Snagging? What's That!?

Did you know that you can provide your developer with a detailed report highlighting any issues with your new home? Did you know they are required to address these issues at no cost to you? Many homeowners are also unaware that if the work doesn’t meet NHBC standards, and the developer fails to rectify it, the NHBC Guarantee covers you during the first two years after completion. Not sure what the NHBC is? Don’t worry, read on to learn more!

What is NHBC?

The National House Building Council (NHBC) is an independent organisation in the UK that provides warranties and insurance for newly built homes. Established in 1936, the NHBC sets standards for housebuilding and construction to ensure homes are built safely, efficiently, and to a high quality.

For homeowners, NHBC plays a key role in offering reassurance when purchasing a new property, as it protects you from potential problems with your home. Most builders of new homes are registered with NHBC, and properties built by these developers often come with a 10-year warranty called the Buildmark Warranty.

How Does NHBC Help Homeowners?

1. Buildmark Warranty
This is a 10-year warranty and insurance policy that covers major structural defects in your home. The cover is divided into two main periods:

The First Two Years: Your builder is responsible for fixing any issues or defects reported during this time.

Years 3-10: NHBC steps in to cover structural defects, such as problems with walls, floors, or the roof, if your builder cannot or will not resolve the issue.

2. Setting Standards
NHBC publishes strict technical standards for construction and regularly inspects homes being built by registered builders to ensure compliance.

3. Dispute Resolution
If there are disagreements between you and the builder about fixing defects, NHBC can provide a dispute resolution service to help resolve the issue.

Why is NHBC Important for Homeowners?

Peace of Mind:
Knowing your home is backed by an NHBC warranty provides security against unforeseen problems.

Quality Assurance:
NHBC-approved builders must meet stringent construction standards, reducing the risk of defects.

Financial Protection:
If your builder goes out of business or refuses to fix issues, NHBC’s warranty ensures you’re not left out of pocket.

If you’re buying a newly built home, always check if it comes with NHBC’s Buildmark Warranty or a similar cover, as it can save you a lot of hassle and expense in the long run.

Ok, that's great, but I still dont understand where Top Level Snagging comes into all of this?

Well, we specialise in new-build snagging. Snagging is the process of identifying and documenting defects or unfinished work in a newly built home before it is handed over to you. These defects, often called “snags,” can range from minor cosmetic issues like scratches or uneven paintwork to more serious problems such as poorly fitted doors, plumbing faults, or electrical issues.

The purpose of snagging is to ensure that your new home meets the expected quality standards and complies with the specifications agreed with the builder. Snagging is typically carried out by a professional snagging inspector, who has the expertise to identify issues that may be easy to overlook.

What Are The Benefits of Snagging to Homeowners?

1. Ensures High Standards
Snagging guarantees that your new home has been finished to a high standard, giving you peace of mind about the quality of your purchase.

2. Saves You Money
Identifying defects early allows the builder to fix them at no additional cost to you. Leaving issues unresolved could lead to expensive repairs in the future.

3. Protects Your Home’s Value
A properly snagged home is likely to maintain its value better over time, as it reduces the risk of hidden problems emerging later.

4. Improves Safety
A snagging inspection can reveal hidden issues that may pose safety risks, such as poorly installed electrical fittings or structural defects.

5. Holds the Builder Accountable
A detailed snagging report provides a clear list of defects for your builder to address, ensuring you get what you paid for.

Snagging is an essential step for anyone buying a new build home. It ensures your property meets your expectations and that any issues are resolved before you fully settle in, giving you confidence in your investment.

Can't I Just Snag The Property Myself?

If you're in the building game and would class yourself as someone who knows what to look for when it comes to new-build snagging, then you can absolutely snag your home yourself! You will have to sacrifice your time and energy, but you'll save yourself some money! However, if you're not in the building industry and don't really understand what to look for, please be aware that snagging your home should never be underestimated. We don't just look for imperfections in your paintwork, or scuffs on your new kitchen cupboards. Our snagging reports include a fully comprehensive check on the structural integrity, plumbing and electrical works within your new home.

We also offer optional extras such as Thermal Imaging Surveys, Moisture Surveys, Cavity Wall Inspections, all of which require the use of technology and tools that your every-day person won't just have lying around.