Protect your investment with a professional snagging inspection before you complete on your new-build property
Moving into a brand-new property is exciting, but even the most carefully constructed new-build homes can have defects that need addressing before you hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds. Our snagging survey in KT21 gives you by identifying issues before you complete, so you can request the developer fixes them as part of your warranty coverage. We inspect every accessible area of your property, documenting defects ranging from minor cosmetic issues to more serious structural concerns that could cost thousands to repair later.
In KT21, the average property price sits at around £725,000, with detached properties averaging nearly £980,000. Given these significant investments, a snagging survey is a small price to pay to ensure your new home is in the condition you expect. The Ashtead area has seen 325 property sales in the past two years across KT21 1 and KT21 2, with prices currently sitting 6% below the 2023 peak. Whether you are purchasing a family home or a luxury detached property, our thorough inspection protects your substantial investment.
Our qualified inspectors have extensive experience working with new-build properties across Surrey and the South East. We understand the construction methods used by major housebuilders and know exactly what defects to look for. From the initial building stages through to final completion, we examine your property with the same attention to detail we would use on our own home purchase.
£724,955
Average House Price
£977,224
Detached Properties
£635,667
Semi-Detached Properties
£636,750
Terraced Properties
£321,535
Flat Properties
-2%
12-Month Price Change
A snagging survey is a detailed inspection specifically designed for new-build properties, typically carried out before you exchange contracts or shortly after you receive the keys. Our inspectors examine the entire property, from the roof space and structural elements to finishes like paintwork, flooring, and fixtures. We check that all building work has been completed to the standards outlined in the NHBC (National House-Building Council) warranty requirements and relevant building regulations. The NHBC Buildmark warranty is the most common provider in the UK, covering structural defects for the first 10 years of a new-build property.
The inspection covers the structural integrity of the property, including load-bearing walls, lintels, roof structures, and foundations where accessible. We also examine the external envelope, looking at brickwork, rendering, roof tiles, windows, doors, and sealants to ensure weather tightness. Our team checks all mechanical systems, including heating, plumbing, electrical installations, and ventilation to verify they are properly installed and functioning safely. Every connection, joint, and installation gets checked against manufacturer specifications and building regulations.
Inside the property, we assess the quality of plasterwork, skirting boards, door frames, and kitchen units. We test all doors and windows to ensure they open and close properly, check tile alignment in bathrooms and kitchens, and verify that all fixtures are securely attached. Our inspectors also look for signs of damage that may have occurred during the construction process or while the property has been standing empty awaiting completion. We document everything with photographs, creating a permanent record of the property's condition at the time of inspection.
We examine both the interior and exterior of the property, including any garage, driveway, or garden areas that form part of the purchase. Our comprehensive approach ensures that nothing is missed, giving you complete confidence in the condition of your new-build home before you commit to the purchase.
Our team of qualified inspectors understands the common issues that affect new-build properties across Surrey and the wider South East region. We know what to look for and how to identify defects that might not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye. With KT21 property values among the highest in the area, ensuring your new-build home is free from significant defects before you complete is essential for protecting your investment. The Ashtead area commands premium property prices, with detached homes regularly exceeding £900,000, making thorough defect identification before completion particularly valuable.
The snagging process typically takes between two and four hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. Our inspector will systematically work through a comprehensive checklist, photographing and documenting every issue they find. You receive a detailed report within 24-48 hours of the inspection, complete with photographs and clear descriptions of each defect, along with recommendations for how each issue should be resolved. Our reports are designed to be easily understood by both homeowners and developers, streamlining the resolution process.
Source: Zoopla/Rightmove 2024
Simply select your preferred date and time using our online booking system. We offer flexible appointment slots to accommodate your schedule, and you can usually secure an inspection within a few days of booking. Our online system shows real-time availability, making it easy to find a time that works for you.
Our qualified inspector visits your new-build property and conducts a thorough examination of all accessible areas. They systematically work through hundreds of individual check points, documenting any defects with photographs and detailed notes. The inspector will need access to all rooms, the loft space if accessible, and the external perimeter of the property.
Within 24-48 hours of the inspection, you receive a comprehensive snagging report. This document lists every issue found, categorised by severity, with photographs and clear explanations of what needs to be fixed and why. The report includes a summary for easy reference and detailed sections for each area of the property.
Armed with your detailed report, you can approach the developer or their customer care team to request that specific issues are addressed. Our reports are formatted to make this process straightforward and are often accepted by developers as a definitive list of remedial work required. If needed, we can provide guidance on how to escalate disputes through the NHBC warranty process.
Most new-build properties have some defects when first completed. Our inspectors typically find between 100 and 200 individual items that need attention in a typical three-bedroom house. These range from minor cosmetic issues like paint splashes on windows to more serious problems like inadequate insulation or drainage issues. The cost of a snagging survey is negligible compared to the potential cost of fixing these problems yourself if they are not identified before completion.
While every new-build property is different, our inspectors consistently find certain types of defects across developments built by different housebuilders. Poorly finished plasterwork is extremely common, with walls and ceilings often having blemishes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate preparation for decoration. Paint finishes may be inconsistent, with splashes on fixtures and fittings, or surfaces that have not been properly prepared before painting. These cosmetic issues, while not structurally significant, can cost thousands to put right and detract from the appearance of your new home.
Doors and windows frequently have issues with fit and operation. You might find doors that stick or don't close properly, windows that are difficult to open and close, or handles and locks that are poorly aligned. These issues affect not only usability but also security and energy efficiency. Ill-fitting doors and windows can let in drafts and increase your heating costs. Our inspectors test every door and window in your property, documenting any issues with operation and fit.
Sealant issues are another major category of defects in new-build properties. Poor quality or missing sealant around windows, doors, and in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens can lead to water penetration and subsequent damp problems. Our inspectors check all sealants thoroughly and flag any areas where they are inadequate or missing entirely. This is particularly important in bathrooms and kitchens where water damage can lead to expensive remedial work.
Drainage problems are surprisingly common in new builds. External fall may be incorrectly installed, leading to water pooling against the property rather than draining away. Internal waste pipes may be poorly connected or inadequately supported. These issues can cause serious problems if not identified and corrected, including damp, mould, and structural damage over time. We check all internal waste connections and examine the external ground levels around the property.
Electrical and plumbing issues also feature regularly in our snagging reports. We check that all sockets and switches are properly connected and aligned, that plumbing connections are secure, and that the heating system is correctly installed and commissioned. These systems are often hidden behind walls or under floors, making them difficult for buyers to inspect without specialist knowledge.
Whether you are buying a new-build property from a volume housebuilder or a smaller developer, a snagging survey provides the assurance you need that your investment is sound. In the KT21 area, property values are high, with detached properties regularly exceeding £900,000. The cost of identifying defects before you complete is a small investment that can save you significant stress and money in the long run. Given that the average price drop in the area is currently 6% from the 2023 peak, buyers are investing carefully and need to ensure their purchase is sound.
New-build properties typically come with a 10-year NHBC warranty (or equivalent from other providers like LABC or Premier Guarantee), but this warranty is most effective when you have documented the condition of the property at the time of completion. Our snagging report provides that crucial documentation, making it easier to make claims under the warranty if problems emerge later. The first two years of your warranty are particularly important, as the developer remains directly responsible for fixing defects during this period.
A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new-build property carried out before or shortly after completion. Our inspector examines every accessible area of the home, documenting defects, poor workmanship, and items that do not meet the expected standard. The resulting report is used to request the developer addresses these issues. We check everything from structural elements to cosmetic finishes, creating a comprehensive list of defects that need resolution before you complete or within your warranty period.
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property. A typical three-bedroom house takes between two and four hours to inspect thoroughly. Larger properties or those with more complex layouts may take longer. Our inspector will need access to all rooms, the loft space if accessible, and the external perimeter of the property. We recommend allowing sufficient time for a comprehensive inspection - rushing through the process means defects may be missed.
Ideally, you should book the snagging survey before you exchange contracts or complete on the property. This gives you leverage to negotiate with the developer or withdraw from the purchase if significant defects are found. However, you can also book a snagging survey after completion if you are within the first two years of the build date. In the KT21 area, with property values being high, identifying defects before completion is particularly important for protecting your substantial investment.
Snagging survey costs vary depending on the size and type of property. For a typical three-bedroom house in the KT21 area, prices start from around £350 for a basic inspection, rising to £600 or more for larger properties or more detailed surveys. The cost is minimal compared to the potential repair costs for defects that might be found. Given that the average property price in KT21 exceeds £720,000, the investment in a snagging survey represents excellent value for protecting your purchase.
Most developers are receptive to snagging reports and will address items before completion or during the first year of occupancy. Under your NHBC warranty (or equivalent), the developer has a legal obligation to rectify defects that fall within the warranty terms. Our detailed report makes it straightforward to submit a formal request to the developer. If the developer disputes any items, our documentation and photographs provide clear evidence to support your claim.
If you discover issues after moving in, you can still use your snagging report to request fixes from the developer. Most new-build warranties cover defects discovered within the first two years, when the developer is responsible for fixing issues arising from faulty workmanship or materials. Keep copies of all correspondence with the developer. Our report serves as evidence of the property's condition at the time of your inspection, making it easier to make warranty claims for problems that emerge later.
Yes, we actively encourage buyers to attend the inspection if possible. This gives you the opportunity to see issues firsthand, ask questions, and learn about the property's condition. Your presence also helps ensure the inspector does not miss any specific concerns you might have about the property. Many of our clients find it valuable to accompany the inspector and learn about the various defects firsthand.
Our inspectors are experienced professionals who provide objective, well-documented reports based on industry standards. If a developer disputes any items, the documentation and photographs in our report provide clear evidence. Most disputes are resolved through negotiation, but our detailed reports are designed to be robust enough to support warranty claims if necessary. We ensure every defect is clearly photographed and described so there can be no ambiguity about what needs to be fixed.
While we find similar defects across the UK, the KT21 area's premium property market means we often see high expectations not being met. Common findings include sealant failures around the numerous large windows typical in modern developments, drainage issues where gardens have not been properly graded, and electrical problems such as incorrect wiring or inadequate socket positioning. We also frequently find plastering and decoration issues that require attention before the property reaches the standard expected at these price points.
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Protect your investment with a professional snagging inspection before you complete on your new-build property
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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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