Snagging Survey Wigan

The Wigan housing market has seen significant growth in recent years, with average property prices reaching £193,591 and new build developments popping up across areas like Ince, Aspull, and Worsley Mesnes. Developments such as Willowbrook Fields by Plumlife at Seaman Way and Bakers Court by Your Housing Group in Aspull are delivering new homes to the area, but even with NHBC warranties in place, defects can and do occur. Our inspectors typically find between 100 and 200 individual snags in a typical new build property, making professional inspection essential before you commit to your purchase. The average price for properties in WN1 has increased by 8% over the past year, while WN3 has seen 7% growth, showing strong demand for new housing in the borough.

The most common issues our Wigan surveyors encounter include poorly finished plasterwork with visible cracks and uneven surfaces, ill-fitting doors and windows that do not seal properly, incomplete sealant around bathrooms and kitchens, and drainage problems that can lead to damp and mould. We also check structural elements such as lintels, damp proof courses, and roof tile alignment, as well as external issues like incomplete landscaping, poorly finished driveways, and boundary treatments that do not match specification. In newer properties, we frequently find problems with cavity wall insulation installation, window sealant deterioration, and issues with extract fans not being properly connected or vented.

Properties in Wigan face specific considerations due to the local geology and flood risk from the River Douglas. While clay soils in the region can cause subsidence issues over time, our inspectors are trained to spot early signs of movement, problems with damp proof courses, and drainage issues that might be exacerbated by local conditions. Flood warning areas include low-lying properties adjacent to the River Douglas, specifically around Eleanor Street, the Bus Depot, Baker Street, Poolstock, and the Robin Park area. When surveying new builds in these zones, we pay particular attention to ground levels, drainage gradients, and the positioning of damp proof courses to ensure proper protection against water ingress.

The Wigan town centre conservation area contains 48 listed buildings, including 2 Grade II* and 46 Grade II properties, and while new builds are not typically listed, understanding the local building context helps our surveyors know what standards to expect. The High Street Heritage Action Zone focuses on King Street and contains 10 listed buildings and at least 20 other historically important buildings. Our familiarity with these areas means we understand the local construction heritage and can identify when new build work meets or falls below the standards expected in this historic borough.

• Poorly finished plasterwork and decoration
• Incomplete sealant around wet areas
• Ill-fitting doors and windows
• Drainage and guttering defects
• Structural cracks and lintel issues
• Incomplete external works
• Window sealant and cavity wall insulation issues
• Extract fan installations

Several new housing developments are currently underway across the Wigan borough, offering a mix of Shared Ownership and affordable housing options. Willowbrook Fields in Ince, developed by Plumlife at Seaman Way, WN2 2FP, offers new homes through their Shared Ownership scheme. Bakers Court in Aspull, delivered by Your Housing Group at Cale Lane, WN2 1HB, provides 2 and 3-bedroom semi-detached and terraced homes through shared ownership or affordable rent. The Seasons development at Worsley Mesnes Drive offers 3 and 4-bedroom family homes including plots like The Derwent and The Danbury. Each of these developments uses standard construction methods typical of volume housebuilders, and our inspectors are familiar with the common issues that arise in these types of properties.

The predominant construction type in Wigan is traditional brick-built housing, with semi-detached properties making up nearly 40% of all sales in the area. This matches the regional pattern where most new builds are two-storey houses rather than apartments or detached mansions. When surveying these properties, our inspectors pay particular attention to cavity wall construction, window installations, and the quality of brickwork and pointing, as these are frequent problem areas in modern brick-built homes. We also check that the cavity wall insulation has been properly installed, as gaps in insulation are a common oversight in new build properties.

Wigan's position as a commuter town, located 16 miles from Manchester, 17 miles from Liverpool, and 12 miles from Warrington, means many buyers are purchasing new builds as primary residences rather than buy-to-let investments. With excellent transport links via the M6, A580, M61, M62, and M58, plus good public transport, the area attracts families and professionals alike. This makes it even more important that properties are finished to a high standard before move-in, as buyers are typically living in these homes full-time with children and daily routines to consider. Our inspectors understand that families moving into these homes need everything to be working correctly, from the central heating system to the bathroom sealant.

The Wigan borough has a population of 329,321 across 143,100 households, representing a 4.9% increase since 2011. The town of Wigan itself had a population of over 107,000 in the last census, and the area is known for its attractive employment rates and affordable housing compared to Manchester and Liverpool. This growing population drives continued demand for new build properties, making it increasingly important for buyers to protect their investments with professional snagging surveys. The area's sporting heritage, including Wigan Athletic F.C and Wigan Warriors R.L.F.C, also contributes to the local identity and community feel that attracts new residents to the area.

When you purchase a new build property in Wigan, your home will typically come with an NHBC warranty that covers structural defects for 10 years. However, this warranty has limitations that every buyer should understand. The NHBC warranty primarily covers major structural issues that would render the home uninhabitable, not the everyday defects and finishing problems that a snagging survey identifies. Items like poorly applied sealant, misaligned doors, incomplete decoration, and minor plasterwork issues are generally not covered by the NHBC, yet these are the problems that most commonly affect new build homeowners.

The NHBC warranty also requires homeowners to follow specific procedures when making a claim, including reporting issues within certain timeframes and allowing the developer the opportunity to rectify problems before involving the warranty provider. Our snagging report helps you identify and document issues while they are fresh, ensuring you have proper evidence should you need to make a warranty claim later. We recommend booking your snagging survey as close to your completion date as possible, ideally within the first few weeks of moving in, while the developer remains responsive and the warranty period is at its fullest.

that some developers in the Wigan area are more responsive to snagging lists than others. Volume builders with established customer service departments typically have systems in place to handle snagging requests, but smaller developers or housing associations may require more persistence. Our report includes guidance on how to escalate issues if the developer is unresponsive, including template letters and information on involving the NHBC if necessary. We have experience dealing with all the major housebuilders operating in the Greater Manchester area and understand their typical response patterns.