Snagging Survey Stornoway HS1

The Stornoway area is experiencing renewed development activity, most notably with the Stornoway Airport Housing Development at Branahuie. This ambitious project, being delivered by CalMax Construction in partnership with Tighean Innse Gall (TIG), will deliver up to 94 new homes to the area, with the first properties expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The development includes both affordable housing and properties sold on the open market, representing a significant investment in local housing stock. While this development represents an exciting opportunity for buyers seeking modern housing in Stornoway, new-build properties regardless of builder reputation can contain defects that range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural concerns that only a trained inspector will identify.

Our inspectors bring extensive experience examining properties across the Isle of Lewis, understanding the specific construction methods used in the region. Timber frame construction is particularly common in this area, often combined with lightweight wall claddings such as timber weatherboarding, tiles, or render on boarding. This construction method, while efficient and suitable for the local climate, requires careful inspection of junction details, membrane installations, and cladding fixings to ensure proper weather resistance and thermal performance. We examine properties throughout Stornoway, from the town centre to outlying areas like Branahuie near the airport, adapting our inspection approach based on the specific construction type and age of the property.

The local geology and climate of the Outer Hebrides present unique considerations for property construction and maintenance. Properties in the Stornoway area must withstand exposure to Atlantic weather systems, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and salt-laden air that can accelerate corrosion of metal fixtures and deteriorate certain building materials. Our inspectors pay particular attention to external envelope details, roof tile alignment, sealant quality around windows and doors, and drainage systems that may be affected by the local environmental conditions. We also check for signs of moisture penetration that can be more problematic in the humid Hebridean climate, particularly in timber frame properties where moisture management is critical to long-term structural integrity.

• Incomplete or poorly applied sealant around windows and doors
• Defective or improperly installed kitchen and bathroom fixtures
• Inadequate ventilation in wet rooms and bathrooms
• Electrical issues including incorrect wiring or unsafe socket placements
• Plumbing problems such as slow drains or leaky connections
• Damaged or poorly finished plasterwork and decorations
• Issues with window and door operation and alignment

The predominant construction method for new homes in the Stornoway area involves timber frame structures combined with various external cladding systems. This building approach offers excellent thermal performance and suits the local environmental conditions, but it requires meticulous attention to detail during construction. Poorly installed timber frame buildings can experience issues with moisture penetration, thermal bridging, and premature deterioration of cladding materials. Our inspectors are trained to identify these specific defects, examining properties throughout the HS1 area with a critical eye on the construction details that matter for long-term performance.

We examine the external envelope for signs of moisture damage, checking that wall ties are correctly spaced and engaged, verifying the quality of insulation installation, and assessing the condition of vapour control layers. For properties with timber weatherboarding or rendered cladding systems, we inspect the fixings, backing conditions, and junction details with windows, doors, and roof interfaces. The salt-laden Atlantic winds prevalent in the Stornoway area can accelerate corrosion of exposed metal fixings and flashings, so we pay particular attention to these elements during our inspection. Our inspectors understand that what might be acceptable in a more sheltered location may not be suitable for properties exposed to Hebridean weather conditions.

The partnership between CalMax Construction and Tighean Innse Gall on the Branahuie development represents a significant investment in local housing. Tighean Innse Gall brings experience in providing affordable housing across the Outer Hebrides, while CalMax Construction contributes building expertise. Regardless of the builder's reputation, however, a snagging survey provides independent verification that the property has been constructed to acceptable standards. Even the most reputable builders can have subcontractors who make errors, and human error during the construction process is inevitable in any development. Our inspectors provide that essential second set of eyes that every new-build buyer deserves.

• Wall tie spacing and engagement
• Vapour control layer continuity
• Insulation quality and coverage
• Cladding fixings and backing conditions
• Window and door junction details
• Roof intersection details
• Damp-proof course integrity

Based on our experience inspecting properties throughout the HS1 area, certain defect patterns emerge regularly in new-build homes. Sealant issues around windows and doors are particularly common, often resulting from rushed construction schedules or inadequate quality control during the sealing process. In the damp Hebridean climate, incomplete or deteriorating sealant can allow water ingress that leads to more serious problems including timber decay and mould growth. Our inspectors carefully examine all window and door Perimeters, testing for air leakage and checking sealant condition throughout.

Electrical defects represent another significant category of issues we identify during snagging surveys. These can range from simple items such as poorly positioned sockets that do not meet current regulations to more serious concerns involving incorrect wiring connections. We test a representative sample of electrical outlets and switches during our inspection, documenting any concerns that should be addressed by a qualified electrician before you move in. Plumbing issues, including slow drains, improperly connected waste pipes, and leaking taps, are also frequently discovered during our surveys.

Finish quality issues encompass a wide range of problems from damaged plasterwork and uneven paint finishes to poorly fitted kitchen units and scratched appliances. While these might seem minor compared to structural concerns, they represent the quality expectations that new-build buyers are entitled to receive. Our detailed photographic documentation of these finish defects provides clear evidence for your builder to rectify these issues. Additionally, we often find ventilation deficiencies in wet rooms, where extractor fans may be incorrectly installed or sized, leading to condensation problems that can cause damage to decorations and create unhealthy living conditions.