travelling to Exeter and Taunton, driving consistent demand for new housing. Properties here range from affordable starter homes to substantial family houses, with many buyers relocating from more expensive areas of the South West. The town provides good local amenities including schools, shops, and services, making it an attractive location for families.

Most new homes in EX15 are constructed using traditional brick and block methods, though some contemporary developments incorporate render finishes and timber cladding for visual variety. Properties built by national volume housebuilders including Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, and Barratt have historically been active in the wider Mid Devon area, and we have experience inspecting properties from all major developers operating in the region. Our inspectors understand the typical specifications and common defect patterns associated with each builder.

The local geology in parts of EX15, particularly around the Blackdown Hills, includes clay soils that can be prone to shrink-swell movement. While modern foundations are designed to account for this, our inspectors are alert to signs of subsidence or movement that might indicate foundation issues. We also check that drainage has been properly designed and installed, as poor drainage on clay soils can lead to serious problems over time. Properties near the River Culm in Cullompton should also have adequate flood resilience measures in place.

• Oak Mount, Hemyock (Cavanna Homes)
• Cullompton town expansion sites
• Mid Devon village developments
• Custom build plots
• Phase completions on larger sites

Many buyers assume that a new build property will be perfect or that any issues will be covered by the developer. The reality is quite different. Our experience inspecting hundreds of new builds in the South West has shown that even properties built by reputable developers can have significant defect lists. The pressure on volume housebuilders to complete properties quickly often means that finishing quality suffers, and items that don't meet proper standards are sometimes missed during the builder's own quality checks.

The warranty provided with your new build, whether through NHBC, LABC, or Premier Guarantee, has specific time limits for reporting certain types of defects. Structural issues typically need to be reported within the first two years, while other defects may have shorter windows. Our snagging survey ensures you know about all issues within these critical timeframes, giving you the best chance of getting problems resolved under warranty. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to claim for defects that should be the developer's responsibility.

Having a professional snagging report also gives you significantly more leverage when negotiating with your developer. Builders are far more responsive to formal written requests supported by photographic evidence from an independent surveyor than to verbal complaints from homeowners. Our reports are formatted to make it easy for developers to understand the scope of work required and to prioritise repairs effectively. Many developers will expedite repairs once they receive a professional snagging report rather than risk a formal complaint being escalated to their warranty provider.