Purchasing a new build home is one of the most exciting and significant investments anyone can make. The expectation is clear: everything should be perfect freshly painted walls, pristine fittings, and a flawless finish throughout. Unfortunately, that’s not always the reality. Even the most reputable builders can make mistakes or overlook small issues that can turn into costly problems later. That’s where a professional snagging service becomes an essential part of your home-buying journey.

At A1 Snagging, we specialise in helping new home buyers identify and resolve defects before they become long-term issues. With almost 50 years of combined experience in the New Build industry, our team of expert snagging surveyors is dedicated to making sure your new property lives up to the high standards you expect and deserve.

What Is a Snagging Service?

A snagging service is a comprehensive inspection of a new build home, designed to uncover defects or "snags" that developers may have missed before handing over the keys. These can range from cosmetic imperfections such as paint splashes and poorly finished tiling, to more serious structural or safety concerns like faulty electrics, plumbing issues, or problems with insulation.

The goal of snagging is simple: to identify everything that’s wrong or not up to standard in your home and ensure the developer takes responsibility for fixing it before your warranty period ends.

Why You Need a Snagging Service for Your New Build Home

Many home buyers assume that purchasing a brand-new property guarantees perfection. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. With the high-speed construction schedules in today’s property market, it’s not uncommon for developers to prioritize speed over quality.

Without a snagging service, you could miss out on identifying critical defects that may cost you money or cause inconvenience down the line. Worse, some issues may only become apparent months after moving in and by that time, the builder might deny responsibility.

Using a professional snagging company like A1 Snagging gives you peace of mind. You’ll have a detailed, unbiased report that you can submit to your developer supported by industry-standard expertise and accreditation.

NHQB Guidelines & RPSA Accreditation: Why They Matter

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has introduced new guidelines aimed at protecting buyers and raising standards across the house-building industry. At A1 Snagging, we align our inspections with these guidelines to ensure your home meets all the necessary requirements for quality, safety, and comfort.

We are also fully accredited by the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), which is a recognised body ensuring legitimacy and professionalism in property surveying. This means our snagging reports are not only thorough and detailed but also respected by builders and warranty providers.

What’s Included in Our Snagging Service?

Our comprehensive snagging service covers every aspect of your home, inside and out. Here’s what you can expect:

• Internal Inspection: Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, sockets, paintwork, tiling, plumbing, electrical fittings, ventilation, heating systems and more.
  
   
• External Inspection: Brickwork, roof, guttering, windows, drainage, driveways, fencing and garden layout.
  
   
• Loft & Roof Space: Where accessible, we also inspect loft insulation, structure, and ventilation.
  
   
• Fixtures & Fittings: Kitchen units, bathroom fittings, appliances (where applicable), and more.
  
   

We use the latest tools and technologies, including thermal imaging and moisture meters, to detect issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Our reports are photo-rich, clearly written, and formatted in a way that makes it easy for your developer to understand and act upon.

When Should You Book a Snagging Survey?

The best time to book a snagging service is immediately after legal completion but before you move into the property. This allows the inspector to carry out an uninterrupted and unbiased review of the home. However, if you've already moved in, don’t worry — most warranties, such as NHBC or LABC, cover you for up to 2 years for defects, and longer for structural issues.

Whether you’re pre- or post-completion, a snagging survey will help ensure that your developer rectifies any issues within the warranty period.

Why Choose A1 Snagging?

With nearly 50 years of hands-on experience in the New Build sector, A1 Snagging has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and professionalism. Our surveyors aren’t just trained they’ve lived and breathed new build construction. That means they know exactly where problems tend to arise and how to document them effectively.