What is a snag list?
It is a list or record of deficient or poor quality workmanship or overlooked work in all parts of your new home. The snag list is sent by me to the builder for them to address all the problems listed on it.
When is a snag list carried out?
It is your final step before handing your money over to the builder. The builder will notify you when the house is ready for snagging. It is your opportunity to make sure that you get what you paid for.
What is the snagging process?
- Your property is snagged or checked room by room including external areas and attic for any deficient or poor quality workmanship and a snag list report is compiled. This snag list report is sent to the builder and you. After a period of time the builder will contact you to say that all of the snags have been addressed. You can then do a re-inspection yourself if you feel confident in doing so or contact me to arrange a re-inspection survey.
- A re-inspection snag list survey is carried out and the first list is used to check if all the work has been done. If not then a re-inspection report is sent to the builder listing the outstanding items and possibly some new snags that might have occurred while they were correcting initial snags. After a period of time the builder will contact you to say that the work has been completed. You can then inspect the property yourself or contact me to arrange the third visit.
- A third visit is required to check that this work has been completed. Hopefully all the snags have been addressed by this stage.
- You proceed to closing the deal, happy in the knowledge that your house is as well-finished as is possible and that you are getting your money’s worth.
What is covered in a snag list?
Put simply everything. We check the outside of your property and inside room by room, including the attic. I suggest you have a look at the sample snag lists here on the website.
Can I do the snag list myself?
You could but unless you are a trained finishing foreman you won’t spot all the problems. Neither are you equipped to negotiate with the builders and know when you should be fighting for an issue to be rectified. With my experience, I will notice more snags than you and be able to describe them in terms the builder is familiar with. Knowing that an experienced snag list surveyor has surveyed your house before you pay for it will give you peace of mind. Clients constantly say to me, “I’d never have spotted all of that” when they see the completed snag list. Many of them are also grateful to have an independent surveyor, who knows about construction in their corner when it comes to dealing with the builders.
How long does it take to do the snag list survey?
This depends on the quality of workmanship so can vary considerably. It also depends on the size of the property. Typically snag list surveys take from 45 minutes to 90 minutes to do. But it takes as long as it takes for me to snag your new home. I work methodically through the property and won’t rush it. I then type up the report and provide it to you via email within 24 hours, often more quickly.
I’m buying an apartment.Do I need a snag list?
Yes, you may not have as much external work to be considered but you still need a check done for defective work before you complete the sale. You may not have a front garden, but you still have an entrance door, your living space and maybe external terrace or balcony space. Poor plastering and paintwork badly hung doors and all the other potential defects happen in apartments as much as in houses. See the sample apartment snag list uploaded here.
Can I be present at the survey?
You are of course welcome to join me (subject to the rules of the specific building site which may restrict visitors due to Covid 19) and see what is involved and add any of your own comments and observations to the report. If you are unable to be there, don’t worry. I will carry out the survey and provide you with a copy of the report.
