Snagging Survey TN5 (Wadhurst)

Our inspectors conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your new-build property. We examine the structural elements including walls, ceilings, floors, and roof spaces, looking for cracks, uneven surfaces, and signs of movement that could indicate subsidence or construction defects. In the TN5 area, where soil conditions can vary across the High Weald, we pay particular attention to any signs of movement that might relate to ground conditions. We measure wall levels, check ceiling heights, and assess the overall structural integrity of the property.

The inspection covers all mechanical and electrical systems, verifying that fixtures, fittings, and appliances have been installed correctly and function as intended. We test every plug socket, light switch, radiator TRV, extractor fan, and the boiler system to ensure everything operates safely and efficiently. Our inspectors will switch on the heating system, run water through all taps and showers, flush toilets, and test door bells and intercom systems where fitted. Any incomplete installations or non-functional items are documented with photographs.

Internal finishes receive particular attention, as these are where most new-build defects appear. Our inspectors check plasterwork quality, paint finishes, tile alignments, sealant around wet areas, door and window operation, and flooring installation. We open and close every internal door, checking for proper clearance and smooth operation. We examine windows for correct sealing, ease of operation, and proper locking mechanism function. In bathrooms and kitchens, we inspect tile grouting for cracks and completeness, and check all sealant joints for gaps or signs of poor application.

Externally, we examine roof tiles, chimney conditions, brickwork, rendering, damp-proof courses, gutters, and drainage systems. We inspect the roof from ground level using binoculars where accessible, checking for missing or damaged tiles, proper ridge tile alignment, and condition of lead flashing. We examine the damp-proof course visibility at ground level and check for any bridging that could lead to rising damp. Gutters and downpipes are inspected for proper fixing, alignment, and blockages that could cause water overflow and subsequent damage to brickwork or rendering.

• Wall and ceiling cracking
• Door and window operation
• Sealant and grout quality
• Electrical socket testing
• Plumbing and drainage
• Roof tile alignment
• Damp-proof course visibility
• Window seal integrity

Our inspectors consistently find defects across multiple categories in new-build properties throughout East Sussex and the TN5 area. Plastering and finishing issues rank among the most common, with poorly mixed plaster, uneven surfaces, and nail pops appearing frequently. These cosmetic defects, while appearing minor, can require significant redecoration to put right properly. We often find areas where plaster has been applied too thinly, showing through the paint finish, or where skimming has been applied over unsound surfaces that subsequently crack.

Door and window issues constitute another major category of defects. Ill-fitting doors that stick or drag, windows that don't seal properly, and handles or locks that don't operate smoothly appear in the majority of new-build properties we inspect. These problems affect both comfort and security, and left unaddressed, can lead to energy efficiency issues and water penetration. We check the weatherstripping on all windows and doors, ensuring proper compression when closed to prevent drafts and water ingress, which is particularly important given the variable climate in East Sussex.

Sealant failures around bathrooms, kitchens, and windows represent a significant concern, particularly in a county like East Sussex where moisture levels can be elevated. Incomplete or poorly applied sealant allows water ingress that may not become apparent until significant damage has occurred. Our inspectors examine every seal thoroughly, flagging areas where remedial work is required. We check behind bathtubs and showers, around window frames, at floor perimeters in wet areas, and at all pipe penetrations through walls.

Electrical defects are more common in new-build properties than many buyers realise. We test every socket and switch, often finding dead outlets, reverse polarity, missing faceplates, or accessories that don't function correctly. Consumer unit labelling is frequently incomplete or incorrect, which is both a safety concern and a practical issue when isolating circuits. We also check that extractor fans actually extract, that kitchen appliances are properly connected, and that any integrated electrical systems are fully operational.

• Incomplete or missing sealant
• Cracks in plasterwork
• Misaligned doors and windows
• Electrical faults and dead sockets
• Plumbing leaks or poor connections
• Missing or damaged roof tiles
• Inadequate ventilation
• Damp-proof course issues