What Does a Snagging Survey Include?

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A snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a newly built or recently completed property to identify defects, unfinished work, poor workmanship and items that do not meet the expected standard.

At Build Estimate Limited, our professional snagging surveys cover both the internal and external areas of the property. We document identified issues with photographs, descriptions and recommendations so you have a clear record to provide to your builder or developer.

A professional snagging survey typically includes a detailed visual inspection of the accessible areas of the property, including walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, finishes, external areas and other accessible elements.

Where appropriate, we also use drone photography and thermal imaging as part of our inspection. The survey is carried out using a systematic approach to help identify visible defects and potential areas requiring further investigation.

 There is no fixed number of snags that a professional survey should identify. The number depends on the property's size, age, specification, workmanship and condition.

A thorough inspection may identify dozens or even hundreds of individual items in a new-build property. We do not aim to reach a particular number; our focus is on identifying genuine defects, incomplete works and areas that require attention.

Yes. We inspect accessible and visible roof areas as part of the snagging survey.

We use visual inspection and, where appropriate, drone photography to examine external roof areas that cannot be safely accessed from ground level. Drone inspection is subject to suitable weather conditions, airspace restrictions and safe operating conditions.

We do not physically walk on roofs unless safe access is available and it is appropriate to do so.

Yes. Drone inspection is included with our snagging surveys where conditions allow.

Our drone can provide high-level photographs of roofs, elevations, gutters, fascias, roof coverings, external finishes and other areas that may be difficult to inspect from ground level.

Drone operations are subject to weather conditions, airspace restrictions and site safety requirements.

 Yes. Thermal imaging can be used as part of our snagging inspection where appropriate.

Thermal imaging can help identify temperature differences that may indicate potential issues such as areas of heat loss, cold bridging, moisture-related anomalies or possible insulation irregularities.

Thermal imaging does not replace a conventional inspection and cannot, by itself, confirm the cause of a defect. Any significant thermal anomaly is reported as an area requiring further investigation where appropriate.

Yes, where the loft space is safely accessible.

We visually inspect accessible areas for issues such as insulation, visible workmanship, roof timbers, ventilation, pipework, storage areas and other visible defects.

We do not enter areas where access would present a health and safety risk or where the construction does not provide safe access.

 Yes. Windows and doors are visually inspected and, where reasonably accessible, checked for issues such as operation, alignment, seals, locks, handles, glazing, frames, damage, gaps and finishing.

We also look for visible signs of poor installation or defects that may affect performance.

Yes. Accessible plumbing fixtures are visually inspected and, where reasonably possible, basic functional checks are carried out.

This can include taps, sinks, toilets, showers, baths and visible pipework. We look for issues such as leaks, poor finishing, damaged fittings and visible installation defects.

A snagging survey is not a specialist plumbing inspection and does not involve opening up walls, floors or concealed services.

 We carry out visual checks of accessible electrical fittings and installations, including sockets, switches, light fittings and visible accessories.

We look for obvious defects, damage, poor finishing and installation issues. We do not carry out electrical testing equivalent to an electrical installation condition report (EICR) unless separately instructed and carried out by an appropriately qualified electrician.

Yes. External areas are included in our inspection where accessible.

This may include external walls, brickwork, render, cladding, windows, doors, balconies, patios, paths, driveways, fencing, gates, drainage features, roof-level elements and other visible external finishes.

We can also use drone photography to inspect elevated external areas where appropriate.

We carry out a visual inspection of accessible drainage components and look for obvious issues such as damaged covers, poor installation, standing water, visible leaks, blocked gullies and other apparent defects.

A snagging survey does not normally include specialist CCTV drainage surveys or underground drainage investigations. These can be recommended where there are signs that further investigation may be required.

 The inspection time depends on the size and type of property.

A typical new-build property inspection can take 1-3 hours because we inspect the property systematically rather than simply carrying out a quick visual walk-through.

Larger houses and properties requiring extensive external inspection may take longer.

We aim to provide the completed snagging report within 24 hours of the inspection in most cases.

The report includes photographs and descriptions of identified issues so that you can clearly understand the defects and provide the findings to your builder or developer.

For larger or more complex properties, we may agree a different reporting timescale in advance.

The cost depends on the size, type and location of the property and the level of inspection required.

Our snagging survey prices typically start from £350, with larger properties or additional requirements priced accordingly.

Please contact us with your property type, location and approximate size for an accurate quotation.

Where included within the agreed service, our snagging surveys can also include drone photography and thermal imaging at no additional charge, subject to suitable conditions and access.

 A professional snagging survey can help identify defects, incomplete work and poor workmanship before or shortly after you move into your new home.

New-build properties can contain anything from minor finishing defects to issues that may require more significant attention. Having an independent inspection provides you with a detailed record of the issues identified, supported by photographs and clear descriptions.

A snagging report can then be used to communicate the required remedial works to your builder or developer and help you keep track of outstanding items.

Ideally, you should arrange a snagging survey as early as possible, preferably before completion or shortly after you receive the keys.

A pre-completion inspection can give you an opportunity to raise issues with the developer before moving in. However, a post-completion snagging survey is also highly useful and allows a more comprehensive inspection once you have access to the completed property.

If you have already moved into your property, it is still worth arranging a survey rather than assuming it is too late.

Once you receive your snagging report, you can forward it directly to your builder or developer by email.

We provide the findings in a clear, professional report with photographs and descriptions of the identified issues. You can attach the report to your email and request that the builder reviews each item and confirms the proposed remedial action.

We can also provide guidance on the findings if you have questions about the issues identified.

 Common snagging defects can include:

• Poor or uneven finishing
• Damaged or scratched surfaces
• Cracked plaster, render or masonry
• Paint defects and incomplete decoration
• Poorly fitted doors and windows
• Damaged or poorly sealed windows
• Flooring and tiling defects
• Gaps around fixtures and fittings
• Kitchen and bathroom installation defects
• Leaks or visible plumbing issues
• Electrical fitting and accessory defects
• Insulation and ventilation concerns
• Roof, gutter and fascia defects
• External landscaping and paving issues
• Drainage and surface-water issues
• Missing, incomplete or poorly finished works

The number and type of defects vary from property to property. Our inspection focuses on identifying genuine issues rather than trying to achieve a particular number of snags.

Yes. We can provide a follow-up or re-snagging inspection subject to an additional fee after the builder or developer has completed the remedial works.

The purpose of the follow-up inspection is to review previously reported items and identify any defects that remain outstanding or have not been satisfactorily addressed.

A follow-up inspection can be particularly useful where a property has a large number of original snags or where several rounds of remedial work have been carried out.

Booking a snagging survey with Build Estimate Limited is straightforward.

Contact us with your property address, property type, approximate size and preferred inspection date. We will confirm the appropriate survey option and provide a quotation.

Once you accept the quotation, we will arrange a convenient inspection date and carry out the survey. You will then receive your detailed snagging report, including photographs and descriptions of the issues identified.

Snaggings.co.uk is a service provided by Build Estimate Limited, covering properties across Blackburn, Lancashire, the North West and other areas of the UK by arrangement.