New Home Snagging Surveys

If you’ve invested in a newly constructed home, you likely expect it to be absolutely flawless. However, it’s important to acknowledge that even the finest new homes may encounter issues. Fortunately, aside from the occasional horror stories, the majority of concerns with new-build properties tend to be easily rectifiable. This is precisely where snagging surveys step in.

• What is a snagging survey?
• When should I get a snagging survey?
• Snagging survey costs
• Is it worth having a snagging survey done?
• Can I do my own snagging survey?
• Snagging lists

A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a newly constructed property, typically performed before the homeowner takes possession. The purpose of this survey is to identify and document any defects, imperfections, or unfinished work in the construction of the property. These issues are often referred to as “snags.”

The snagging survey covers various aspects of the property, including the structural elements, fixtures, fittings, and finishes. Common items inspected during a snagging survey may include:

• Cosmetic flaws, such as paintwork, plastering, and tiling.
• Electrical and plumbing issues.
• Problems with doors, windows, and locks.
• Insulation and ventilation concerns.
• Structural integrity and safety concerns.
• Deficiencies in fixtures like kitchen cabinets or bathroom fittings.

The purpose of a snagging survey is to create a comprehensive report that lists all identified issues, no matter how minor. This report is then typically provided to the builder or developer responsible for the construction, who is expected to rectify these issues before the homeowner takes possession.

A snagging survey helps ensure that the new home meets the expected quality standards and allows the homeowner to move in with confidence, knowing that any construction-related problems will be addressed. It provides peace of mind and helps prevent potential disputes between the homeowner and the builder regarding the condition of the property.

A snagging survey is typically conducted when you are in the process of purchasing a newly constructed home, and it’s best to schedule it before you take possession of the property. Here are some key points to consider:

• Pre-Completion Inspection: Ideally, the snagging survey should take place after the construction work is complete, but before you legally complete the purchase of the property. This means it’s done during the final stages of the build when the property is ready for handover.
• Before Moving In: The primary purpose of a snagging survey is to identify and document any defects or issues in the property while it’s still under the responsibility of the builder or developer. It allows you to address these issues before you move in.
• Prior to Legal Completion: The snagging survey should be completed before the legal completion date, which is the point at which you become the legal owner of the property. Once you complete the purchase, it becomes more challenging to have the builder address issues, and they may not be as responsive.
• Check with Your Builder/Developer: Coordinate with your builder or developer to schedule the snagging survey. Many builders include a snagging survey as part of the sales process, but it’s important to confirm this and understand the scope of their survey.
• Reserve Enough Time: Ensure that you have enough time between the snagging survey and the legal completion date to allow for the builder to address any identified issues.

In summary, it’s best to get a snagging survey done before you legally complete the purchase of your newly built home. This allows you to identify and address any construction-related defects or issues while the responsibility for rectification still lies with the builder or developer.

The cost of a snagging survey in Ireland can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the property, its location, and the surveying company you choose. On average, snagging surveys in Ireland typically range from €200 to €600, although prices can go higher for larger or more complex properties. Here are some key considerations:

• Property Size: Larger properties with more rooms and features may require a more extensive survey, which can result in higher costs.
• Location: The cost of travel expenses can vary by region in Ireland, affecting the price of snagging surveys.
• Company Reputation: Established and reputable snagging survey companies may charge more for their services due to their experience and expertise.
• Urgency: If you need a faster turnaround time for your survey, some companies may charge extra for expedited services.
• Additional Services: Some snagging survey companies offer supplementary services, such as post-snagging inspections to verify that identified issues have been rectified. These additional services can impact the overall cost.
• Property Type: The type of property, whether it’s a house or an apartment, will also influence the cost.

To determine the exact cost for your specific situation, it’s recommended to obtain quotes from several snagging survey companies in Ireland. Make sure that the quote provided includes a comprehensive snagging report with details of all identified issues. While cost is a factor, consider the reputation and experience of the surveying company to ensure a thorough and accurate survey. Additionally, check if the survey cost includes any follow-up inspections to confirm that identified issues have been addressed by the builder or developer.

Definitely! Having a snagging survey done on a newly constructed home is generally considered to be worth the investment for several important reasons:

• Identifying Defects: A snagging survey is a detailed inspection that helps identify defects, faults, and issues in the construction of the property. This includes both cosmetic and more substantial problems that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye.
• Peace of Mind: A snagging survey provides peace of mind to the homeowner or buyer. It ensures that the property is in the expected condition and that any issues are documented for resolution by the builder or developer.
• Rectification: The snagging report serves as a comprehensive list of identified issues, which the builder or developer is typically obligated to rectify before the homeowner takes possession. This helps ensure that the property meets the desired quality standards.
• Cost Savings: Addressing construction-related issues early, before moving in, will save you money in the long run. Rectifying defects after moving in can be more inconvenient and costly.
• Warranty Protection: Many new homes in Ireland come with warranties, and the snagging report can help document issues that may be covered under these warranties.
• Resale Value: Ensuring that your property is in top condition from the start can positively impact its resale value should you decide to sell in the future.
• Legal Protection: In some cases, a snagging report can serve as legal documentation if disputes arise with the builder or developer regarding the condition of the property.

While there is a cost associated with a snagging survey, the benefits in terms of peace of mind, defect identification, and potential cost savings far outweigh the expense for most homeowners and buyers of newly constructed homes. It’s a valuable step in ensuring that your investment in a new property is a sound one.

While it’s possible for homeowners or buyers to conduct their own informal inspection of a property, a professional snagging survey is typically recommended for several reasons:

• Expertise: Professional snagging surveyors are trained and experienced in identifying a wide range of defects, including those that may not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye. They know what to look for and can provide a thorough assessment.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Professional snagging surveys involve the creation of a detailed report that documents all identified issues, complete with descriptions, photographs, and recommendations for rectification. This comprehensive report is valuable for addressing defects with the builder or developer.
• Objectivity: A professional snagging surveyor provides an objective assessment of the property, which can be crucial when dealing with the builder or developer. Their impartiality can help ensure that all necessary issues are addressed.
• Builder Accountability: Builders and developers typically take snagging reports from professional surveyors more seriously, as they are aware of the expertise and standards associated with these surveys. This can lead to a more efficient resolution of issues.
• Legal Documentation: In some cases, a professional snagging report can serve as legal documentation if disputes arise regarding the condition of the property.

While you can certainly conduct your own visual inspection of the property and note any issues you observe, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional snagging surveyor for a more thorough and objective evaluation. Their expertise can help ensure that all defects, both minor and significant, are identified and addressed before you take possession of the property, providing you with peace of mind and legal protection.

A snagging list, also known as a snag list or punch list, is a document that details any defects, issues, or unfinished work in a newly constructed or renovated property. It serves as a checklist of items that need to be addressed and rectified by the builder, developer, or contractor before the property is considered complete and handed over to the homeowner or buyer.

Here are some key points about snagging lists:

Purpose: The primary purpose of a snagging list is to ensure that the property meets the expected quality and safety standards before the homeowner or buyer takes possession. It helps identify and document any construction-related issues that require rectification.

Content: A typical snagging list includes a detailed description of each issue or defect, along with its location within the property. It may also include photographs to provide visual evidence of the problems.

Scope: Snagging lists cover a wide range of issues, including but not limited to cosmetic flaws (e.g., paintwork, plastering, tiling), electrical and plumbing issues, structural concerns, safety hazards, and deficiencies in fixtures and fittings.

Compilation: Snagging lists are typically compiled through a thorough inspection of the property by a professional snagging surveyor. The list will be comprehensive and include all identified issues, no matter how minor.

Builder’s Responsibility: Once the snagging list is compiled, it is typically provided to the builder, developer, or contractor responsible for the construction or renovation. It is their responsibility to rectify the listed issues within a reasonable timeframe.

Verification: After the builder or contractor addresses the items on the snagging list, a follow-up inspection may be conducted to verify that all issues have been satisfactorily resolved.

Legal and Warranty Considerations: In many cases, snagging lists serve as important legal and warranty documents. They provide a record of the condition of the property at the time of handover and can be used to address any disputes that may arise.

Overall, a snagging list is a crucial tool in ensuring that a newly constructed or renovated property meets the desired quality standards and is free from defects before the homeowner or buyer moves in. It helps protect the investment and provides peace of mind.