Snagging Survey FAQs

A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new build property to identify defects, unfinished work, and issues that the builder should fix. It covers everything from cosmetic problems like poor paintwork to more serious concerns like insulation gaps or drainage issues. We check over 100 items both internally and externally, providing you with a comprehensive report.

East Midlands Build Check offers fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden extras. Our prices are: 2 bedroom house £345, 3 bedroom house £370, 4 bedroom house £425, and 5 bedroom house £445. For apartments, prices start from £325 for 1 bedroom. All prices include thermal imaging inspection. A £50 deposit is required at booking, with the balance due on inspection day.

The best time to book a snagging survey is within the first few weeks after completion, while you're still settling in. You have 2 years from your completion date to report defects to your builder under warranty, but the sooner issues are identified, the easier they are to prove and get fixed. We can also conduct pre-completion inspections (PCIs) between exchange and completion if your builder allows access.

According to industry data, the average new build has around 157 snagging issues. These range from minor cosmetic defects like paint scratches and poor sealant work to more serious problems such as drainage issues, insulation defects, or missing components. Professional inspectors typically find 150+ issues that homeowners would miss.

We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. This includes major cities like Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester, as well as towns such as Mansfield, Chesterfield, Loughborough, Lincoln, Grantham, Newark, Northampton, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Hinckley, Coalville, Corby, and Kettering.

Our comprehensive inspection covers: Internal areas (walls, ceilings, doors, windows, flooring, kitchen fittings, bathrooms, staircases, loft space), External areas (brickwork, roofing, drainage, drives, paths, fencing, garages, landscaping), and Testing (electrical sockets, heating systems, smoke & CO2 alarms). Every inspection includes thermal imaging to detect hidden heat loss and insulation defects invisible to the naked eye.

While you can create your own snagging list, professional inspectors identify significantly more defects than homeowners. We use specialist equipment like thermal imaging cameras and have expert knowledge of building regulations and warranty standards. With George Walker's 20+ years as a Senior Site Manager, we know exactly what builders should have done and where they typically cut corners.

The NHBC Buildmark warranty gives you 2 years of builder warranty cover for defects and issues. During this period, your builder must fix any reported problems, including cosmetic issues. After 2 years, only major structural defects are covered for the remaining 8 years of the 10-year warranty. This is why getting a professional snagging survey early is so important.

Besides NHBC, we work with all major warranty providers including Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty, Build-Zone, and Checkmate. George Walker, our lead inspector, has comprehensive knowledge of all these standards, ensuring your inspection meets the requirements of whichever warranty covers your property.

George Walker, our lead inspector and company director, has over 20 years experience as a Senior Site Manager with major UK house builders. He holds a BSc Degree in Residential Development and has comprehensive knowledge of NHBC, Premier, and LABC standards. His award-winning background in quality management means he knows exactly what to look for.

A typical snagging inspection takes 2-4 hours depending on the size of your property. Larger properties or those with significant issues may take longer. We don't rush our inspections - thoroughness is our priority.

You'll receive your detailed PDF report within 24-48 hours of the inspection. The report includes photographs, locations, descriptions, and priority ratings for every defect found. This professional report can be submitted directly to your builder.

After receiving your report, you submit it to your builder who is obligated to rectify the defects under your warranty. Most builders respond within 14-28 days with a remediation plan. We're happy to advise on any queries you have about the process.

Yes, we offer re-inspection services after your builder has completed remedial works. This ensures all identified snags have been properly addressed. Contact us for re-inspection pricing.

If your builder refuses to fix valid defects, your warranty provider (NHBC, Premier, LABC, etc.) has a resolution process you can escalate to. Having a professional snagging report with photographs and expert assessment gives you strong evidence to support your case.