How to Snag Your New Build Yourself
A DIY snagging inspection is better than no inspection at all. But it has real limitations. Here is how to do it properly — and how to know when to call a professional.
What DIY snagging can do
- +No cost — free if you do it yourself
- +You can do it at your own pace over several visits
- +You know what matters most to you personally
- +Good for catching obvious cosmetic issues quickly
What DIY snagging cannot do
- -You will miss hidden problems — electrics, plumbing, insulation, drainage
- -No specialist equipment — thermal camera, moisture meter, laser level
- -Builders may not take an unqualified report as seriously
- -You may not know building standards well enough to identify non-compliant work
- -A professional inspector finds 3-5x more defects on average
What You Will Need
Room-by-Room Inspection Checklist
Every Room
- Walls flat with no bulges or hollows (run your hand across the surface)
- Ceiling flat with no sagging or visible joint lines
- Skirting boards neatly fitted, no gaps at floor level
- Doors close fully and latch without forcing
- All sockets and switches level and flush to the wall
- Paint finish even — look at low angle with a torch
Kitchen
- Cabinet doors aligned — gap between doors should be consistent
- Drawer fronts aligned — pull each out and check
- Worktop joins neat and sealed with silicone
- Sink sealed with no gaps
- Extractor fan works
- All integrated appliances operational
Bathrooms
- Bath and basin sealed to walls — no gaps
- Shower tray level — pour a small amount of water to check it drains
- All taps work and water runs hot
- Toilet flushes correctly and cistern refills
- Extractor fan wired and working
- Tile grout complete — no missing or cracked grout
External
- Walk the perimeter looking for cracks in render
- Check gutter joints for gaps — look for staining below joints
- Windows — open each one, check seals are present
- Garden levels correct, no large puddles forming near walls
- Paths and driveway level with no trip hazards
How to Report Your Snags
Photograph everything
Every item on your list should have at least one clear photo showing the defect. Include a reference object (a coin, ruler) for scale where relevant.
Write it up formally
Type your list into a document — not a handwritten note. Use a simple table: Location | Description | Photo reference. Number each item.
Submit by email to customer care
Email (not phone call) your developer's customer care team with your full list attached. Keep the sent email. This creates a formal, timestamped record.
Follow up in writing
If you do not receive a response within 14 days, follow up by email. If items are not resolved within the 2-year defects period, escalate to NHBC or NHOS.
When to Call a Professional Inspector
A professional inspector uses thermal imaging cameras, electronic moisture meters, and specialist building knowledge to find issues you simply cannot detect visually. On average, they find 3-5 times more defects than a DIY inspection — including hidden problems that, left unresolved, can lead to serious structural issues or expensive repairs.
If your property cost more than £200,000, a professional survey costing £299-£475 represents less than 0.2% of the purchase price — and typically pays for itself if just one or two significant defects are found and fixed under warranty.
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.