Protect your investment with a detailed defect inspection before you complete on your new home








Moving into a brand-new home should be an exciting milestone, but too many buyers in Harborough discover defects and unfinished work shortly after collecting their keys. Our snagging surveys give you the confidence to complete on your new build with a clear understanding of what needs fixing. We inspect every corner of your property, documenting issues from minor cosmetic defects to more serious structural concerns that could cost thousands to put right.
Harborough has seen significant new housing growth in recent years, with developments like Overstone Park bringing hundreds of new homes to the area. Our local inspectors know the common issues that affect new-build properties in Leicestershire, from the typical defects found in properties built by volume housebuilders to the specific problems that can occur with different construction methods. With an average property price in Harborough now exceeding £365,000, a snagging survey represents a small investment that could save you considerable expense down the line.

£365,627
Average House Price
365
New Homes Sold (12 months)
+2.2%
Annual Price Change
£467,876
Detached Average
Our snagging inspectors work through a comprehensive checklist that covers both the interior and exterior of your new build. We examine walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, uneven surfaces, and poorly finished plasterwork. Windows and doors are checked for proper operation, drafts, and fitting issues that could affect security and energy efficiency. Our team inspects sealants around wet areas, kitchen fittings, bathroom fixtures, and all joinery to ensure everything meets acceptable standards.
The external envelope of your property receives equal attention. We assess roof tiles, verges, fascias, and soffits for alignment and damage. Drainage is tested to ensure water flows correctly away from the property, and we check driveways, paths, and landscaping against the specification promised in your purchase agreement. For properties in Harborough's newer developments, we pay particular attention to cavity tray installations and damp proof course continuity, as these are common failure points in newer construction.
Electrical and plumbing systems form another critical component of our inspection. We verify that socket positions, switch locations, and fixture placements match approved plans. Our inspectors will identify exposed wiring, incorrect connections, or installations that don't meet current regulations. Plumbing is checked for leaks, pressure issues, and proper sealing around baths, showers, and sinks. Any defects found are photographed and documented with precise locations, giving you a professional report to present to your builder or developer.
Our survey also covers ventilation systems, which are particularly important in newerbuild properties that are designed to be more airtight. We check extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, inspect extractor fan operation, and ensure that any passive ventilation provisions are functioning correctly. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation problems and mold growth, issues that often emerge months after you move in when they become much harder to resolve.
When you book a snagging survey with Homemove in Harborough, you receive a detailed report that photographs and describes every issue found in your property. Our inspectors typically identify between 100 and 200 individual snags in a typical new-build home, ranging from small cosmetic marks to items that could affect the habitability or structural integrity of the property. The report organises defects by location and severity, making it easy for you to present a comprehensive list to your builder's customer care team.
The process is straightforward and designed to fit around your schedule. Once you book, our local surveyor contacts you to arrange a convenient inspection time, usually within a few days. The survey itself takes between two and four hours depending on the size and complexity of your property. You can accompany the inspector during the survey if you wish, asking questions and seeing issues first-hand. Within 48 hours of the inspection, you receive your full report with photographs and recommendations.

Source: Zoopla/Rightmove 2024
The Harborough district has experienced the fastest population growth in the East Midlands, increasing by 14.3% between 2011 and 2021. This rapid expansion has driven massive housebuilding, with developments such as the East of Lutterworth Strategic Development Area delivering over 1,260 new homes, while Overstone Park in Market Harborough has added approximately 600 properties. With this pace of construction, quality control can sometimes suffer, and defects can slip through the cracks.
National research shows that 93.7% of new build buyers reported problems such as snags and defects to their builder, with a third discovering more than 15 separate issues. The most common problems include poor workmanship on plasterwork and paint finishes, damaged or poorly fitted doors and windows, plumbing leaks, electrical issues, and incomplete external works. Given that Harborough's average property price exceeds £365,000, identifying these defects before you complete could save you thousands in remediation costs.
The district's economic strength, with key employers including Magna Park, Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, and Joules Group PLC based in Market Harborough, has attracted families and professionals to the area. Many of these buyers are purchasing newly constructed properties for the first time and may not be aware of what to look for. Our inspectors bring experience from surveying hundreds of new-build properties across Leicestershire, knowing exactly which areas tend to have the most problems with different housebuilders' construction methods.
Harborough's central location provides excellent transport links via the M1, M6, and A14, making it attractive for commuters. This has driven demand for new homes, with properties ranging from one-bedroom flats near Market Harborough station to large detached family homes on the outskirts. Whether you have purchased a modern flat or a detached house on one of the new developments, our snagging survey ensures you know exactly what defects exist before you commit to your purchase.
Choose your property type and preferred date using our simple booking system. We offer flexible appointment times to fit around your work and other commitments. Our online booking shows available slots in your area within days of your request.
Our qualified surveyor visits your Harborough new build and conducts a thorough room-by-room inspection, checking interior and exterior elements against building regulations and NHBC standards. The inspection covers all visible defects, from cosmetic issues to more serious concerns that could affect the property's value or habitability.
Within 48 hours, you receive a comprehensive written report with photographs of every defect, organised by location and severity for easy reference. The report includes clear descriptions of each issue and recommendations for how they should be resolved.
Use your professional report to negotiate repairs with your builder's customer care team before or after completion, ensuring issues are addressed. Your documented report makes it much harder for builders to dismiss legitimate complaints and helps ensure repairs are completed to an acceptable standard.
Under the NHBC warranty that covers most new-build homes in Harborough, your builder has a legal obligation to fix defects discovered within the first two years of completion. Our snagging report gives you documented evidence of every issue, making it much harder for developers to dismiss legitimate complaints. A professional survey typically finds between 100 and 200 snags in a new property, so having a detailed list ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Harborough district has seen substantial housing growth in recent years, with several significant developments completing or currently under construction. The East of Lutterworth Strategic Development Area is bringing over 1,260 new homes to the district, while Overstone Park in Market Harborough has delivered approximately 600 properties. Smaller developments like Burnmill Farm and the East of Blackberry Grange have added another 350 and 128 homes respectively to the local housing stock. Fleckney has also expanded with the Arnesby Road development of 130 properties.
These developments have attracted major volume housebuilders including Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Barratt Homes, and Bellway, each building hundreds of homes across the Harborough district. While these builders operate under NHBC warranty schemes and building regulations approval, the speed of construction and pressure to meet targets can sometimes result in defects that slip through quality control. Our inspectors are familiar with the typical issues that arise with each builder's construction methods and finishing standards, allowing us to target the most common problem areas during your survey.
Harborough's central Leicestershire location means new developments benefit from excellent transport connections, with the M1, M6, and A14 all accessible for commuters. The district's population grew by 14.3% between 2011 and 2021, making it the fastest-growing area in the East Midlands. This growth has driven significant housebuilding, with properties ranging from one-bedroom flats in the town centre to large detached family homes on the suburban developments. Whether you have purchased a flat near Market Harborough station or a detached house on the outskirts, our snagging survey ensures you know exactly what you are getting.
The local economy plays a significant role in the housing market, with median earnings in Harborough at £651.70, higher than the England average of £589.80. The high economic activity rate of 85.4% indicates a strong local workforce that supports the demand for quality housing. Many buyers in the area are professionals and families attracted by the good schools, transport links, and rural character that Harborough offers, making new-build properties particularly popular in this region.
A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new-build property that identifies defects, incomplete work, and items not meeting acceptable standards. Our inspector checks everything from plasterwork and paint finishes to windows, doors, plumbing, electrical installations, and external elements like roof tiles and drainage. Each defect is photographed and described with its location, so you have documentary evidence to present to your builder. We also check ventilation systems, insulation, and the quality of sealants around windows and wet areas.
Ideally, book your snagging survey for the period between when your builder notifies you of completion and when you collect your keys. This gives you time to receive the report and negotiate repairs before you move in. However, if you have already completed, do not worry - you can still book a survey within the first few weeks of moving in, and your builder remains responsible for fixing defects under the NHBC warranty during the first two years. Many buyers in the busy Harborough market find it helpful to book early due to surveyor availability.
Homemove offers snagging surveys in Harborough starting from £280 for a one-bedroom flat, rising to around £350-450 for typical three to four-bedroom houses. The exact price depends on the size and type of property. Given that Harborough's average property price exceeds £365,000, a snagging survey represents less than 0.1% of your purchase price but could save you thousands in repair costs. The investment is particularly worthwhile given that 93.7% of new build buyers report defects to their builder.
Most new-build homes in Harborough are covered by an NHBC warranty, which requires the builder to fix any defects that appear in the first two years. Your builder has a legal obligation to address items listed in our report. If they dispute your concerns, the NHBC can become involved as an arbitrator. Our detailed, professionally documented report makes it much harder for builders to dismiss legitimate defects. The NHBC warranty is mandatory for virtually all new-build properties in England, so you have strong protection as a buyer.
Yes, we actively encourage you to attend the survey if you can. Walking through the property with our inspector gives you a better understanding of issues firsthand, and you can ask questions about any concerns you may have. Many clients find it valuable to see defects demonstrated rather than just reading about them in the report. You will gain insight into maintenance requirements and learn what to watch for in your first year of occupancy.
A typical snagging survey takes between two and four hours depending on the size and complexity of your property. A one-bedroom flat might take around 90 minutes, while a large detached house could require a full morning or afternoon. We allow sufficient time to check every room thoroughly without rushing, ensuring we do not miss any defects. For the larger properties on Harborough's new developments, expect the inspection to take closer to four hours.
If your builder disputes defects identified in our report, the NHBC warranty provides a formal dispute resolution process. We recommend that you first raise the issues with your builder's customer care department, providing them with a copy of our detailed report. If they refuse to acknowledge or repair the defects, you can involve the NHBC as an arbitrator. Our professionally documented report with photographs and precise descriptions carries significant weight in these discussions and substantially strengthens your position.
From £350
For properties in good condition - visual inspection of accessible areas
From £500
For older properties or those with visible issues - detailed inspection with structural assessment
From £80
Energy Performance Certificate required for all property sales and rentals
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Protect your investment with a detailed defect inspection before you complete on your new home
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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.