Independent new-build inspections to protect your investment
Moving into a new-build property is exciting, but those cosmetic and structural issues that seem minor now can become expensive problems down the line. Our snagging surveys identify defects before your warranty period expires, ensuring the developer corrects them at no cost to you. We work entirely for you as the buyer, providing independent documentation that strengthens your position when requesting repairs.
Since SN38 is primarily a non-geographic postcode associated with Nationwide Building Society rather than a specific residential area, our service covers the broader Swindon region where new-build developments are located. The town has seen significant expansion in recent years with developments popping up across areas like Dorcan, Stratton, and the Northern Development Area. Our experienced inspectors know the common issues that affect properties in this area and provide comprehensive reports you can use to hold builders accountable.
Swindon's economy brings many new residents, with major employers including Nationwide Building Society (directly linked to the SN38 postcode), Honda, and Intel attracting workers who need quality housing. Whether you've purchased a new home in a Taylor Wimpey development, a Persimmon estate, or a smaller local builder project, our independent inspection protects your investment and ensures you're not left with repair bills that should be covered by warranties.
£309,662
Average House Price
+1.1%
Annual Price Change
SN (Swindon)
Postcode Area
100-200
Typical Defects Found
Even though new-build homes come with warranties like NHBC, LABC, or Premier Guarantee, these warranties often have gaps and exclusions that leave homeowners responsible for certain defects. Our inspectors have extensive experience examining properties across the Swindon area and understand the typical issues that arise in newly constructed homes. We've inspected hundreds of new builds in the region and know exactly what to look for.
The clay geology present in parts of Swindon, including areas with Gault Clay and Lower Greensand, can create foundation challenges. Properties built on ground with moderate to high shrink-swell risk may develop subsidence issues that manifest as cracks or structural movement within the first few years. Our snagging surveys identify these early warning signs before they become major problems. We specifically check for the type of cracking patterns that indicate clay-related movement, which is particularly relevant in areas to the north and east of Swindon town centre.
Many buyers assume their new-home warranty covers everything, but in reality, developers are only obligated to fix issues reported within specific timeframes. A snagging survey conducted by our independent team documents every defect, giving you leverage to request repairs before your warranty window closes. The documentation we provide is formatted specifically for warranty claims, making it straightforward to submit to NHBC or your warranty provider if the developer disputes your requests.
Our comprehensive snagging inspections cover every aspect of your new-build property. We examine the structural integrity, checking for cracks in walls and foundations that could indicate subsidence movement common in clay soil areas around Swindon. We test all windows and doors for proper operation and sealing, as poorly fitted joinery is one of the most frequent issues we find in newly built homes across the region.
The inspection includes a thorough review of plumbing and electrical installations, verifying that work meets current building regulations. We check drainage systems, particularly important in areas near the River Ray and Dorcan Brook where surface water flooding can occur. Swindon's flood risk zones mean proper drainage installation is critical, and we verify that ground levels, soakaways, and drainage runs are functioning correctly.
External elements including roof tiles, brickwork, and cladding receive detailed attention, ensuring your property is weatherproof and properly constructed. We inspect roof pitch angles, tile fixings, hip and ridge details, and check that cavity trays are correctly installed. Our inspectors also examine the junction between different building materials where water penetration commonly occurs.
Property data February 2026
Contact us online or by phone to schedule your snagging inspection. We'll arrange a convenient time for our inspector to visit your new-build property in the Swindon area. We can usually accommodate inspections within a few days of your enquiry, and we'll confirm the exact time and date by email and text.
Our qualified inspector conducts a thorough examination of your property, checking interior and exterior, structural elements, fixtures, fittings, and building systems. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size. We work systematically through our checklist, photographing every defect we find and noting its location within the property for easy reference.
Within 48 hours of the inspection, you'll receive a detailed report listing all identified defects with photographs and recommendations. The report is formatted to be easily shared with your developer or warranty provider. We categorise issues by severity, highlighting those that need immediate attention versus those that are minor but should still be rectified.
Use our report to request repairs from your developer. Our documentation provides clear evidence of defects, making it harder for builders to dispute or ignore issues that need addressing. If your developer is unresponsive, we can advise on contacting your warranty provider to initiate dispute resolution.
Most new-build warranties require defects to be reported within specific timeframes - often the first two years for minor issues and ten years for structural problems. Book your snagging survey as soon as possible after moving in to ensure you don't miss these critical deadlines. Our inspectors typically find between 100 and 200 defects in a typical new-build property.
Our inspectors frequently encounter similar defects across new-build properties in the Swindon area. Poorly finished plasterwork ranks among the most common issues, with walls showing uneven surfaces, hairline cracks, or inadequate preparation for decoration. We often find that skim coats have been applied too thinly or that walls weren't properly sealed before painting, leading to problems when you try to decorate.
Ill-fitting doors and windows are also prevalent, often resulting from rushed installation schedules that don't allow proper adjustment. We see doors that don't latch correctly, windows that won't close fully, and seals that don't compress properly. These issues affect both comfort and energy efficiency, and they're some of the easiest problems to get fixed if documented correctly. The frames themselves may also have damage from handling during installation that wasn't repaired before handover.
Incomplete sealant around windows, doors, and wet areas causes significant problems, leading to water ingress and drafts that affect energy efficiency. Drainage issues emerge frequently, particularly in properties where ground levels haven't been properly graded or where soakaways weren't installed correctly. Given the flood risk in certain parts of Swindon near watercourses, proper drainage is essential and developers must ensure their installations meet required standards.
Structural concerns we identify include cracks suggesting foundation movement, particularly in properties on clay soils where shrink-swell can affect foundations. Lintel installations sometimes show gaps or inadequate support, and cavity tray issues can lead to damp penetration. Roof tile alignment and missing hip ridge tiles are common external defects that developers must rectify. We pay particular attention to properties in areas known for clay geology, where foundation movement is more likely.
Unlike developers who may overlook defects or attribute issues to "normal settlement," our inspectors work entirely for you. We're independent and have no affiliation with building companies or warranty providers, meaning our report honestly reflects the true condition of your property. Our sole responsibility is to you as the buyer, and we have no incentive to downplay or miss any defects.
This independence matters because developers are motivated to minimize reported defects to protect their reputation and avoid repair costs. Our detailed documentation gives you the evidence needed to push back when issues are dismissed or minimised. We've found that developers are far more responsive when presented with a professionally prepared report rather than a handwritten list of complaints. The photographs and technical descriptions we provide make it difficult for anyone to dispute what we've found.
Many homeowners in the Swindon area have saved thousands of pounds by identifying defects early that would otherwise have become their responsibility once warranties expired. A typical repair bill for issues we commonly find - including re-plastering, adjusting doors, re-sealing windows, and fixing drainage - can easily reach £2,000-£5,000. Our surveys typically cost between £300 and £600, making them one of the best investments you can make in your new property.
A snagging survey provides a comprehensive inspection of your new-build property covering structural elements, building envelope, fixtures, fittings, plumbing, electrical systems, and external areas. Our inspectors examine everything from wall surfaces and floor levels to window seals and drainage, documenting any defects with photographs and descriptions. The report categorises issues by severity and provides recommendations for remediation. We check over 400 individual items during a typical survey, ensuring nothing is missed.
You should book your snagging survey as soon as possible after moving into your new-build property. Most developer warranties require defects to be reported within specific timeframes, often the first two years for general issues and ten years for structural defects. The earlier you book, the more time you have to request corrections before warranty deadlines pass. Ideally, schedule the survey within the first few months of occupation. Don't wait until you'reDecorator ready - many issues become apparent once you've moved in and started using the property.
Snagging survey costs in the Swindon area typically range from £300 to £600 depending on property size and type. Larger properties or those with complex construction may cost more. While pricing isn't determined by postcode alone since SN38 is non-geographic, our service covers the broader Swindon region where similar pricing applies. The investment is minor compared to the cost of repairing undiscovered defects yourself - we've seen repair bills reach thousands of pounds for issues that should have been covered under warranty.
Developers are obligated to address defects reported during the warranty period, and having professional documentation significantly strengthens your position. Most reputable developers will arrange repairs when presented with a detailed snagging report because they know NHBC and other warranty providers will take the report seriously. For those who resist, your report provides evidence that can be shared with the warranty provider to initiate dispute resolution. Our thorough documentation makes it difficult for developers to dispute legitimate issues because every defect is photographed and described in technical detail.
If our inspector identifies potential structural issues such as significant cracks, foundation movement, or concerns related to the clay geology common in parts of Swindon, we'll flag these as priority items in your report. Structural defects typically fall under the ten-year warranty coverage through NHBC or your warranty provider. We'll provide specific recommendations which may include contacting the developer immediately, consulting a structural engineer, or involving your warranty provider. Your safety is our primary concern, and we won't hesitate to recommend further investigation if we spot signs of serious structural concern.
Yes, absolutely. While NHBC and other warranty providers offer protection, they don't inspect properties during construction or at handover. The responsibility to identify and report defects lies with the homeowner. Without a professional snagging survey, you may miss the deadline to report issues that then become your financial responsibility. A warranty protects you financially, but only for issues you properly document and report within the required timeframe. Many homeowners have discovered too late that their warranty doesn't cover problems they never reported.
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Independent new-build inspections to protect your investment
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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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