The Bathroom Snag Checklist for New-Build Homes

Why Bathrooms Need Careful Inspection

Bathrooms combine water, electrics, and finished surfaces in a small space — so a defect here has a way of becoming a real problem. A slow leak behind a sealed bath, a gap in a tile grout line, or a fan that does not extract can all lead to damp, mould, and damage that is far harder to put right once the room is in use. A bathroom-specific checklist catches these before you move in.

Use this with the full new build snagging checklist and the plumbing checklist for the deeper checks behind the fittings.

How to Inspect a New Bathroom

Inspect surfaces first (tiles, sealant, sanitaryware), then function (taps, wastes, flushing), then ventilation and electrics. Look along grout lines at eye level to spot gaps and cracks, and run water for long enough that a slow leak would show — a quick splash is not enough.

What to Look For

Tiling and grout

• Tiles are straight, level, and evenly spaced.
• Grout lines are full with no gaps, cracks, or powdery patches.
• No hollow-sounding tiles when tapped gently.
• Sealant at tile-to-bath/shower/floor junctions is continuous.
• No lippy edges where one tile sits proud of its neighbour.

Sanitaryware

• Bath, basin, WC and shower tray are secure with no movement.
• No chips, scratches or cracks in sanitaryware surfaces.
• Wastes and overflows are fitted and aligned.
• Toilet flushes fully and the cistern refills and stops.
• Shower screen is fitted, sealed, and opens/closes freely.

Taps, wastes and plumbing

• Hot and cold are the correct way round (hot left, cold right).
• Taps operate smoothly with no dripping after shut-off.
• Wastes drain freely and trap connections are tight.
• No damp under the basin or behind the toilet.
• Isolation valves (if fitted) operate and are accessible.

Ventilation and electrics

• Extractor fan works and is wired through the light or humidistat as specified.
• Shaver socket (if fitted) works.
• Downlights are fitted with the correct fire-rated fittings.
• No exposed wiring or missing grommets.

Common Bathroom Defects

The most common bathroom defects are gaps in sealant, cracked or missing grout, loose sanitaryware, dripping taps, and extractor fans that do not run. A leaking shower trap is the defect most likely to cause serious damage if missed — check the ceiling below if the bathroom is upstairs.

For the wider picture of defects across the home, see common new build defects.

Bathroom Snag Checklist

Work through each section, tick items off as you check them, and export a clean printable PDF to take with you on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions