Buying a new build property might seem like a straightforward process - everything is brand new, after all. But beneath the fresh paint and modern finishes, even brand-new homes can hide snagging issues, compliance oversights, and potential structural concerns.
At Survey Network, we connect you with experienced, self-employed RICS-qualified surveyors who conduct comprehensive new build snagging surveys, giving you peace of mind before you move in. Here's what our expert surveyors look out for when inspecting new build homes across the UK.
1. Quality of Construction
Not all developments are built equally. That’s why one of the first things your RICS surveyor will evaluate is the overall build quality - both visually and structurally.
Key inspection points include:
- Finishes & Fixtures: Scratches on surfaces, poor plastering, paint drips, or gaps in joinery.
- Alignment & Levels: Ensuring walls, ceilings, doors, and floors are straight, flush, and properly installed.
- Plumbing & Electrics: Testing taps for pressure, flushing toilets, and checking sockets, switches, and light fittings for safe installation.
A snagging survey helps you identify these issues before your builder’s warranty expires, allowing you to raise them while you're still covered.
2. Snagging Defects
A snagging survey is designed to flag minor yet important defects that can impact your comfort and the long-term value of your home.
Our surveyors check for:
- Surface Imperfections: Chips in tiles, scratched windows, poor paintwork, or cracked silicone.
- Fixtures & Fittings: Doors and windows that don’t close properly, loose handles or misaligned cupboard doors.
- Appliance Testing: Confirming heating systems, extractor fans, and integrated appliances are working as expected.
Survey Network surveyors provide you with a detailed snagging list you can give directly to your developer for rectification.
3. Structural Integrity
Even brand-new homes can suffer from early signs of structural problems due to poor workmanship or rushed development timelines.
Your surveyor will inspect:
- Foundation Movement: Cracks in walls or ceilings that could suggest early signs of settlement or subsidence.
- Roof & Loft: Poorly installed tiles, inadequate insulation, and potential leak points.
- Damp Proofing: Ensuring proper DPC (Damp Proof Course) is in place and functioning to prevent long-term moisture damage.
4. Building Regulations & Safety Compliance
New build properties must meet a strict set of UK building regulations. A professional RICS snagging survey ensures your home isn’t just visually appealing - it’s safe and legal too.
Surveyors check for:
- Energy Efficiency: Proper insulation, double-glazing, and energy-efficient heating.
- Fire Safety: Presence and functionality of smoke alarms, fire doors, and escape routes.
- Accessibility: Doorway widths, mobility access, and bathroom configurations that meet legal requirements.
These compliance checks are essential to avoid future disputes - and can even affect your home insurance premiums.
5. External and Communal Areas
Many new build homes are part of wider developments, so it’s not just your property you need to consider - external and shared areas matter too.
What we check:
- Drainage & Landscaping: Water pooling, ineffective guttering, or inadequate sloping around the property.
- Access & Parking: Clear access routes, safe pathways, and usable parking bays.
- Communal Areas: The quality and safety of shared spaces like gardens, gyms, bin stores, or hallways.
“New builds offer a blank slate, but only a professional survey will confirm if that blank slate has been built properly. Our snagging surveys help buyers hold developers accountable before it’s too late.”
— Luke Masters, Founder of Survey Network
