Professional new-build defect inspections across the Borders region. From £350
Purchasing a new-build home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and while brand-new properties come with warranties, the reality is that many newly constructed homes have defects that need addressing before your warranty period expires. Our snagging surveys in the Scottish Borders provide a thorough inspection of your property, identifying cosmetic issues, structural concerns, and unfinished work that developers are obligated to fix. We inspect properties across the region, from town houses in Galashiels and Hawick to detached homes in the rural settings surrounding Melrose and Peebles.
The Scottish Borders offers a growing number of new-build developments, particularly in towns like Galashiels, Hawick, and Melrose, where modern housing estates are expanding to meet demand from commuters and families seeking the region's peaceful rural character. Our local inspectors understand the construction methods common in this area, including timber-frame builds prevalent across Scotland, and can identify the specific defect patterns that commonly affect these properties. We know what to look for in developments built by major housebuilders and smaller local builders alike, ensuring nothing gets missed.
When you invest in a new-build property in the Scottish Borders, you're making a significant financial commitment. With the average property price in the region standing at £182,000 according to ONS data, protecting this investment with a professional snagging survey makes sound financial sense. Our inspections typically uncover between 100 and 200 individual defects, from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural concerns that could cost thousands to put right if not identified within your warranty period.
£182,000 (Dec 2025)
Average House Price
+5.1%
Annual Price Change
£344,000
Detached Average
£176,000
Terraced Average
£215,000
Semi-Detached Average
£106,000
Flat Average
The Scottish Borders has seen moderate growth in its property market, with prices rising 5.1% in the year to December 2025 according to ONS data. As more families are drawn to the region for its affordable housing compared to Edinburgh and the Lothians, new-build developments continue to expand. However, regardless of whether your new home is a detached property in a rural setting or a terraced house in a town centre, professional snagging inspections are essential to ensure you're not left with a lengthy list of unresolved defects. The region's growing popularity among commuters to Edinburgh, accessible via the A7 and A68 corridors, has driven significant new housing development in towns like Galashiels, Hawick, and Selkirk.
Our inspectors frequently encounter issues in timber-frame constructions, which are particularly common in new builds across Scotland due to their thermal efficiency and quick build times. While timber-frame has many advantages, improper installation can lead to issues with damp penetration, structural movement, and insulation gaps. Combined with the local geology of the Scottish Borders, which includes areas with clay-rich soils susceptible to shrink-swell movement, new properties in this region face unique challenges that require experienced assessors. We specifically check for signs of movement in properties built on clay soils, which can cause cracking and structural issues if the foundations have not been properly designed.
The region's geology presents specific considerations for new-build properties. Areas with sedimentary bedrock including sandstone and limestone, combined with clay soils in certain valleys, can affect foundation performance. Our snagging inspectors are trained to identify signs of subsidence, cracking, and drainage issues that may relate to ground conditions, particularly in properties built on land that has seen agricultural use or where historical mining activity may have affected ground stability. Properties in areas near Hawick and Selkirk, where some historical coal mining occurred, require particular attention to foundation integrity and signs of ground movement.
Additionally, the Scottish Borders faces flood risk from rivers including the Tweed, Teviot, and Ettrick. Our inspectors pay close attention to damp-proof courses, drainage, and the positioning of electrical sockets in properties located in flood-risk areas. Properties in towns along these river valleys, particularly those in flood zones near the Tweed around Peebles and Kelso, require careful checking to ensure appropriate flood mitigation measures have been installed correctly.
Source: ONS December 2025
When you book a snagging survey with Homemove in the Scottish Borders, our qualified inspectors conduct a detailed room-by-room assessment of your property, examining everything from the roof space to the foundations. We check all accessible areas, documenting each defect with photographic evidence and clear descriptions that you can pass directly to your developer or warranty provider. Our inspectors examine every room systematically, from the roof void down to the foundations, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Our inspectors typically identify between 100 and 200 individual defects in a typical new-build property, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural concerns that could compromise the integrity of your home if left unaddressed. In the Scottish Borders, where properties often feature traditional stone detailing combined with modern construction methods, our assessors understand the importance of checking how different building elements integrate, particularly at junction points where water ingress commonly occurs. We see many issues at the interfaces between new timber-frame construction and traditional stone features, where thermal bridging and moisture penetration can occur if not properly detailed.
The volume of new-build activity in the Scottish Borders has increased as the region attracts buyers seeking more affordable property options compared to Edinburgh. Major housebuilders including Barratt Homes, Persimmon, and Bellway have projects across the wider region, and our inspectors are familiar with the typical defect patterns associated with each builder's construction methods and quality standards. Whether your property is part of a large development on the outskirts of Galashiels or a smaller infill project in Hawick, we bring detailed knowledge of local building practices to every inspection.
Simply select your property details and preferred appointment time through our online booking system, or speak directly with our team to arrange your survey at a convenient time. We'll ask for your property address, the date you received your keys, and details of any specific concerns you've noticed since moving in.
Our qualified surveyor visits your new-build home in the Scottish Borders, conducting a thorough inspection of all accessible areas including interior rooms, roof space, walls, windows, doors, and external areas. We examine the property from top to bottom, checking for cosmetic defects, structural issues, and items that don't meet building regulations or warranty standards. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size.
Within 48 hours of the inspection, you receive a comprehensive snagging report with photographic evidence of every defect, severity ratings, and clear recommendations for remedial action. Our reports are formatted to meet NHBC, LABC, and Premier Guarantee warranty provider requirements, making it straightforward to submit claims to your developer or warranty provider.
Use your professional report to request corrections from your developer or builder. Our reports clearly itemise each defect with priority ratings, photographic evidence, and specific recommendations for remediation. We provide guidance on the next steps to take when contacting your builder, helping you navigate the resolution process effectively.
Schedule your snagging survey as close to completion as possible but before your warranty period begins. In Scotland, the builder's liability for defects typically extends for one year from completion, so prompt inspection ensures you can leverage your rights effectively. If you're purchasing with a Help to Buy scheme, a snagging survey is often mandatory before the final release of funds. We recommend scheduling within the first few weeks of receiving your keys to allow adequate time for the report and subsequent negotiations with your developer.
The Scottish Borders has seen increasing numbers of new housing developments as the region attracts buyers seeking more affordable property options compared to Edinburgh, which remains accessible via the A7 and A68 corridors. Major volume housebuilders including Barratt Homes, Persimmon, and Bellway have projects across the wider region, and understanding their construction standards helps our inspectors know what to look for in your property. Each builder has specific common defect patterns based on their construction methods and the materials they typically use.
New-build properties in this area predominantly use either traditional masonry construction (brick and block) or timber-frame methods, with the latter being particularly common due to Scottish building regulations and the speed of construction. Our inspectors understand the specific defect patterns associated with each build type, from thermal bridge issues in timber-frame properties to cracking in masonry caused by settlement or movement in the clay soils common across parts of the Borders. Timber-frame properties require particular attention to moisture barriers, ventilation, and the integrity of the structural frame at connection points.
The region's flood risk from rivers including the Tweed, Teviot, and Ettrick means our inspectors pay particular attention to drainage, ground levels, and flood mitigation measures installed in new developments. Properties in areas designated as flood risk zones require careful checking of damp-proof courses, membrane installation, and the positioning of electrical sockets and services at appropriate heights. We measure ground levels relative to damp-proof courses and check that drainage falls are correctly installed to prevent water pooling near the property foundation.
Similarly, the presence of conservation areas in towns like Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso, and Peebles means developers must meet specific design standards that our inspectors can verify have been properly implemented. Properties in these areas often require additional attention to ensure traditional aesthetic requirements have been met alongside modern construction standards. We check that any required stone detailing, traditional roof materials, and boundary treatments have been completed to specification.
Our inspectors have extensive experience identifying the specific defect patterns that commonly affect new-build properties in the Scottish Borders. Understanding these common issues helps you know what to expect when you receive your snagging report. Many of the defects we find are relatively simple for the developer to rectify but would otherwise go unnoticed by homeowners unfamiliar with construction standards.
Cosmetic defects are extremely common in newly built properties across the region. These include poorly finished plasterwork with visible bumps and irregularities, paint defects such as splatters on finished surfaces, ill-fitting skirting boards and architraves, and damaged or imperfect flooring. While these issues may seem minor, they detract from the appearance of your new home and the developer is obligated to address them before the warranty period expires.
Incomplete sealant around windows and doors is one of the most frequently identified defects in Scottish new-build properties. This issue is particularly relevant in the Scottish Borders, where the climate means gaps around window and door frames can lead to significant draughts and damp penetration if not properly sealed. Our inspectors check every window and door internally and externally, identifying areas where sealant is missing, incomplete, or of poor quality.
Drainage issues represent another major category of defects we regularly identify. This includes improper falls on external patios and driveways, blocked or poorly connected guttering and downpipes, and drainage systems that may not adequately handle the heavy rainfall the region experiences. Properties on the slopes around towns like Hawick and Galashiels require particular attention to ensure surface water is properly directed away from the property.
In timber-frame properties, which are particularly common across the Scottish Borders due to Scottish building regulations, we frequently find insulation gaps, particularly at junctions between internal walls and floors, and concerns about ventilation in roof spaces. These issues can significantly affect the energy efficiency of your property and lead to problems with condensation and mould if not addressed. Our inspectors use thermal imaging equipment where appropriate to identify areas of heat loss and insulation deficiency.
A snagging survey provides a comprehensive inspection of your new-build home, covering interior rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, electrical and plumbing installations, the roof space, walls, floors, windows, doors, and external areas including drainage and landscaping. Our inspectors check for cosmetic defects like poorly finished paintwork or ill-fitting doors, as well as structural issues such as cracking, lintel problems, and signs of movement. We also verify that the property meets building regulations and standards required by your warranty provider. In the Scottish Borders, we pay particular attention to timber-frame construction issues, drainage in areas with heavy rainfall, and flood mitigation measures in properties near the Tweed, Teviot, and Ettrick valleys.
Snagging survey costs in the Scottish Borders typically start from around £350 for a standard apartment or small terraced property, rising to £500-£800 for larger detached homes. The price depends on the property size, the number of bedrooms, and whether it is a house or apartment. Given that the average property price in the Scottish Borders is £182,000, investing in a snagging survey is a small price to ensure your significant purchase is free from hidden defects. Properties in towns like Galashiels, Hawick, and Peebles generally fall within this pricing range, with larger detached homes commanding the higher fees.
The ideal time to book your snagging survey is as soon as possible after you receive the keys to your new-build property, but before your builder's warranty period expires. In Scotland, developers typically have one year to resolve defects reported after completion. We recommend scheduling the survey within the first few weeks of moving in so you have plenty of time to receive your report and negotiate corrections with the developer before the warranty deadline. This timing is particularly important if you're purchasing with a Help to Buy scheme, where a snagging survey is often required before the final release of funds.
Yes, absolutely. Our snagging reports are formatted to meet the requirements of all major UK warranty providers including NHBC, LABC, and Premier Guarantee. The detailed photographic evidence and clear defect classifications in our reports make it straightforward to submit claims through your warranty provider if the developer fails to address identified issues within their contractual obligations. The NHBC is the most common warranty provider in the Scottish Borders, and our reports are specifically designed to meet their claims process requirements.
Our inspectors frequently find cosmetic issues such as poorly finished plasterwork, paint defects, and ill-fitting skirting boards and architraves. Incomplete sealant around windows and doors is extremely common and can lead to draughts and damp penetration, which is particularly problematic given the Scottish Borders climate. Drainage issues, particularly improper falls on patios and driveways, are regularly identified. In timber-frame properties common across Scotland, we often see insulation gaps and concerns about ventilation. Structural items like cracking, particularly around window openings, and issues with damp-proof courses are also frequently documented, especially in properties built on clay soils susceptible to shrink-swell movement.
Building control inspections focus on compliance with building regulations rather than the cosmetic and general condition of the property. Even when a property has passed its final building control inspection, our snagging surveys consistently identify numerous defects that need addressing. The building control sign-off confirms the property meets minimum standards but does not guarantee quality of workmanship or finish, which is exactly what a snagging survey addresses. Many properties that have passed all required building control inspections still have significant snagging items that developers are obligated to rectify.
Timber-frame properties are particularly common in the Scottish Borders due to Scottish building regulations and the speed of construction. Our inspectors pay special attention to moisture barriers and ventilation, as improper installation can lead to damp problems and structural issues. We check for insulation gaps at wall-floor and wall-ceiling junctions, which are common defect areas in timber-frame construction. We also examine the structural connections between timber elements and look for signs of movement or settlement that could indicate issues with the frame or foundations, particularly important in areas with clay soils prone to shrink-swell behaviour.
The duration of a snagging survey depends on the size and complexity of the property, but typically takes between 2 and 4 hours for a standard residential property. A typical three-bedroom terraced house in Galashiels or Hawick will usually take around 2-3 hours, while a larger detached property with multiple bedrooms may require 3-4 hours. Our inspectors work thoroughly to ensure no defects are missed, systematically checking every accessible area of the property.
From £400
Standard condition survey for properties in reasonable condition
From £600
Comprehensive structural survey for complex or older properties
From £80
Energy performance certificate for your property
From £300
Required valuation for Help to Buy Scotland scheme
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Professional new-build defect inspections across the Borders region. From £350
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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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