Snagging Checklist

Snagging Checklist – What We Inspect in New Build Snagging Survey

Our expert snaggers carefully check every part of your new home, from the structure right down to the finishing touches. We look at things like windows, doors, plumbing, electrics, and much more. Below, you’ll find our full snagging checklist showing exactly what we inspect. By spotting and reporting any issues early – with clear photos – we help you get them sorted before they turn into expensive repairs later on.

General Checks

Light Bulbs

  • All light bulbs should be fitted and working.
  • Light switches and fittings should sit flush against the wall, be firmly attached, clean, and straight — unless otherwise agreed.

Sockets

  • Sockets should be level and flush with the wall. We check them using a plug tester to make sure they work properly.

Wiring

  • Any visible wiring should be tidy, secure, and safely installed.

Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)

  • The fuse box should be straight, neat, clearly labelled, with no missing covers or gaps.

Extractor Fans

  • When you turn on the light in bathrooms or kitchens, the extractor fan should also come on if it’s wired to do so.
  • Grills should be flush with the wall or ceiling and securely fixed.

Taps

  • Taps should work properly with no leaks.
  • They must be securely fitted, installed correctly, and deliver hot and cold water from the right sides.

Heating

  • The heating system should be working properly and running quietly without any strange noises.

Boiler

  • The boiler should be fully working.
  • Its casing should be damage-free, pipes should be neat and ideally hidden, no strange noises, and the flue should be properly sealed.
  • There should be a label or signature showing it’s been installed correctly.

Radiators

  • Radiators should heat up properly, be level, undamaged, finished neatly behind (no rough walls), and leak-free.

Hot and Cold Water Tanks

  • Tanks should have no leaks, a visible installer-signed label, and be in full working order.

Smoke, Heat & CO2 Detectors

  • Detectors should be properly installed, undamaged, fitted with an installer’s signed label, and fully working.

Entry Phone

  • If your building has an entry phone, it should be installed where needed, show a power light, and work properly.

Doorbell

  • Doorbells, where fitted, should be present and working.

Security Alarm

  • If an alarm system is included, it should be fully installed and tested to make sure it’s working.

Appliances

Stove / Oven

  • Check if it’s working properly.
  • Make sure any switches that turn it off separately are clearly marked.

Fridge / Freezer

  • Check that it’s running as it should.
  • Make sure the separate switch (if there is one) is properly labelled.

Dishwasher

  • Make sure it drains water properly.
  • Any isolated switch should be clearly labelled.

Washing Machine

  • Make sure it drains water properly.
  • Check that the separate switch is labelled properly.

Lofts & Insulation

Cables & Wires

  • All wires should be properly fixed in place.

Insulation

  • Insulation should be laid out evenly across the loft.

Ducting

  • No extra loops or bends in the ducts.
  • Ducts should be securely fixed at both ends.

Felt (Roof lining)

  • Felt should be even, without any damage.
  • It should be neatly joined and fastened at corners and valleys.

Loft Hatch

  • Should open and close properly and be securely attached.

Loft Ladder

  • Should fit well and feel stable when in use.

Timber (Wooden Supports)

  • Should be firmly fixed and evenly spaced.
  • No cracks, twists, or warping. Proper bracing and strapping should be in place.

Sanitary Ware and Bathroom Fixtures

Baths

  • Make sure the bath is securely fitted, with hidden pipes and no visible damage.
  • Check that hot and cold water flow properly and there are no strange noises when filling.
  • The bath should be level, sealed neatly, and not move or make creaky sounds when full.
  • Water should drain away quickly without gurgling or backing up.
  • Fittings should be free from scratches, chips, or other marks.
  • Plugs and chains should work properly.
  • Over-bath shower screens should be clean, securely fixed, and sealed with tidy silicone.

Shower Trays

  • Shower screens should be clean, securely sealed with silicone, and firmly in place.
  • Water should drain away easily, without strange noises.
  • All fittings should be free of scratches, chips, or damage.

Shower Cubicles & Wet Rooms

  • Screens should be clean, securely fixed, and sealed neatly with silicone.
  • Good drainage with no backing up or gurgling.
  • All fittings should be free from visible marks or damage.

Toilets & Toilet Seats

  • Toilets should be securely fixed, with hidden pipes and no visible damage.
  • Everything should be straight, level, and properly sealed.
  • Toilet seats should fit well and have a working soft-close mechanism.
  • No scratches or chips should be visible.

Towel Rails

  • Joints should be sealed neatly with no leaks.
  • Towel rails should be securely fixed, level, and free from scratches or damage.
  • Decorating (like painting) should be properly finished behind the rail.

Basins

  • Basins should be properly fixed with hidden pipes and no damage showing.
  • Hot and cold water should run smoothly, without weird noises.
  • The basin should be level and properly sealed.
  • No leaks around joints or seals.
  • Over-bath shower screens (if any) should be properly sealed and secure.
  • Water should drain away quickly with no gurgling.
  • Fittings should be free from scratches, chips, or other marks.
  • Plugs and chains should work as expected.

Taps & Controls

  • Taps should be securely mounted with hidden pipes and no visible damage.
  • Hot and cold water should flow properly.
  • No noisy pipes when running water.
  • Taps should be lined up straight and sealed neatly.
  • No leaks around wet connections.
  • All fittings should be free from scratches or chips.
  • Plugs and chains should function properly.

Pedestals

  • Pedestals should be properly fixed with hidden pipes and no visible damage.
  • They should be level, straight, and have neat sealing.
  • No scratches or chips on the fittings.

Pedestals

  • Shaving sockets should be securely fitted with no scratches or chips.
  • They should be level, straight, and properly sealed.
  • Power supply should be tested and working.

Floors, Windows, and Doors

Floors

  • Floors should be level and not make strange noises like creaks when you walk.
  • Floor patterns and joints should line up properly with the walls.
  • Tiled, wooden, or laminate flooring should sit straight against the walls, with even gaps.
  • Carpets should be properly fitted without any ripples, lumps, or loose edges. Door thresholds should also be neatly installed where needed.

Doors

  • Locks, handles, hinges, and catches should all be fitted properly and work without any problems.
  • Doors should open and close easily without dragging or sticking.
  • The door surface should be free from damage and have a neat, even finish.
  • Door frames should be straight and properly sealed.
  • Draught excluders should be fitted where needed, and keys should be supplied.

Glazing and Tiles

Glazing

  • Glass should be clear and free from bubbles, scratches, blisters, or marks.
  • Safety marks should be visible on glass panels that are low down or near doors.

Tiles

  • Tiles should be properly fitted with no cracks, chips, or scratches.
  • Tile joints should be straight, even, and neatly lined up with walls, floors, and ceilings.
  • Grouting should be clean, and any sealant (especially in wet areas) should be neat and consistent.

Fitted Joinery & Cupboards

Glazing

  • Everything is installed safely, straight, and level, with even gaps where needed (like for the flooring).
  • Doors and drawers open and close easily without sticking.
  • All locks, handles, and catches are working properly, undamaged, and fitted securely.
  • The finish matches across all units, with no visible scratches or damage.
  • Shelves (where included) are properly installed and stable.

Plinths

  • Plinths (the base boards) are securely fixed, straight, and level with consistent gaps between them.
  • The finish matches the rest of the unit and is free of visible scratches.
  • Lighting (where included) works effectively.

Kitchen Fittings

  • Fittings like cupboards and drawers are properly mounted, aligned, and level, with even gaps where needed for flooring.
  • All doors and drawers open and close smoothly without sticking.
  • Locks, handles, and catches are working properly and fitted securely.
  • The finish matches the rest of the kitchen, with no visible scratches or marks.
  • Shelves (if included) are safe and properly installed.
  • Drawer dividers/liners (where included) are secure and fitted correctly.
  • Lighting works well where applicable.

Windows & Frames

  • All windows are undamaged, with an even finish around the edges (sills and heads).
  • Frames are straight and properly fitted, with no distortion.
  • There’s a good seal around the window, and draft excluders are in place where needed.
  • Keys are present, and everything is working as it should.

Wardrobes

  • All handles, stays, and catches are working well and properly fitted.
  • Doors open and close easily without sticking.
  • The finish is smooth and even with no visible bubbles or marks.
  • Frames are aligned, and there’s a good seal around the edges.
  • Keys are present, and everything is in good condition.

Joinery & Skirting

  • The finish on skirting boards is even, with a maximum 5mm gap to the floor.
  • Joints are seamless and allow for natural shrinkage over time.

Stairs

  • Stair strings (the parts that hold the treads) are fitted evenly and securely, without any extra extensions.
  • Steps are stable, attached properly, and free from excessive movement or creaking.
  • Newel posts (the central posts) and handrails are securely fitted, straight, and have a smooth finish. There’s a gap of at least 25mm between the wall and the handrail.

Property Exterior

Walls

  • The bricks match and come from the same batch.
  • No salt stains on the brickwork.
  • The brickwork is clean, without major chips or mortar splashes.
  • The mortar joints are even, and the colour of the joints is consistent.
  • Weep vents are fitted securely.
  • The damp proof course (DPC) is at least two brick courses above ground level.
  • Windows and doors are level and properly sealed.

Pipes and Drainage

  • Downpipes are straight, properly secured, and free of damage.
  • No leaks or blockages visible.
  • All pipework leaving the building is sealed tightly.

Driveways and Pathways

  • The paving is level, clean, and without cracks.
  • The driveway allows water to drain away.
  • Drain covers and channels are clear and connected to the drainage system.
  • Inspection chambers are fitted correctly, clean, and secured.

Garden

  • The garden is free from rubbish, stones, and building materials.
  • Topsoil is spread evenly.
  • Turf is laid properly, with a level surface.
  • Grass is healthy with no dead patches.
  • Fence panels are straight, secure, and undamaged.

Roof

  • Roof slates are not cracked or damaged.
  • The roof is properly ventilated.
  • Ridge tiles are level and straight.
  • Lead flashing is neatly cut, clean, and properly pointed.
  • Fascia and soffits are correctly fitted, clean, and undamaged.
  • Roof windows are installed properly, with correct sealing.
OUR sNAGGING sURVEY

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