Snagging Survey in L30 Bootle

Our snagging survey examines every accessible area of your new-build property to identify defects, unfinished work, and items that don't meet building regulations or the developer's specifications. We check the structural integrity of the property, including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. Our inspectors look for cracks that might indicate subsidence or movement, damp patches that suggest water penetration, and any signs of poor workmanship that could develop into serious problems. We take photographs of every issue we find so you have clear evidence to present to the developer.

The inspection covers all mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring that plug sockets are properly wired, plumbing is connected correctly, and heating systems function as intended. We examine the quality of finishes throughout the property, including paintwork, tiling, flooring, and joinery. Windows and doors are checked for proper operation, sealing, and security features. External areas including gardens, driveways, boundaries, and drainage are also included in our comprehensive assessment. We verify that all work complies with current building regulations.

Our inspectors typically find between 100 and 200 individual snags in a typical new-build property, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to significant structural concerns. The most common problems we encounter include poorly finished plasterwork with marks and blemishes, ill-fitting doors and windows that don't close properly, incomplete sealant around wet areas, and drainage issues that can lead to damp problems. We document everything with photographs and provide you with a detailed report that you can present to the developer. Our experience means we know exactly what to look for.

We also check that your property meets the specifications outlined in your purchase agreement. Developers often market properties with certain features and finishes, but the actual property may not match these descriptions. We verify that integrated appliances are installed, that promised features like EV charging points are present and working, and that the overall specification matches what you paid for. This attention to detail ensures you get what you paid for.

• Structural elements
• Damp and moisture
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and drainage
• Windows and doors
• Finishes and decorations
• External areas
• Building regulation compliance

New-build properties in the L30 area and across Merseyside typically share common defect patterns that our inspectors know to look for. Plasterwork issues are extremely prevalent, with walls and ceilings often showing roller marks, uneven coverage, paint splashes on fixtures, and poor preparation before decoration. These cosmetic issues may seem minor but can indicate rushed workmanship that could mask more serious problems. We frequently find walls that aren't properly primed, leading to paint peeling within months of moving in.

Door and window issues rank among the most frequently identified snags. Ill-fitting doors that don't close properly, windows that stick or don't seal correctly, and handles or locks that aren't correctly aligned all feature prominently in our reports. These problems affect both comfort and security, and they rarely improve with time. Inadequate sealant around windows and door frames is another common finding that can lead to damp penetration and energy efficiency problems. We check every window and door operationally to ensure they work correctly.

Drainage and plumbing issues deserve particular attention as they can cause significant damage if not addressed. Our inspectors frequently find poor fall on waste pipes, incomplete connections, and external drainage that hasn't been properly compacted or finished. These issues can lead to damp problems and structural damage over time. We test all drains where possible and check for signs of water pooling or poor runoff from the property. External areas are often the last thing developers finish, so we pay special attention here.

Electrical problems, while less common, can be serious when they occur. We check that all circuits are properly wired, that RCD protection is installed, and that all sockets and switches function correctly. Faulty electrics are a serious safety hazard, so we take care to verify that the electrical installation meets regulations. We test a sample of sockets and switches and check the consumer unit to ensure it's properly labelled and protected.

External defects include incomplete landscaping, drives and paths not finished to specification, and boundary treatments that don't match what was promised in the sales details. Gardens may be left with builders' debris, topsoil may be missing or of poor quality, and fencing may be incomplete or damaged. These issues affect your enjoyment of the property and represent work that should have been completed before handover. We document everything so you can request the developer completes the work.