Snagging Survey Gloucester

Our comprehensive snagging surveys examine every accessible area of your new-build property, inside and out. We start with the structural elements, checking walls for cracks that might indicate movement, examining lintels and cavity trays, and assessing roof tile alignment. In Gloucester's geology, with its Jurassic Lias Group clay soils, we pay particular attention to any signs of subsidence or heave that could affect foundations, especially in properties built on ground with high shrink-swell potential. The alluvial deposits along the Severn and Leadon valleys also require careful assessment for any potential movement issues.

The interior inspection covers all cosmetic and functional defects that affect your daily life. Our inspectors test every socket, switch, and fitting to ensure electrical safety, run taps and check drains for plumbing leaks, and examine plasterwork for smoothness and paint finish quality. We document doors that stick or do not close properly, windows that are difficult to operate, and any incomplete sealant work around wet areas. Each defect is photographed and clearly described in your report, making it easy to pass these details to the developer for remediation.

External areas receive equal attention, with checks on paving, drainage gradients, fencing, and landscaping that should have been completed by the developer. We assess whether paving falls away from the property correctly, as poor drainage on external areas is a common issue on many new-build developments in Gloucester. We also check boundary treatments, ensuring fences and gates are properly secured and match the specification in your purchase agreement. Any incomplete landscaping, bare patches, or poor-quality turf is documented for the developer to rectify.

Given Gloucester's flood risk along the River Severn and its tributaries, we specifically assess flood resilience measures in new developments. This includes checking that damp-proof courses are correctly installed, that ground levels fall away from the property, and that any flood barriers or resilience features are properly fitted. Our inspectors also note any issues with surface water management, which is particularly important on developments built on former farmland or areas with clay subsoil. Properties near Alney Island, parts of Hempsted, and the Docks area receive extra attention due to their proximity to the River Severn.

• Structural defects and movement
• Electrical safety and socket function
• Plumbing leaks and drainage
• Window and door operation
• Plaster and paintwork quality
• External paving and drainage
• Boundary treatments and fencing
• Damp-proofing and ventilation

Our inspectors consistently find similar issues across new-build properties in the Gloucester area. Cosmetic defects are most common, including poorly finished plasterwork with bumps or ridges, paintwork that misses areas or shows roller marks, and doors that do not fit their frames properly. These issues may seem minor but can affect your daily enjoyment of the home and be expensive to put right yourself if the developer does not address them. We frequently find skirting boards that are not properly fixed to walls, tiles that are cracked or poorly grouted, and mismatched fittings throughout the property.

Mechanical defects also appear frequently, with windows that are difficult to open or close, extractor fans that do not function correctly, and plumbing issues such as slow drains or minor leaks under sinks. In Gloucester's climate, with its significant rainfall throughout the year, we pay particular attention to guttering and downpipe installations that may not be properly connected or secured. Electrical problems include sockets that do not work, light switches that are loose, and pendant lights that are poorly connected. These defects are not just inconvenient but can present safety risks that require immediate attention from the developer.

External defects are particularly important in Gloucester's climate, where the property must cope with significant rainfall throughout the year. We frequently find incomplete sealant around windows and doors, paving that pools water instead of draining away, and fences or gates that are not properly secured. On some developments, we see landscaping that was never completed to the specification shown on the original plans, with bare patches, poor-quality turf, or missing plants. drainage issues are especially common on developments built on clay soils, where the ground can shift and cause paving to become uneven over time.

New-build properties in Gloucester also need careful assessment for potential subsidence issues, given the clay-rich soils found in many areas. While most new properties will have been built with foundations designed for the local ground conditions, we still check for signs of movement such as cracks in walls, doors that have started to stick, and gaps around window frames. Properties on or near flood plains, particularly those close to the River Severn, receive additional scrutiny for flood resilience measures including damp-proof courses, membrane installations, and ground level considerations.

• Incomplete sealant and drafts
• Poor door and window operation
• Plaster and paintwork defects
• Electrical socket failures
• Drainage and paving issues
• Missing or damaged roof tiles
• Incomplete boundary treatments
• Poor landscaping finish