Question 1

What is a snagging survey?

Accepted Answer

An independent inspection of your new build home that produces a clear, photographic defect report you pass to your developer for rectification under warranty.

Question 2

Do I really need one?

Accepted Answer

Industry data puts the share of new builds with defects at over 90%, with the average home containing roughly 50–150 snags (HBF National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2024). A survey of a few hundred pounds routinely uncovers thousands of pounds of remediation the developer is contractually obliged to fix.

Question 3

When should I book: before or after completion?

Accepted Answer

Whenever suits you. Every level can be timed for the moment that matters: before legal completion while the home is empty, in the first months after you move in, or before your 2-year warranty closes. Earlier is usually better, because the developer has the strongest incentive to fix things before handover.

Question 4

What's the difference between Essential, Complete and Managed?

Accepted Answer

Depth and follow-through. Essential is the full room-by-room inspection with moisture and damp metering and a severity-rated photographic report. Complete adds the diagnostics a walk-round cannot do: thermal imaging, cavity wall inspection and a drone roof survey. Managed adds a full re-inspection once the developer says the works are done, plus direct liaison with your site team and written verification of what was actually fixed.

Question 5

How many snags will you find?

Accepted Answer

Typically 50–150 on an average new build, ranging from minor cosmetic defects to bigger structural or safety issues. Every one is rated by severity in your report.

Question 6

Does the developer have to fix them?

Accepted Answer

Yes, defects raised within your warranty period are the developer's contractual responsibility to put right. Our report is built to add weight when you push them to do so.

Question 7

How long does the inspection take?

Accepted Answer

Around 2–4 hours on site, depending on the size of the property.

Question 8

When do I get my report?

Accepted Answer

We aim for 24 hours from inspection. The national average is 2–5 working days; we stand out by being faster.

Question 9

What's included?

Accepted Answer

Every level includes a full room-by-room inspection inside and out, loft and grounds, moisture and damp metering throughout, and a photographic, severity-rated PDF report within 24 hours. Complete adds thermal imaging, cavity wall inspection and a drone roof survey. Managed adds a re-inspection, direct liaison with your site team and written verification of the fixes.

Question 10

Are you independent from the developer?

Accepted Answer

Always. We never work for builders or developers, only for you, the buyer. That independence is the whole point.

Question 11

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, professional indemnity and public liability cover are in place.

Question 12

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Rugby is our home patch, covering Houlton, Cawston, Coton Park, Dunchurch fringe, Brownsover, Bilton, Hillmorton and Long Lawford. We also work across the wider Midlands, including Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, the West Midlands, Oxfordshire edge and Staffordshire edge.

Question 13

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

From £325 for Essential, £425 for Complete and £650 for Managed, scaled by bedroom count. Full pricing on the Pricing page, all inclusive of the report.

Question 14

What this survey is not

Accepted Answer

A snagging survey is a non-destructive visual inspection of your new build against housebuilder and NHBC standards. It is not a RICS Home Survey, not a HomeBuyer Report, and not a structural survey. We do not lift finishes, open up ceilings or test hidden services. If you need one of those, we can point you to a chartered surveyor who does.