FAQs

Snagging Inspection FAQs

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Our FAQ section is designed to provide you with quick and easy answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about evosnag.

01

When is the best time to have a snagging inspection completed?

Timing is crucial when it comes to property inspections as it can offer homeowners the most advantageous position. For the most comprehensive and efficient inspection, it's essential that builders have carried out their own snagging process and that the property has been thoroughly cleaned, and protective films have been removed. We can inspect your new home at any time, from when notice has been served or from when you move in (we can sometimes, with the developer’s agreement snag prior to your notice period) and inspect your property up to 2 years after completion, which is still within the warranty period. This is particularly helpful as it allows the building to settle, and any defects that were previously undetectable can now be spotted.

02

What is snagging?

Snagging is the process of identifying and recording any defects or issues in a newly built property that require rectification or further attention before the property can be considered as fully completed and handed over to the homeowner. Snagging is typically carried out by a professional snagging company or an individual snagging inspector who will examine the property in detail, finish of the walls, floors, and ceilings to the functionality of the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. The aim of snagging is to identify any issues and ensure they are resolved before the homeowner moves into the property, avoiding any potential problems or disputes later on.

03

What is the benefit of hiring a professional snagging company?

Not everyone is equipped to provide a thorough snagging service, despite the perception that anyone can do it. To illustrate, while anyone can visually inspect a car before buying it, only a skilled mechanic can accurately determine whether the car is functioning properly. At evosnag, we are specialists using our expertise, extensive experience, to examine your property and ensure that you receive the quality you deserve from your developer.

04

How long does the snagging inspection take to complete?

The duration of a snagging inspection survey relies on several factors, namely the property's size and the build's quality. Typically, a 4-bed house takes approximately 3-4 hours to inspect, while a 2-bedroom apartment requires around 1.5 – 3 hours. It's important to note that we do not charge per hour, and the cost remains fixed, regardless of the time taken to complete the inspection.

05

How many defects (snags) do you usually find?

The extent of defects identified during a snagging inspection largely hinges on the size and level of quality of the property. Typically, for a standard 4-bed property, we identify an average of 150 – 300 defects, both minor and major. That being said, we have previously come across as few as 50 and as many as 400+ defects during an inspection.

06

Do you offer a service for developers?

Certainly! We provide a personalised service to independent builders who desire to guarantee that their properties meet the highest standards of quality. Please contact us for a custom quote

07

Does the inspection include a structural survey?

A snagging inspection survey does not include a comprehensive structural assessment. Instead, we visually inspect the property and note any structural aspects that appear to deviate from building standards in the report. If there are any doubts about these issues, a structural survey conducted by a surveyor may be required. Structural surveys focus solely on structural problems and employ specialised equipment to inspect items such as brickwork bowing and deviation. This is a service we can arrange if required.

08

Why pick evosnag over other snagging companies?

Our snagging inspection services are unique in various ways, setting us apart from other companies. Firstly, we provide a thorough inspection of your property, which includes the loft, garages, and other areas. Our prices are highly competitive and transparent, with no hidden costs. Moreover, our team of inspectors is highly qualified, with extensive experience working for house builders and developers. Our inspectors undergo intense training on defect prevention and correction to ensure that your property is inspected professionally and comprehensively.

09

How quickly will I get my report?

Your survey will require some additional offsite hours to gather our findings and prepare your report. We typically provide your report within 48 hours of your inspection but will aim to accommodate urgent requests if possible.

10

Can property developers deny access before completion?

Regrettably, that is correct. The property still legally belongs to the developer until you have completed your purchase, and they can refuse access to snagging inspectors. If you have not yet completed on the property, it is advisable to inquire with your developer if they would permit access before completion, so that any problems can be addressed before your move-in. If access is not granted, it is recommended to schedule a snagging inspection immediately following completion to prevent any potential disagreements over discovered damage or issues.

11

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

No, you are not required to be present for the inspectors while they are in your property. If you wish to do so or have moved in then that is perfectly fine by our inspectors.

12

Where will the inspector look?

In general we inspect the following areas of your property:
Windows, ceilings, walls, any wall tiling, kitchen fittings, bathroom fittings, pipes, radiators/heating, fireplaces, doors and frames, staircases, appliances, loft area, flooring, general woodwork, skirting boards, architraves, brickwork, external pipes, outside drainage, external paintwork, walls, fences and gates, drives, pathways, garden, outer buildings and roof.
The survey is non-invasive, meaning we will not take anything apart to inspect.

13

Can you collect our new build keys from the seller’s estate agent?

Yes, we can. During the booking process, we will request you to input their contact details. Once the inspection is booked, we will call them to get the keys or arrange the access into your property.

14

When is payment required for the inspection?

As we charge a deposit this is the retainer for the inspection. You can pay at any time that suits you from the date of booking by calling us or once the report is ready we will email you for the final payment in order to supply the final report. However, we require final payment no later than one week from inspection.

15

Can I change the date after booking?

Yes, you can change the inspection date by contacting us via the information on the booking email you receive (latest 3 working days prior the inspection date). Also, you can email, phone our office and our team will be happy to help.

16

Is VAT included?

Yes, the displayed price is the price you pay, there are no hidden fees, charges or VAT to be applied to that figure.

17

Does this include for revisits?

No, however should you wish to book a snag with a revisit you can let the team know via email or phone and we can supply you with a price that will cover this.

18

Is a maisonette a flat or house?

We classify a maisonette as a house and the house fees will be applicable.

19

Can I request a particular inspector?

Of course, if you have a personal recommendation or review you have seen and would like to request a particular inspector you can although it will be subject to their diary availability, you can email, phone our office and our team will be happy to help.

20

Can the housebuilder refuse to fix the defects?

Builders are obligated to rectify any defect arising from their failure to construct in compliance with the standards specified by their insurance and warranty provider.

However, these standards can be subjective, making the situation complicated. You may deem something to be a fault, but the builder may contest it. But they must demonstrate why the issue is compliant with Building Regulations and in line with the Building Warranty Providers Technical Standards.

A traditionally-built new home cannot be entirely flawless since it is constructed by people, not machines. You may need to address some issues yourself.

It is advisable to maintain a cordial relationship with your builder as it will facilitate the process. If communication between you and the builder deteriorates, your warranty provider can provide a resolution service at no cost.

21

What is the most common finding?

The most common snag finding is issues with decoration, paint runs, blemishes, scratches, visible joints in the plasterboard, unpainted surfaces, overpainted surfaces. Following this is general cleanliness – left behind materials, dust, damage, marks throughout the property.

Our Packages

At our company, we offer home snagging packages that ensures your new home meets the highest standards and fulfils your individual needs.

During our visit, we conduct a thorough inspection of all visually accessible areas of your property. This includes scrutinising details such as the quality of plaster and paintwork, identifying cosmetic issues, detecting plumbing problems (including leaks), electrical faults, and examining external finishes. Moreover, we ensure your property is compliant with all the regulations set forth by the National House Build Council.

2 Hours onsite
Report within 48 hours of inspection

£50 Deposit is taken on all bookings prior to your inspection with the remainder taken once the inspection report is available.

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