What is property snagging? Why is it important?

What is property snagging? Why is it important?

Property snagging is a detailed health check for your new home. It’s basically a thorough inspection where professionals go through every corner of your property to spot defects, issues, or unfinished work that the builder might have missed or overlooked. 

The whole property snagging process involves creating what we call a “snagging list” – essentially a detailed report of everything that needs fixing before you move in.  

This could be anything from: 

• Paint touch-ups and scratches on walls 

• Poorly fitted doors or windows 

• Plumbing issues like leaky taps 

• Electrical problems with switches or outlets 

• Flooring defects or gaps 

• Missing fixtures or fittings 

Why Should You Get a Property Snagging Done? 

Even the best property builders make mistakes. We’ve seen brand new homes that look perfect from the outside but have dozens of small issues that can turn into big headaches later. 

It saves you money in the long run. 

When you catch these problems early, the builder is responsible for fixing them. Wait a few months after moving in, and suddenly these become your problems to solve and pay for. 

It gives you peace of mind. 

A property snagging survey ensures you’re not going to discover unpleasant surprises after you’ve already settled in. 

The Best Time for Home Snagging 

The ideal time for a property inspection is right before you complete the purchase. This gives you leverage – you can ask the builder to fix everything on the snagging list before you hand over the final payment. 

Some people think they can skip this step because the property is “brand new,” but that’s exactly why you need property snagging.  

New doesn’t always mean perfect. In fact, new build properties often have more issues than older properties because everything hasn’t been properly tested yet. 

What Happens After Property Snagging? 

Once the snagging survey is complete, you’ll get a detailed report with photos showing every issue found. This isn’t just a casual walk-through – it’s a systematic examination of every room, every fixture, and every finish in your home. 

You then present this list to your builder or developer. Most reputable builders will fix these issues without any fuss because they want happy customers and good reviews. 

Some Issues We Find During Property Snagging 

From our experience, here are a few problems we find during property snagging: 

• Cosmetic issues: Scuffs, scratches, paint drips, and uneven finishes 

• Functional problems: Doors that don’t close properly, windows that stick, or taps that drip 

• Safety concerns: Loose handrails, electrical issues, or gas appliances not properly connected 

• Missing items: Handles, light bulbs, or fixtures that should have been included 

You’ll sleep better because you know that every switch works, every door closes properly, and every surface is finished to the standard you paid for. 

Remember, purchasing a new home is probably the most significant financial investment you’ll ever make. Taking that extra step to ensure property snagging is done properly just makes good sense.