Snagging Survey in Okehampton (EX20)

When you book a snagging survey with Homemove in EX20, our inspectors conduct a thorough room-by-room assessment of your new-build property. We examine everything from the roof space to the foundations, checking that all work has been completed to acceptable standards. Our inspectors are trained to spot the issues that developers hope buyers won't notice, including poorly finished plasterwork, ill-fitting doors and windows, incomplete sealant around wet areas, and drainage problems that could lead to damp.

In the Okehampton area, where developments like Okement Park by Barratt Homes feature 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes priced from £274,995 to £357,995, our inspectors frequently encounter similar defect patterns. We check all external elements including roof tiles, gutters, brickwork, and render. Internally, we examine walls, ceilings, floors, joinery, and all fixtures. We also test all plumbing, electrical points, and heating systems to ensure everything functions correctly.

The report we provide is comprehensive and easy to understand, with photographic evidence of every defect we identify. We categorise issues by severity, highlighting any problems that require urgent attention from your developer. This documentation is invaluable when negotiating with the builder or warranty provider, whether that's NHBC, LABC, or Premier Guarantee. Our reports are formatted to meet the specific requirements of each warranty provider, ensuring your remediation requests are taken seriously.

Modern developments in EX20 typically use traditional masonry construction, combining brick and block work with varying types of render finish. Our inspectors understand how these construction methods can lead to specific defect patterns, from render cracking due to thermal movement to issues with window installation in cavity walls. We pay particular attention to details that affect the long-term durability of your property in this part of Devon, where weather exposure from the surrounding countryside can accelerate certain types of wear and tear.

• Internal walls and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and drainage
• Electrical systems
• Roofing and gutters
• External render and brickwork
• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
• Flooring and tiling

Based on our experience inspecting properties across the EX20 area, certain defects appear more frequently than others. Poor paint finish is ubiquitous, with walls and ceilings often showing uneven coverage, roller marks, or inconsistent colour. Ill-fitting doors and windows are equally common, with gaps around frames allowing drafts and moisture penetration. Incomplete sealant around bathrooms and kitchens leads to water ingress that homeowners may not notice until significant damage occurs. Our inspectors find these issues in properties across all price ranges, from starter homes to executive properties.

Plumbing issues rank highly on our defect lists, with leaking taps, poorly connected pipes, and incorrectly fitted waste systems appearing regularly. Drainage problems, particularly with ground floor toilets and showers, require immediate attention as they can cause structural damage over time. In Okehampton's older new-build developments, we've also identified issues with drainage falls that don't adequately direct water away from the property, a particular concern given the area's proximity to the River Okement and its flood plain. External issues we frequently document include misaligned roof tiles, inadequate drip trays, poorly finished render, and drainage falls that direct water toward properties rather than away.

More serious structural concerns we sometimes identify include cracking in walls (which may indicate movement or inadequate foundations), lintel defects, missing or incorrectly installed damp proof courses, and roof space issues including inadequate insulation and missing ventilation. While these are less common, they represent the most important findings because they affect the long-term structural integrity of your home. Our inspectors are trained to recognise the early signs of these more serious issues and will flag them prominently in your report.

The local geology around Okehampton, with its underlying soils and terrain, can affect how new-build properties perform over time. Our surveyors take into account the specific conditions in the EX20 area when assessing potential structural issues. We understand that properties built on certain soil types may be more susceptible to movement, and we know how to identify the warning signs that might indicate future problems.

• Paint finish defects
• Door and window misalignment
• Incomplete sealant
• Plumbing leaks
• Drainage issues
• Roof tile problems
• Render cracks
• Insulation gaps