Common New Build Snagging Issues
Professional snagging inspectors consistently find these issues across new build properties in the UK. Knowing what to look for helps you document problems to present to your builder.
🏠Roof and Gutters
- Misaligned or missing ridge tiles
- Gutters with incorrect falls (water pools rather than flows)
- Inadequate seals at roof abutments
- Fascia and soffit fixings
- Inadequate lead flashing
🪟Windows and Doors
- Window frames not fully square in openings
- Failed or incomplete seals around frames
- Sticking or binding operation
- Trickle vents missing or incorrectly installed
- Door frames not plumb
- Draught seals incomplete
🧱Plasterwork
- Visible joins at patches
- Uneven surfaces near door frames
- Paint applied before adequate drying
- Cracking at ceiling-wall junctions
- Hollow spots behind plaster
🪵Flooring
- Uneven sub-floors
- Squeaking boards
- Poorly fitted threshold strips
- Damage to tiles or carpets
- Gaps between boards
⚡Electrics
- Sockets not level
- Consumer unit incorrectly labelled
- Light switches misaligned
- Missing or untested smoke detectors
- Data/TV points not connected
🚿Plumbing
- Radiators with cold spots (need balancing)
- Pipe runs with inadequate insulation
- Taps and waste fittings not fully sealed
- Boiler not fully commissioned
- Water pressure issues
🔲External
- Brickwork pointing gaps or inconsistencies
- Cracked render at corners and openings
- Driveway levels and drainage falls
- Incomplete or uneven landscaping
- Manhole covers not level with ground
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common new build defects?
The most common new build defects found by professional inspectors are: plasterwork issues (uneven surfaces, cracks at ceiling junctions), window and door problems (sticking, incomplete seals), electrical faults (unlevel sockets, unlabelled consumer units), roof and gutter issues, flooring defects (squeaking boards, uneven subfloors), and plumbing problems (radiators needing balancing, poorly sealed fittings).
How many defects does the average new build have?
A professional snagging inspection typically finds between 40 and 150 separate defects in a new build property. According to the Home Builders Federation, 93.7% of new build buyers report finding problems after moving in. Even well-regarded developers consistently produce properties with dozens of reportable issues.
Who is responsible for fixing new build defects?
Your builder is responsible for fixing defects during the first 2 years after completion — this is the defects liability period. You must report defects formally in writing to the builder's customer care team. If the builder fails to act, you can escalate to NHBC (if your property has an NHBC warranty) or the New Homes Ombudsman.
How long does the builder have to fix defects?
There is no single legal timescale, but defects should be fixed within a reasonable time. Safety-critical issues (such as heating failures or water ingress) should be addressed urgently, typically within days. Non-urgent cosmetic defects are generally expected to be resolved within 30-60 days.
Disclaimer: SnaggingFinder.co.uk is an independent comparison and referral service. We are not surveyors, engineers, or legal advisors. Information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Always engage a qualified, insured professional for your property inspection. Inspector pricing and availability are subject to change - always verify directly with the inspector before booking.