Why snagging inspections matter
New-build homes may look perfect during viewings, but many properties contain defects and unfinished work that can easily go unnoticed during handover inspections. Developers work to tight schedules, and finishing work is often rushed in the final days before completion.
A professional snagging inspection helps homeowners identify issues before moving in, ensuring developers correct defects early and reducing future repair costs. Under UK consumer protection legislation, developers are legally obliged to rectify genuine defects reported before handover.
Using a digital snagging app like Snagr makes it significantly easier to organise issues, attach photos and generate professional reports directly from your phone.
What is a snagging list?
A snagging list is a document used to record defects, incomplete work or cosmetic issues within a property before final completion. It's your formal record of everything that needs to be corrected by the developer — and it carries real legal weight when presented professionally.
Common snagging list items include:
- Paint defects and poor finishes
- Cracked or uneven plaster
- Damaged flooring or carpets
- Missing or poor sealant
- Uneven fittings and fixtures
- Faulty electrical sockets
- Misaligned doors and frames
- Scratched surfaces and glass
Traditionally snagging lists were paper-based, but modern digital apps allow homeowners to create organised professional reports much faster and with photographic evidence attached to each issue.
Top 50 New Build Defects Checklist
Work through each category methodically, room by room, and photograph every issue you find.
Walls & Paintwork
- Uneven paint finishes
- Cracked plaster
- Visible patches or paint splashes
- Dents in walls
- Poor edging near skirting boards
- Nail pops pushing through plaster
- Hollow plaster spots
- Scuff marks or scratches
Walls and paintwork are among the most common snagging issues found in new-build properties. Check carefully in natural daylight and inspect corners closely — these are where finishing issues are most visible.
Doors & Windows
- Doors not closing or latching properly
- Scratched or marked glass
- Loose handles or hinges
- Misaligned frames
- Drafts around window edges
- Damaged seals or gaskets
- Locking mechanisms not working correctly
Poorly aligned windows and doors can create long-term insulation and security issues if not identified early. Test every door and window thoroughly during your inspection.
Kitchen & Bathrooms
- Damaged or chipped worktops
- Missing or inadequate silicone sealant
- Loose fittings or cabinet hinges
- Water pressure inconsistencies
- Scratched appliances
- Uneven or misaligned tiling
- Poor grouting or gaps in grouting
Kitchen and bathroom areas often contain cosmetic finishing issues that are considerably easier to resolve before moving in. Pay close attention to silicone joints around baths and showers.
Flooring
- Uneven or dipping flooring
- Loose laminate or LVT boards
- Damaged or stained carpet
- Gaps between flooring and skirting
- Tile alignment or grout issues
- Squeaking or springy floorboards
Electrical & Lighting
- Faulty or non-functional sockets
- Flickering or intermittent lights
- Missing switch or socket covers
- Incorrectly installed light fixtures
- Loose switches or faceplates
Bring a phone charger to test every socket during your inspection. Electrical issues discovered after moving in can be inconvenient to resolve.
Exterior & Structure
- Cracked render or masonry
- Poor pointing or mortar joints
- Damaged roof tiles visible from ground
- Missing or damaged guttering
- Poorly finished driveways or paths
- Garden fencing not secured
How to create a professional snagging report
A professional snagging report carries considerably more weight with developers than a hastily written list. When presented formally, developers are more likely to take issues seriously and resolve them promptly.
Professional snagging reports should include:
- Clear, specific issue descriptions
- Supporting photographs for every defect
- Exact room location references
- Issue categories and severity
- Organised, professional formatting
- Date and property address
Using Snagr allows homeowners to generate professional PDF snagging reports instantly from their mobile device, with all photos and descriptions formatted automatically.
Why digital snagging apps are replacing paper checklists
Traditional paper snagging lists can become disorganised quickly, especially when handling large numbers of defects across multiple rooms. Photos taken on your phone end up disconnected from the written notes, making it difficult to present a cohesive report to your developer.
Digital snagging apps like Snagr provide:
Create professional snagging reports with Snagr.
Capture defects, attach photos and generate organised snagging reports directly from your phone.
Tips for a successful snagging inspection
Getting the most out of your snagging inspection requires a methodical approach. Rushing through rooms increases the chance of missing issues that could be costly to resolve later.
Inspect during daylight hours
Natural light reveals paint defects, plaster imperfections and surface scratches far more clearly than artificial lighting.
Work room by room methodically
Start from the top floor and work downward, checking every surface in each room before moving on.
Test every socket and switch
Bring a phone charger or small lamp and test each electrical point in the property.
Open every window and door
Test that all windows and doors open, close and lock correctly. Check for drafts around frames.
Check water pressure in all taps
Run both hot and cold water in kitchens and bathrooms to verify pressure and temperature.
Photograph every issue clearly
Take close-up photos with good lighting. Multiple angles help developers understand the severity of each defect.
Record exact locations
Note which room and which wall or surface — this makes it much easier for the developer to find and fix each issue.
Frequently asked questions
Start your snagging inspection today.
Download Snagr and create professional snagging reports directly from your iPhone or iPad.