Buying a new build should feel like the “easy” option—fresh finishes, modern standards, minimal repairs. In reality, new homes often come with a long list of small defects and incomplete items that are easy to miss during viewings, but frustrating (and sometimes costly) once you move in.
That’s where a snagging list comes in.
A snagging list is a detailed, structured record of defects, incomplete items, and workmanship issues found in your new build. It gives you a clear way to request corrections from the developer while you still have contractual leverage—especially around handover and during the defects period.
This guide explains why snagging matters for new builds, what a good snagging list covers, when to do it, and how to get the best outcome.
1) Why snagging is particularly important on new builds
New builds are created under time pressure. Multiple trades overlap, finishing work is often rushed, and sites can be pushed to complete in phases. Even very good developers can hand over homes with:
- incomplete finishing details
- minor damage caused by other trades
- missing seals or trims
- functional issues with doors, windows and fittings
- external completion problems (drainage falls, gutters, brickwork finishing)
Most of these are fixable—but only if they’re properly documented.
The key benefits of snagging a new build
A snagging list helps you:
- spot issues early, before they worsen
- get defects corrected while the developer is still responsible
- avoid disputes by creating a clear written record
- protect the property’s finish and performance (especially water-tightness and ventilation)
2) What a new build snagging list should cover
A professional snagging list is usually organised room-by-room, then external elevation-by-elevation, with photographs and clear descriptions.
A) Internal finishes and workmanship
This is where most new build snags sit:
Walls and ceilings
- paint runs, patchy coverage, roller marks, poor cutting-in
- plaster cracking, sanding marks, uneven surfaces
- nail pops or poorly finished fixings
- poorly finished corners and junctions
Woodwork and joinery
- scuffed or poorly painted skirting/architraves
- gaps at joints, poor caulking, rough edges
- misaligned internal doors, damaged frames
- loose handles, hinges, poor latch alignment
Floors
- scratches, chips or staining
- poorly fitted thresholds and transitions
- lifting edges on laminate/LVT
- creaks and bounce where excessive (not uncommon, but should be noted)
Tiling and sealant
- uneven tiles (“lipping”), cracked tiles, poor grout lines
- missing trims, messy corners
- incomplete or untidy silicone around baths, showers and sinks
New build finishes can look fine in a quick viewing but show problems in certain light or after the first few weeks of living.
B) Functionality checks (things must operate properly)
A snagging inspection should include basic operational checks of:
Doors and windows
- opening/closing smoothly
- correct alignment and secure latching
- locks and keys functioning
- draughts and poor sealing at frames
- trickle vents (where present) opening/closing
Kitchen and bathroom fittings
- taps running and draining properly
- visible leaks under sinks and around wastes (where accessible)
- showers/baths sealed and stable
- toilet flush and fill behaviour (basic observation)
Ventilation
- extractor fans operating (and not excessively noisy)
- signs of inadequate extraction, particularly in bathrooms
Heating
- radiator fixings, valve leaks, basic operation indicators
- thermostat/control responsiveness (basic function checks)
Snagging isn’t a specialist test, but it will catch a surprising number of “it doesn’t work properly” defects that cause daily frustration.
C) External defects and weathering details (often the most important)
External snags aren’t as obvious as internal ones, but they can be more significant because they affect water ingress, damp risk, and long-term durability.
A strong new build snagging list includes checks of:
Brickwork / render
- poor pointing, smears, cracks, inconsistencies
- gaps around penetrations (pipes, vents)
- unfinished joints and messy mastic lines
Windows and doors externally
- missing seals, poor finishing at reveals
- damaged frames or scratches
- incomplete external trims
Gutters and downpipes
- leaking joints, poor falls, loose fixings
- downpipes discharging in a way that saturates the wall/ground
- staining from overflow (a warning sign)
Ground levels and drainage falls
- paving that slopes toward the house
- ponding areas near walls
- ground levels too high against the building (damp risk)
Roofline and high-level elements (as visible)
- slipped tiles, missing verge/ridge finishes (where visible safely)
- poor finishing around roof penetrations
- defective fascia/soffit finishing (where visible)
A lot of damp and staining issues in new builds are linked to rainwater management and external finishing, so this part of snagging is crucial.
D) Completion items and “handover” issues
New builds can also have “missing or incomplete” items that should be recorded clearly, such as:
- missing access panels or poorly finished service cupboards
- missing or loose vents/grilles
- incomplete decoration behind radiators or in cupboards
- scratches/damage to appliances or worktops
- incomplete external landscaping or boundary finishes (depending on your contract)
3) When is the best time to snag a new build?
Option 1: Pre-completion snagging (ideal if allowed)
Some developers allow a pre-completion inspection. This is the best time because issues can be corrected before you move in.
Option 2: Immediately after completion (very common)
If pre-completion access isn’t available, snag as soon as you have the keys. Early snagging:
- reduces how many defects worsen with use
- makes it harder for issues to be blamed on occupier damage
- gets you into the developer’s remediation process quickly
Option 3: Follow-up snagging after a short “settling-in” period
Some defects appear after a few weeks:
- minor shrinkage cracks
- doors that need adjustment as humidity changes
- sealant that separates
- small leaks that only show with repeated use
A follow-up inspection can be worthwhile on larger homes or where you want a more complete capture.
4) How to use your snagging list effectively
A snagging list only works if it’s used correctly.
Be structured and evidence-led
Your list should include:
- location (room/area/elevation)
- defect description
- photo reference
- priority (where appropriate)
Submit it promptly
Send it to the developer as soon as possible after completion or within the time window they specify.
Keep records
Save:
- the original snagging list
- email correspondence
- dates of visits and promises made
- photographs before and after remedial work
This helps if issues drag on or recur.
Prioritise key risks
Not all snags are equal. The most important categories to push early are:
- water ingress risks (sealant, gutters, external gaps)
- ventilation issues (condensation risk)
- safety/functional issues (locks, electrics symptoms, loose rails)
5) Common new build snagging mistakes to avoid
Mistake 1: Focusing only on cosmetic issues
Cosmetic snags matter, but don’t miss:
- external drainage falls
- gutter discharge problems
- seals around openings
- ventilation and extractor performance
These are the defects that can become costly.
Mistake 2: Waiting too long
The longer you wait, the easier it becomes for defects to be attributed to “wear and tear” rather than original workmanship.
Mistake 3: Accepting vague promises
Get dates and action points in writing. “We’ll sort it” often becomes “we’ll add it to the list”.
Mistake 4: Not checking remedial work quality
Sometimes a repair is done quickly but not well. It’s worth checking the standard of remedial work—especially around seals and external finishes.
6) New build snagging list vs a survey: do you need both?
A snagging list focuses on workmanship and completion. A survey (Level 2 or 3) focuses on overall condition and longer-term risks.
For many new builds:
- snagging is the priority
- a full survey may not be necessary unless the property is unusual, you have specific concerns, or you want additional reassurance
If you’re unsure, it’s worth getting advice based on the type of new build (flat, house, conversion-style new build) and any visible red flags.
Need a professional snagging list for your new build?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us the developer, property type (house/flat), and whether you’re pre-completion or post-handover. We’ll explain the best timing, what we check inside and out, and how to use your snagging list to get defects resolved quickly and properly.