10 Tips for a More Thorough Snagging Inspection
Practical advice for getting the most complete snagging list possible — from lighting techniques to what to always test twice.
Always inspect in daylight
Natural light is the most revealing for detecting paint imperfections, plaster defects and surface scratches. Artificial lighting casts shadows that easily hide cosmetic issues. Schedule your inspection for a bright morning or early afternoon.
Work room by room, top to bottom
Start from the top floor and work systematically downward. In each room, check every wall, ceiling, floor and fitting before moving on. Jumping between rooms increases the chance of missing defects.
Test every socket and light switch
Bring a phone charger or a simple plug tester. Test every socket in every room. Faulty electrical points are easy for developers to overlook and harder to resolve once you're living in the property.
Open and close every door and window
Doors and windows should open smoothly, close fully and lock correctly. Check for drafts by holding your hand around the frame edges. Misalignment is one of the most common snagging issues in new builds.
Run every tap and check water pressure
Test hot and cold water in every kitchen and bathroom. Check that water drains correctly and that there are no slow drains, unusual sounds or pressure inconsistencies.
Tap walls and floors for hollow spots
Lightly tap tiled walls and floors with your knuckle. A hollow sound can indicate poor adhesion or loose tiles that will need re-fixing. This is particularly common in shower enclosures and bathroom floors.
Take close-up photos of every defect
Photograph each issue from two distances — a close-up showing the detail and a wider shot showing the context. Both angles help developers locate and understand the severity of each problem.
Record precise locations immediately
Log defects as you find them, not at the end of the inspection. Include the room name and the specific wall or area ("north-facing wall, above skirting board, near window"). Vague location descriptions slow down developer responses.
Check the loft, garage and outside
Many inspections focus heavily on the main living areas and overlook loft hatches, garage doors, external render, guttering, garden drainage and boundary fencing — all common areas for defects.
Don't be rushed by the site manager
You are legally entitled to take your time inspecting your property. If a site manager tries to hurry you through, politely explain that you'll take as long as needed. A rushed inspection misses issues that can cost you later.
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