Disputes with developers are rarely about one huge, dramatic defect. More often, they start with small issues that aren’t dealt with properly—unfinished seals, poor workmanship, missing items, repeated “we’ll come back to it” promises—and over time those issues become frustrating, costly, and difficult to prove.
A snagging list survey protects you in exactly that situation. It creates a structured, evidence-led record of defects that is hard to ignore, hard to deny, and easy for a developer to action. It also strengthens your position if problems escalate into formal complaints, warranty discussions, or disagreement about whether an issue is “your damage” or “their responsibility.”
Below is a detailed explanation of how snagging protects you, what makes it effective, and how to use it to reduce disputes and get defects resolved.
1) Why developer disputes happen in the first place
Even reputable developers can end up in dispute situations because:
A) There’s a mismatch in expectations
You think: “new build means flawless.”
They think: “new build means generally complete, with minor defects expected.”
A snagging list brings expectations back to specifics: what is defective, where, and what needs correction.
B) Defects aren’t recorded clearly enough
If issues are raised informally (“the bathroom looks messy”), the developer can:
- misunderstand what you mean
- treat it as a low priority
- or later say it wasn’t reported properly
A snagging list removes ambiguity.
C) Time passes, and the narrative changes
The longer defects remain unresolved, the easier it is for responsibility to become blurred:
- “That wasn’t like that at handover.”
- “It’s normal wear and tear.”
- “You’ve been living there, so it must be your damage.”
A snagging survey protects you by creating a timestamped record.
D) Small issues evolve into bigger ones
The classic example is water:
- poorly sealed shower → moisture behind tiles → staining/damage
- leaking gutter → damp patch → plaster failure
- external gaps → water ingress → internal mould
When a defect grows, developers sometimes resist accepting responsibility. Early snagging helps prevent escalation and strengthens your case if escalation occurs.
2) How a snagging list survey protects you in a dispute
1) It creates an objective record (not just your opinion)
Developer disputes often become subjective:
- “It’s acceptable.” vs “It’s poor quality.”
A snagging list survey improves your position because it’s:
- systematic
- consistent
- descriptive rather than emotional
- supported by photographs
- written in a professional format
It changes the tone from argument to evidence.
2) It documents defects early—before “wear and tear” arguments can be used
One of the most common developer pushbacks is:
“That damage happened after you moved in.”
A snagging list survey, done at handover or soon after, provides:
- proof the defect existed at that time
- photo evidence to support it
- a clear audit trail
This is especially important for:
- scratched glazing
- chipped sanitaryware
- damaged worktops/units
- scuffed flooring
- paint defects
- sealant failures
These are precisely the items that developers can otherwise attribute to occupation.
3) It stops defects being minimised, forgotten, or “lost in the system”
Many developers use online portals or customer care systems. Items can be:
- logged incorrectly
- closed prematurely
- grouped vaguely
- marked “completed” without being completed properly
A snagging list survey helps because you can:
- submit a structured list
- reference item numbers, photos, and locations
- re-submit clearly if items aren’t corrected
It reduces the chance the developer can claim confusion or misunderstand the issue.
4) It helps you prioritise the snags that matter most (and avoids distraction)
Developers sometimes respond better to clear prioritisation. A snagging survey can help separate:
High-risk issues
- water ingress potential (sealant, gutters, roof junctions, external gaps)
- safety defects (loose balustrades, defective locks)
- functional defects (doors/windows not operating properly)
Quality issues
- poor finishing that will degrade
- defective tiling/grouting
- persistent draught pathways
Minor cosmetic
- touch-ups and minor scuffs
This reduces disputes because you’re not treating everything as equally urgent—and you’re demonstrating reasonableness.
5) It strengthens your position if you need to escalate
Most developer disputes never reach court—but escalation may involve:
- a formal complaint process
- warranty-provider discussions (where applicable)
- building control / completion concerns (depending on the issue)
- independent expert input if the developer denies responsibility
A professional snagging list survey helps because it provides:
- a clear summary of defects
- dated photo evidence
- a consistent record of what was reported and when
- a logical basis for why remediation is required
Even if you never “formally escalate,” the fact you can often improves developer responsiveness.
3) What kinds of snags most often lead to disputes (and why snagging helps)
A) Water and weather-tightness issues
These are the most common dispute drivers because the consequences are costly.
- shower/bath seal failures
- leaks under sinks (slow and hidden)
- external sealing gaps
- gutter leaks and poor discharge points
- paving falls directing water toward the building
Snagging surveys protect you by identifying these issues early and documenting them clearly.
B) Windows and doors
Developers sometimes argue window and door issues are “adjustments” rather than defects.
- misalignment, stiff openings
- locks not engaging properly
- draughts at frames
- seals not correctly fitted
A snagging list records the exact location, symptom, and expected correction.
C) Flooring and finishes
Floor defects are commonly disputed because developers may claim:
- minor unevenness is normal
- marks are occupant damage
- squeaks are “settling”
Early photographic evidence and clear descriptions help.
D) External workmanship and landscaping
External items often get deferred because they’re “outside”.
- brickwork pointing quality
- mastic and seals
- drainage falls and ponding
- boundary completion
A snagging survey ensures these aren’t overlooked and provides a record if the developer delays.
4) How to use your snagging list survey to reduce disputes and get action
Step 1: Submit the snagging list promptly
Early submission:
- reduces the chance of “occupier damage” claims
- gets you into the developer’s system quickly
- starts the paper trail
Step 2: Submit it in a way that is easy to action
A good structure is:
- Room / location
- Defect description
- Photo reference
- Priority (if needed)
Vague lists create disputes. Clear lists create action.
Step 3: Keep everything in writing
Record:
- emails and portal submissions
- dates and names of customer care contacts
- site visit dates
- what was promised and by when
- photos before and after repairs
This becomes invaluable if issues drag on.
Step 4: Check remedial works carefully
Some repairs are rushed. It’s not uncommon for:
- sealant to be re-done poorly
- paint touch-ups to look worse
- snags to be marked as “fixed” without being fixed properly
A good approach is to verify repairs and, if needed, re-log them with photo evidence.
Step 5: Don’t let urgent snags sit
If there is any risk of water ingress or safety concerns, push these first. These are the issues that can worsen and become harder to resolve.
5) What makes a snagging list especially strong in a dispute
A snagging list is most persuasive when it is:
- professionally written and systematic
- specific (exact location + defect + outcome needed)
- supported by clear photographs
- submitted early
- prioritised where appropriate
- backed by an audit trail of communication
It should read like a practical work list, not a complaint.
The takeaway
A snagging list survey protects you against developer disputes by turning problems into evidence. It:
- documents defects early
- reduces “wear and tear” arguments
- makes it harder for defects to be minimised or ignored
- supports escalation if needed
- helps ensure the developer’s remedial work is properly managed
If you want a smooth handover process, snagging is one of the strongest tools you can use.
Want a professional snagging list survey to protect your position?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us whether you’re pre-handover or post-completion, and what type of property it is (new build house, flat, or conversion). We’ll explain the best timing, what we check inside and out, and how to use the snagging list to get defects resolved quickly—while avoiding disputes.