Yes — snags are very common on new build properties, even on well-managed developments and even when the home looks immaculate at first glance. New homes are assembled quickly by multiple trades working to tight deadlines, and the final stages of a build involve a huge amount of finishing detail. That combination makes minor defects and incomplete items almost inevitable.
The important point is this: snags being common doesn’t mean you should accept poor quality. It simply means snagging should be treated as a normal and sensible part of the purchase process—so issues are identified early, documented clearly, and corrected while the developer remains responsible.
Below is a detailed look at why snags happen on new builds, which snags are most typical, what’s “normal”, what’s not, and how to protect yourself.
1) Why snags happen so often on new builds
A) Multiple trades work in the same space, often back-to-back
A typical new build goes through:
- first fix services (plumbing/electrics)
- plastering and drying time
- second fix (kitchens, bathrooms, joinery)
- flooring, tiling, decorating
- final sealant, mastic, touch-ups
Even when managed well, the final weeks involve lots of people working in and out of the property. Small chips, marks, and finishing imperfections are a common by-product.
B) The last 10% is all detail
The final phase includes:
- sealant to wet areas
- adjustment of doors and windows
- trimming, caulking, and making good
- final paint touch-ups
- finishing around sockets, pipe penetrations and thresholds
This “detail work” is where rushed finishing shows up most.
C) New materials settle and adjust
It’s common for new homes to experience:
- minor plaster shrinkage cracks
- timber movement affecting doors and trims
- sealant that cures and may pull away if applied poorly
- small settlement-related cosmetic cracks
Some of this is normal. The issue is when defects are excessive, recurring, or linked to water or structural concerns.
D) Site conditions affect completion quality
Weather, sequencing, and site pressure can all affect finishing standards—especially externally (brickwork, pointing, gutters, ground levels and drainage falls).
2) What are the most common new build snags?
New build snags typically fall into five major categories:
1) Cosmetic finishes (most common)
- patchy paint, drips, poor cutting-in
- plaster blemishes, rough sanding, hairline cracking
- gaps at skirting, architraves, trims
- scratches to glazing, frames, doors, worktops
- chipped tiles or uneven grout lines
2) Doors and windows needing adjustment
- doors rubbing or not latching properly
- uneven gaps around frames
- stiff window hinges, misalignment, locks not engaging smoothly
- draughts due to incomplete sealing or compression issues
- thresholds not neatly finished
3) Bathrooms, kitchens and water-related finishing
- incomplete or messy silicone around baths/showers/sinks
- loose fittings or poorly finished junctions
- slow draining wastes or minor leaks under sinks (where visible)
- shower screens not sealed properly
- grout cracking in wet zones
This category matters most because water defects can escalate quickly.
4) Ventilation and comfort issues
- extractor fans not working effectively or excessively noisy
- trickle vents missing/blocked/not functioning properly (where fitted)
- condensation issues arising from incomplete ventilation measures
5) External completion and rainwater management (often overlooked)
- gutter leaks, poor falls, joints not sealed
- downpipes discharging badly (causing splashback and staining)
- paving falls causing ponding near walls
- messy mastic lines around external frames
- incomplete pointing or small cracks in render
External snags are often more important than internal ones because they influence weather-tightness and damp risk.
3) What’s “normal snagging” — and what isn’t?
Normal / expected
These are common, usually straightforward to resolve:
- minor paint touch-ups and small scuffs
- minor shrinkage cracks
- doors needing adjustment
- small gaps requiring caulk/sealant finishing
- minor alignment corrections (handles, hinges, trims)
Not normal (and should be pushed hard)
These are the snags that can indicate bigger problems or create expensive consequences:
Water ingress risk
- persistent leaks (even minor)
- failed seals in showers/baths
- guttering/downpipe defects causing staining or overflow
- external gaps at penetrations or around openings
- ponding water toward the building
Safety and security issues
- doors/windows not securing properly
- loose handrails/balustrades
- defective glazing/locks
Systemic poor workmanship
- widespread and consistent poor finishes
- repeated failed remedial repairs
- large quantities of defects that aren’t being resolved properly
If you see these, treat it as more than a snagging list—it becomes a quality and risk management issue.
4) When should you snag a new build?
Pre-completion inspection (best if allowed)
If your developer allows a pre-completion visit, snagging before handover is ideal because:
- defects can be corrected before you move in
- it reduces the chance issues are blamed on “occupier damage”
- you start your aftercare journey from a stronger position
Immediately after completion (very common)
If pre-completion isn’t possible, snag as soon as you have the keys:
- early reporting protects your position
- defects are easier to evidence
- the developer’s remedial process can start quickly
Follow-up snagging after a few weeks (optional but useful)
Some defects appear after living in the home:
- shrinkage cracks
- doors shifting slightly
- sealant pulling away
- minor leaks that show after repeated use
A follow-up snag can help capture “settling defects” and close the loop.
5) How to handle snags so they get fixed (and don’t become a dispute)
A) Use a structured snagging list
Include:
- item number
- location (room/area/elevation)
- clear description
- photo reference
- priority (urgent vs minor)
B) Prioritise the snags that matter most
Push early for:
- water/weather-tightness issues
- safety/security issues
- functional defects (doors/windows)
Cosmetic issues can often be batched later.
C) Keep everything in writing
Save:
- emails and portal logs
- promised dates
- photos before and after remedials
- follow-up messages confirming what was agreed
D) Check the quality of remedial works
It’s not unusual for snag “fixes” to be rushed. Re-check:
- sealant quality
- paint finish consistency
- window/door function
- whether leaks have actually stopped
If not, re-log immediately with photos.
6) The takeaway
Yes, snags are common on new builds—but that’s exactly why snagging should be part of your plan. Done properly, a snagging list:
- catches issues early
- reduces disputes about responsibility
- ensures defects are corrected before they become expensive
- helps your new home feel properly finished and dependable
Want a professional snagging inspection for your new build?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us whether you’re pre-handover or post-completion, and whether it’s a house or flat. We’ll explain the best timing, what we check inside and out, and how to use the snagging list to get defects resolved quickly and properly.