Snagging Survey in Folkestone and Hythe

Our inspectors conduct a thorough visual assessment of all accessible areas of your new-build property, identifying defects that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. We examine the interior and exterior of the property, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and fixtures. Our detailed report photographs each issue and provides clear recommendations for remediation, making it straightforward for you to present the findings to your developer or warranty provider.

Common defects our Folkestone and Hythe inspectors find include poorly finished plasterwork with cracks and uneven surfaces, doors that do not close properly or have damaged hinges, incomplete sealant around windows and bathrooms leading to draughts and water penetration, and incomplete or damaged kitchen fixtures. We also check external elements such as roof tiles, render finishes, brickwork alignment, and drainage systems that may have been rushed to meet construction deadlines.

Given the local geology in Folkestone and Hythe, which includes Gault Clay deposits, our inspectors pay particular attention to early-stage subsidence indicators. While new-build properties are less likely to have established subsidence, construction on clay soils can lead to differential settlement that manifests as cracking in walls and ceilings. We document any such findings thoroughly, as addressing these issues within the NHBC warranty period is essential for long-term structural integrity. The shrink-swell behaviour of clay soils, particularly during Kent's variable weather patterns with prolonged dry spells followed by heavy rainfall, requires careful monitoring in the early years of a property's life.

The coastal environment of Folkestone and Hythe presents specific considerations for new-build properties in this area. Salt-laden air can accelerate corrosion of external fixtures and fittings, including door handles, hinges, and drainage systems. Our inspectors assess how well your new-build has been designed and constructed to cope with these local conditions, checking for adequate damp proof courses, properly sealed joints, and appropriate weatherproofing details that will protect your investment over the years ahead.

• Internal plaster and drywall finishes
• Window and door operation and seals
• Electrical socket and switch functionality
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
• External brickwork and render
• Roof tiles and flashing
• Damp and condensation indicators
• Boundary walls and fencing
• Damp proof course integrity
• Ventilation systems

The Folkestone and Hythe district has seen steady new-build activity in recent years, with developments ranging from small infill sites to larger housing estates on the outskirts of the towns. The district council has designated numerous areas for new housing, particularly around Folkestone, Hythe, and the coastal villages. These developments often feature a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced properties, with the majority constructed using modern cavity wall techniques combining brick exterior skins with blockwork and insulation.

Many newer properties in the area are built by national volume housebuilders who operate at speed to meet targets and release homes to the market. While these homes meet building regulations and come with NHBC or similar warranty cover, the speed of construction inevitably leads to some defects slipping through quality control. Our inspectors are familiar with the typical issues arising from these build methods, including rushed wet trades (plastering, tiling), premature decorating before substrates have dried, and gaps in insulation caused by improper installation. We have found that these issues are particularly common in properties where construction has been accelerated to meet sales targets or handover deadlines.

The local geology around Folkestone and Hythe, particularly the Gault Clay deposits, requires specific attention during construction. Foundations must be designed to accommodate the shrink-swell behaviour of clay soils, which expand when wet and contract during dry periods. While new-build properties should have foundations designed for local conditions, our inspectors remain alert to signs of inadequate foundation performance, such as cracking that follows specific patterns or doors that have become difficult to open and close. The recent weather patterns in Kent, with extended dry periods followed by sudden heavy rainfall, have increased the importance of this check in newly constructed properties.

The Folkestone and Hythe area includes several conservation areas where new developments must meet specific design requirements. Properties in areas like The Leas in Folkestone, Hythe town centre, and Sandgate may be subject to additional constraints that affect their design and construction. Our inspectors understand these local requirements and can advise on whether your new-build meets the standards expected in these sensitive locations. We also check external elements like boundary treatments, which may be subject to conservation area approvals.

• Folkestone town centre regeneration areas
• Hythe outskirts development zones
• New Romney expansion sites
• Coastline development constraints
• Conservation area restrictions
• Former industrial site developments