Snagging Survey Galashiels, Scottish Borders

Our snagging inspections are comprehensive examinations of new-build properties at any stage - from pre-completion to properties up to two years old. Our inspectors systematically work through both the interior and exterior of your property, documenting every defect, however small it may appear. This includes checking the quality of plasterwork and paint finishes, ensuring doors and windows operate correctly, verifying sealants are properly applied, and testing all mechanical systems including plumbing and electrical installations. We don't just look at what's obvious - we check behind appliances, examine loft spaces where accessible, and test every switch and socket.

We examine the structural elements of your new-build home, looking for signs of cracking in walls, proper installation of lintels, correct positioning of damp proof courses, and the condition of roof tiles and flashings. Our inspectors also assess the exterior envelope, checking render quality, brickwork alignment, and the completion of external works such as drainage, driveways, and landscaping. In Galashiels, where newer developments may sit near older period properties, we pay particular attention to how new structures integrate with local topography and drainage patterns. The Gala Water runs through the town, and proper drainage is essential for any new development.

The final report you receive is a detailed document that you can present to your developer or warranty provider. It includes photographic evidence of every issue found, clear descriptions of the defect, and often recommendations for how each item should be remedied. This documentation is invaluable for getting the developer to address issues under their NHBC or other warranty obligations. We format our reports to meet the specific requirements of major warranty providers, so you can submit them directly as part of any claim process. Our reports typically run 30-50 pages for a standard three-bedroom property, with hundreds of photographs documenting each finding.

Many homeowners in Galashiels are surprised by what we find - even in properties that appear well-finished at first glance. The reality is that volume housebuilders work to tight timescales, and quality can vary significantly between different plots and different developers. Our independent inspection ensures you know exactly what you're getting before you complete on what is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. We've seen everything from missing damp proof courses to incorrectly installed windows, and our thorough approach means nothing gets missed.

• Interior plaster and paintwork
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
• Electrical systems and sockets
• Plumbing and drainage
• Structural elements and walls
• External render and brickwork
• Roof tiles and flashings
• Damp proof course installation
• Gardens and boundary treatments

Our experience across Scottish new-build developments shows that certain defects appear more frequently than others, regardless of the developer. Poorly finished plasterwork is consistently one of the most common issues, with walls showing signs of uneven backing, insufficient feathering at edges, and paint finishes that don't meet the expected standard. We often find walls that weren't properly prepared before painting, leading to peeling and bubbling within months of completion. Skimming defects are particularly common where different background materials meet, such as where plasterboard meets existing masonry.

Ill-fitting doors and windows are another frequent finding - doors that don't close properly, windows that stick, and handles or locks that require excessive force to operate. These issues often stem from buildings settling or improper installation, and they only get worse over time. We test every window and door during our inspection, checking that locks engage properly, that there's appropriate clearance around frames, and that draught strips are correctly positioned. In newer properties, we also check that trickle vents are present and unobstructed, as these are often missing or blocked.

Incomplete sealant application is particularly common in wet areas - around bathtubs, showers, kitchen worktops, and windows. These gaps might seem minor but can lead to water penetration and subsequent damage over time. We check all sealant joints carefully, looking for gaps, voids, or areas where sealant has pulled away from surfaces. In bathroom areas, we also check that gradients on shower trays are correct and that waste connections are properly sealed. Drainage issues also feature regularly, with fall pipes incorrectly installed, gullies positioned too close to building edges, and surface water drainage not working as designed.

External works are frequently incomplete at the time of completion, with landscaping, boundary treatments, and driveway finishes left unfinished or to a substandard specification. We document the condition of all external areas, including driveways, paths, patios, fencing, and garden landscaping. Many homeowners find that their garden is nothing more than Builders' rubble and mud when they move in, despite paying premium prices for their property. We also check that ground levels fall away from the property correctly, as improper grading can lead to damp problems in the future.

Structural items, while less common, are equally important to identify. Our inspectors look for cracking that may indicate movement, lintels that appear undersized or incorrectly installed, and damp proof courses that are either missing or incorrectly positioned. Roof tile alignment and the installation of valley gutters and flashings are checked, as these are common leak sources. On developments in Galashiels where newer properties may be built on ground that has previously been developed, we also check for any signs of ground instability or issues with previous use of the site. We understand that the Scottish Borders has a mix of geological conditions, and certain areas may have different considerations for foundations and drainage.