Professional new build inspections across Ripley, Send, Ockham and surrounding areas
If you have recently purchased a new build property in GU23 or are considering buying off-plan in the Ripley, Send or Ockham area, a snagging survey is one of the most important steps you can take before completing your purchase. Our qualified inspectors examine every aspect of your potential new home, identifying defects and unfinished work that developers are responsible for rectifying before you move in. We provide you with a detailed inventory of all issues found, giving you the documentation needed to request corrections from your builder or warranty provider.
The GU23 postcode covers the attractive villages of Ripley, Send and Ockham, areas that have seen significant new development in recent years. From the Allium Park development on Portsmouth Road built by Countryside Homes to the upcoming Wisley Acres scheme from Taylor Wimpey, buyers in this area are investing substantial sums in new properties. Our local inspectors understand the specific construction methods used by volume housebuilders active in Surrey and know exactly what to look for when assessing your property. We have inspected dozens of new builds across these villages and understand the typical defect patterns that emerge in properties constructed by major developers operating in this part of the county.
£582,000 - £756,000
Average Property Price
3+ active sites
New Build Developments
2,754 houses | 376 flats
Property Types
91 properties
Recent Sales (12 months)
Our comprehensive snagging surveys follow a systematic room-by-room and zone-by-zone approach, examining everything from the roof space to the foundations. We check the quality of workmanship throughout, documenting any items that fall below the standard you would reasonably expect from a newly constructed property. This includes assessing the finish on walls and ceilings, the operation of doors and windows, the functionality of plumbing and electrical installations, and the overall standard of flooring and joinery. Every room receives individual attention, with our inspector moving methodically through the property to ensure no area is overlooked.
In properties across GU23, our inspectors frequently encounter issues with poorly fitted windows and doors, which can affect both thermal efficiency and security. We test all opening windows for proper operation, check seals and draft proofing, and assess whether door frames are correctly installed and aligned. These might seem like minor cosmetic concerns, but they can lead to significant problems including water ingress, heat loss, and noise penetration over time. Our team has found that even new properties from reputable developers frequently have window seals that are not properly bedded, leading to drafts that homeowners only notice when their energy bills arrive.
Plumbing and drainage systems require particular attention in the GU23 area due to the local geology and flood risk characteristics. We pressure test water supply lines, check all connections and fittings, and examine drainage runs for proper fall and connection. Given that clay soils are prevalent in this part of Surrey, our inspectors also assess external drainage and groundworks carefully, looking for signs of inadequate site grading or drainage that could lead to future problems with damp or subsidence. The shrink-swell behavior of clay soils can put pressure on drainage runs over time, making proper installation critical for long-term performance.
Electrical safety forms a key part of our inspection, with our team checking that all circuits are properly wired, that RCD protection is installed, and that socket and switch positions comply with current regulations. We also verify that any integrated appliances included in the property are correctly connected and functioning. In modern developments featuring heat pumps and solar panels, which are increasingly common in new builds to meet energy efficiency requirements, we check that these systems are installed according to manufacturer specifications and building regulations.
Purchasing a new build property represents one of the largest financial commitments you will ever make, and while new homes come with warranties such as NHBC cover, the process of getting defects remedied can be lengthy and stressful if issues are not documented properly from the outset. Our snagging surveys provide you with a comprehensive, professionally documented list of all defects found, which you can then present to your developer or warranty provider. We have seen firsthand how builders are often more responsive to well-documented snagging lists than verbal complaints, making professional documentation essential.
Volume housebuilders including Taylor Wimpey and Countryside Homes construct thousands of homes each year, and while their properties meet building regulations, the reality is that some degree of defective workmanship is virtually inevitable in any construction project. Our inspectors have extensive experience with the typical issues that arise in properties built by these developers, allowing them to identify both obvious defects and more subtle problems that an untrained eye might miss. We know which areas typically receive less attention on the construction line and can spot the signs of rushed finishing work that might escape a casual inspection. This experience allows us to provide you with a thorough assessment that gives you real confidence in the condition of your new home.
Source: Property Data 2024
Choose a convenient date and time for your inspection. We offer flexible appointment slots across the GU23 area, typically within 7 days of your request. Our online booking system makes scheduling straightforward, or you can call our team directly if you prefer to discuss your requirements.
Our qualified surveyor visits your property and conducts a thorough, room-by-room assessment. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size. We examine all accessible areas, taking photographs of every defect we identify and making notes on the condition of fixtures, fittings, and finishes throughout.
Within 48 hours of the inspection, you receive a comprehensive written report detailing all defects found, complete with photographs and recommendations. Our reports are formatted to be easily shared with developers and warranty providers, with defects categorized by severity and location to make the remediation process straightforward.
Use your professional report to negotiate with the developer or warranty provider. Our detailed documentation makes it easier to get issues resolved. We find that builders are far more likely to act on documented defects than verbal reports, and our professional format ensures nothing gets overlooked during the remediation process.
The GU23 area sits on clay soils that are prone to shrink-swell movement, which can affect foundations and drainage over time. Our inspectors pay particular attention to external ground levels, drainage installation, and signs of foundation movement, especially in newer developments where the ground may not have fully settled. Additionally, flood risk near the River Wey and its tributaries means we carefully assess drainage gradients and hard landscaping around properties in areas like Ripley Green and Newark Lane.
The GU23 postcode has seen considerable development activity in recent years, with several major housebuilders active in the area. The Allium Park development on Portsmouth Road in Ripley features 3-5 bedroom homes built by Countryside Homes, with prices ranging from approximately £555,000 to over £800,000. This development represents a significant investment for buyers, making a snagging survey particularly valuable to ensure your new home is finished to the expected standard. Our inspectors have surveyed multiple properties on this development and are familiar with the common issues that arise in homes built by this developer.
Looking ahead, the Wisley Acres development in Ockham is set to launch in Summer 2026, bringing approximately 1,730 new homes to the area. This substantial scheme from Taylor Wimpey will include properties ranging from 1-5 bedrooms, further expanding the options for new build buyers in GU23. For those purchasing on this development or other upcoming sites, booking a snagging survey before legal completion allows you to identify any issues while the developer remains contractually responsible for rectifications. We recommend scheduling your survey during the final walkthrough period whenever possible, as this gives you the strongest position for requesting corrections.
Smaller scale developments also feature throughout the Send and Ripley areas, particularly along Send Barns Lane where various detached and terraced homes have been constructed. Regardless of the scale of development, our inspectors approach every property with the same thoroughness, ensuring that no defect goes unnoticed, from major structural concerns to minor cosmetic finish issues that can detract from your enjoyment of your new home. We treat each inspection as unique, understanding that even properties on the same development can have vastly different quality levels depending on which construction team completed the work.
Based on our extensive experience inspecting new builds across Surrey, certain defect patterns emerge repeatedly in properties built by major developers. Poorly finished plasterwork and decorator finishes rank among the most common issues, with walls and ceilings often showing signs of uneven skim coats, paint defects, or incomplete preparation work. These cosmetic issues, while not structurally significant, affect the overall finish of your home and should be addressed before you move in. We have found that decorator finishes are often the last items completed on a development and frequently show the effects of time pressure on the construction schedule.
Door and window issues represent another frequent finding in our GU23 surveys. Ill-fitting doors that stick or drag, windows that do not close properly, and inadequate sealing around frames can all lead to drafts, water penetration, and reduced energy efficiency. Given the emphasis on energy efficiency in modern building regulations, with many new properties featuring heat pumps and solar panels, our inspectors also check that these systems are installed correctly and functioning as specified. We verify that heat pump outdoor units are properly sited and connected, and that solar panel installations are complete and fully operational.
External defects deserve particular attention in the GU23 context. With known flood risk in areas near the River Wey and its tributaries, including locations around Ripley Green and Newark Lane, our inspectors carefully assess drainage, hard landscaping, and groundworks. We check that gradients fall away from the property, that drainage channels are clear and functional, and that any retaining structures are properly constructed. These external elements are often the last items to be completed on a development and frequently show defects. We also inspect boundary walls, fences, and driveways, ensuring these are finished to an acceptable standard before you take on the property.
A snagging survey provides a thorough inspection of your new build property, examining all visible and accessible areas for defects in workmanship and materials. Our inspectors check walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical systems, and external areas including drainage and landscaping. We document every issue with photographs and provide clear recommendations for remediation. The survey covers both major defects that affect structural integrity or safety and minor cosmetic issues that would otherwise need fixing yourself after moving in.
Prices for snagging surveys in GU23 typically range from £300 to £600 or more, depending on the size and complexity of your property. A standard 2-bedroom flat might cost around £300-£350, while a large detached home with 5 bedrooms could cost £550-£700. The pricing reflects the time required to inspect larger properties thoroughly and the level of detail in the final report. We provide competitive pricing with no hidden fees, and we are happy to provide a quote based on your specific property details.
Ideally, you should book your snagging survey before you complete on your property purchase, during the final walkthrough or shortly after obtaining your keys. This allows you to present any issues to the developer while the warranty period is fresh and the builder remains contractually responsible. However, snagging surveys can be carried out at any time within the first two years of ownership when most builder warranties remain active. We recommend booking as early as possible in your completion timeline to maximize the time available for the developer to address issues before you move in.
Your detailed report includes a comprehensive list of all defects found, complete with photographs and recommendations for remediation. You can present this report to your developer, housing association, or warranty provider such as NHBC to request corrections. Our reports are formatted to make the remediation process as straightforward as possible, with defects categorized by location and severity. We find that developers are typically more responsive to professionally documented snagging lists than informal complaints, and many issues get resolved quickly when presented with our detailed documentation.
Yes, a snagging survey is highly recommended even with NHBC warranty cover. While warranties protect you against major structural defects, the process of making warranty claims can be complex and time-consuming. Having a professional snagging report ensures issues are documented from the outset, making any future claims much smoother. Additionally, many warranty claims relate to items that should have been fixed by the developer before completion. Our survey catches these issues early, when they are the developer's responsibility rather than becoming potential warranty claims. The small investment in a snagging survey can save significant hassle later and ensures your new home is in the condition you expected.
The duration of a snagging survey depends on the size and complexity of your property. A typical 3-bedroom semi-detached home takes approximately 2-3 hours to inspect thoroughly. Larger detached properties with more rooms can take 3-4 hours. We never rush inspections, as our goal is to identify every potential issue that could affect your enjoyment of your new home. Our inspectors work systematically through the property, ensuring no area is overlooked regardless of how long the process takes.
Properties in the GU23 area face particular challenges due to the local geology and flood risk. Clay soils are prevalent, which can cause foundation movement through shrink-swell cycles, so we pay close attention to signs of subsidence or settlement. Additionally, areas near the River Wey, including parts of Ripley and Send, have known flood risk, so we thoroughly check drainage installation and external ground levels. Our experience with local developments also means we know the typical defect patterns from builders active in the area, allowing us to focus our inspection on the most likely problem areas.
From £450
Detailed condition report for modern homes
From £650
Comprehensive structural survey for older properties
From £80
Energy performance certificate
From £300
Official valuation for Help to Buy scheme
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Professional new build inspections across Ripley, Send, Ockham and surrounding areas
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.
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