New builds
Snagging a New Build House: What You Need to Know
“Snagging” is identifying the faults and unfinished work in a new-build home — from poor paintwork and mis-aligned doors to plumbing and structural defects. You should commission a professional snagging survey before or soon after completion, report snags to the developer in writing, and rely on your NHBC (or equivalent) warranty. Unresolved snags can also affect reselling a new build.
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Common snags
Typical issues include uneven plaster and paint, ill-fitting doors and windows, scratched glass, poor sealant, plumbing leaks, heating faults and, occasionally, more serious structural or damp problems. A snagging survey catalogues them room by room.
Your rights and warranty
Report snags in writing during the developer’s defect period (usually the first two years), backed by the NHBC Buildmark or equivalent 10-year warranty and the New Homes Quality Code. Keep records; persistence is often needed to get a developer to act.
Selling a new build with snags
Unresolved snags or a stalled developer can make a quick resale harder. If you need to sell a problematic new build fast, a cash buyer can purchase as-is. See selling a home that needs work.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
What is snagging on a new build?
It’s the process of identifying faults and unfinished work — paint, doors, plumbing, structural defects — usually via a professional snagging survey, then reporting them to the developer to fix under warranty.
Who fixes snags on a new build?
The developer, during the defect period (typically the first two years), supported by the NHBC or equivalent warranty and the New Homes Quality Code. Report snags in writing and keep records.