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Snagging: Ensuring Perfection in Your Building Project

Welcome to Infinity Planning, your premier destination for expert snagging services in North Essex and South Suffolk. As your trusted building consultant, we understand the importance of meticulous attention to detail in ensuring the quality and integrity of your construction project.

What is Snagging?

Snagging refers to the process of identifying and rectifying defects or imperfections in a newly constructed or renovated building. These defects can range from minor cosmetic issues to more significant structural concerns. Snagging is a critical step in the handover process, ensuring that your property meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and functionality before you take possession.

Why Choose Infinity Planning for Snagging Services?

  1. Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in the construction industry, our team at Infinity Planning possesses the knowledge and expertise needed to conduct thorough snagging inspections. We know where to look and what to look for, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.
  2. Comprehensive Inspection: Our snagging inspections are comprehensive and meticulous. We inspect every aspect of your property, from the foundation to the roof, paying close attention to finishes, fixtures, and structural elements. Our goal is to identify any defects or deficiencies that may compromise the integrity or safety of your building.
  3. Detailed Reporting: After completing the snagging inspection, we provide you with a detailed report outlining our findings. This report includes photographs and descriptions of each snag identified, along with recommendations for remedial action. Our transparent and clear reporting ensures that you have a complete understanding of the issues and their implications.
  4. Advocacy and Support: At Infinity Planning, we act as your advocate throughout the process. We liaise with contractors and developers on your behalf to ensure that all identified snags are addressed promptly and to your satisfaction. Our goal is to ensure that you receive a property that meets your expectations and fulfils all contractual obligations.
  5. Peace of Mind: With our snagging services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property has been thoroughly inspected and any issues have been addressed before you move in. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart as a trusted partner in your building journey.

Don’t let minor defects detract from the beauty and functionality of your new property. Trust Infinity Planning for comprehensive snagging services that ensure perfection in every detail. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and take the first step towards enjoying your dream home or commercial space with confidence.

A snagging inspection is a critical step in the process of buying a new build home. Overlook this at your peril!

The Importance of a Snagging Inspection for New-Build Homes in the UK

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The Importance of a Snagging Inspection for New-Build Homes in the UK

Snagging Inspections – Why They Really Matter

Buying a new-build home should be thrilling—the culmination of your hopes and plans. Yet for many UK homeowners, moving in quickly uncovers a slew of snagging issues that turn anticipation into frustration. A snagging inspection offers peace of mind—a safety net ensuring your new home meets expectations before handover.

A snagging inspection is a critical step in the process of buying a new build home. Overlook this at your peril!

The Scope of the Problem: Real-World Stats

  • According to the Home Builders Federation National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey (March 2025), 93.7% of new-build buyers reported problems—snags and defects—with their home after moving in. More than a quarter reported over 15 issues.

  • Industry data from BuildScan reveals the average new-build home now has an astonishing 157 snagging issues, almost double the average of 80 in 2005—an annual climb of about 6.4%

  • Another survey found 95% of new homeowners reported snags or defects. Of those, 33% faced over 16 issues.

These numbers paint a clear picture: snagging issues are almost inevitable in new builds. A snagging inspection is not optional—it’s essential.

Types of Snags: From Cosmetic to Structural

Snagging issues range widely in severity and impact:

Common Cosmetic & Functional Defects

  • Windows and doors account for 27% of the most frequent snagging issues, including misalignment, poor seals, and glazing faults

  • Typical minor snags include uneven plastering, poor paintwork, ill-fitting fixtures, and insulation gaps

Serious Risks, Quite Literally

  • Structural defects—like foundation problems, cracks in walls, uneven floors, and poorly installed damp-proofing—can create long-term damage, even rendering the property unsafe or worthless

  • Mistakes in pipework or damp-proofing can lead to leak, flooding, and lasting moisture issues

Behind the Figures: Human Experience & Emotional Toll

It’s not just bricks and mortar that suffer—people do too:

  • Homebuyers often feel overlooked when developers delay or neglect fixing issues. Emotional stress, delayed move-ins, and prolonged uncertainty can severely impact quality of life

  • In one startling case, an elderly homeowner in Glasgow endured months of delays and snag-related distress—not least because her window fell out and her shower failed—causing both emotional and physical upheaval

An emotionally resonant experience like this underscores why snagging inspection is not just practical—but vital for peace of mind.

How a Professional Snagging Inspection Helps

  1. Spot issues early, often before completion, when they’re easier and cheaper to fix

  2. Empower you with documented evidence—snag lists that support your warranty claim or complaint process

  3. Protect relationships and financial outlay: developers may act more promptly when professional reports are involved

Conclusion

A snagging inspection isn’t just wise—it’s essential. With nearly all new-build homeowners facing issues—from the minor to the potentially catastrophic—the statistics speak for themselves. Professional inspection safeguards your investment, your safety, and your sanity. If you’re buying—or have just bought—a new home in North Essex or South Suffolk, Infinity Planning is here to help you navigate snagging challenges with expertise and care. Ready to secure your dream home with confidence?

How Infinity Planning Can Help You

At Infinity Planning, serving North Essex & South Suffolk, we guide homeowners through every step of snagging:

  • We connect you with trusted, independent snagging inspectors who understand the local context and common developer practices.

  • We help interpret your snagging report, liaise with developers, and ensure defects are logged properly—and addressed promptly.

  • Our service goes beyond formal inspection: with local insight and empathetic support, we help take the stress off your shoulders.

Whether you’re settling into your new home or navigating snags post-handover, Infinity Planning provides both technical guidance and emotional reassurance.

If you would like an impartial chat about how we can support you, simply call 0800 148 8088, or complete the form below:

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The Legal Aspects of Snagging: Your Rights as a New Homeowner

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The Legal Aspects of Snagging: Your Rights as a New Homeowner

Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, marking the beginning of a new chapter in life. However, it’s essential for new homeowners to be aware of their rights, especially when it comes to the often-overlooked process of snagging. Snagging refers to identifying and rectifying defects or issues in a newly built property, ensuring that it meets the promised standards. In this article, we’ll delve into the legal aspects of snagging and help you understand your rights as a new homeowner in the UK.

Purchasing a new house should be a happy time, but the legal ramifications of snagging, or the lack or it dan open up a can of worms. Find out about where you stand here.

Understanding Snagging

Snagging is a comprehensive inspection process carried out before the final handover of a new property. It involves identifying and documenting any defects, imperfections, or unfinished work that needs attention. This may include anything from cosmetic issues like paintwork and tiling to more serious structural concerns.

Your Legal Rights as a New Homeowner

1. New Home Warranty
Most newly constructed homes come with a warranty, such as the National House Building Council (NHBC) Buildmark warranty. This warranty typically covers the first 10 years after completion and protects against major structural defects. During the initial two years, the builder is usually responsible for addressing any snagging issues that arise.

2. Consumer Rights Act 2015
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides protection for homebuyers by requiring that goods and services, including new homes, must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. This legislation is crucial in holding builders accountable for addressing snagging issues and ensuring the property meets the expected standards.

3. Snagging Survey
New homeowners have the right to commission a professional snagging survey before completing the purchase. This survey will help identify any issues that may not be immediately apparent, giving you the opportunity to request that the builder rectify them before you move in.

4. Defective Premises Act 1972
The Defective Premises Act 1972 holds builders accountable for ensuring that properties are constructed with reasonable care and skill. If your new home suffers from defects that pose a risk to your health or safety, you may have legal recourse under this act.

5. Communication with the Builder
Effective communication with the builder is key. Document all snagging issues in writing and keep a record of your correspondence. If the builder fails to address the issues within a reasonable time frame, you may need to escalate the matter through legal channels. As you would expect, any steps possible must always be taken to avoid costly, and timely legal actions.

Contact Us

Understanding your legal rights as a new homeowner is crucial when it comes to snagging issues. From new home warranties to consumer protection laws, the legal landscape provides avenues for recourse if you find yourself facing defects in your recently purchased property. Be proactive, conduct a thorough snagging survey, and communicate openly with the builder to ensure your new home meets the standards you rightfully expect. Remember, a well-informed homeowner is better equipped to navigate the legal aspects of snagging and enjoy the full benefits of their new investment. Infinity ProServ is always available to offer any new homeowner support with a snagging survey. Simply call 0800 148 8088, or complete the form below, and one of our team will contact you.

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When you're purchasing a new-build home, or even towards the end of a project at your existing home, carrying out a snagging survey is critical to ensuring that you formally resolve any issues at handover, and during the rectification period.

Snagging – A Glossary of Terms

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Snagging – A Glossary of Terms

When you're purchasing a new-build home, or even towards the end of a project at your existing home, carrying out a snagging survey is critical to ensuring that you formally resolve any issues at handover, and during the rectification period.

Architect: A professional who designs and plans the layout and structure of a new home, ensuring it meets aesthetic, functional, and regulatory requirements.

Builder/Contractor: A professional or company responsible for executing the construction of the new domestic property according to the architect’s plans and specifications.

Building Regulations: Legal regulations specifying the minimum standards for construction, safety, and habitability that must be adhered to in the construction of new domestic properties.

Common Snags: Some of the most common snags found in newly built properties include:

  • Minor cosmetic defects: Such as scratches, dents, and paintwork imperfections.

  • Incomplete work: Such as missing tiles, gaps in flooring, and unfinished woodwork.

  • Faulty fixtures and fittings: Such as doors that don’t close properly, windows that leak, and electrical sockets that don’t work.

  • Structural defects: Such as cracks in walls, uneven floors, and leaking roofs.

Completion Certificate: Documentation provided by the builder confirming that the property has been completed to a satisfactory standard.

Defect: Any imperfection, fault, or problem in the construction or finish of a new build property that deviates from the specified standards.

Drawings: Detailed drawings or digital representations outlining the design, dimensions, and specifications of the new domestic property.

Final Walkthrough: A final inspection of the new build property by the homeowner before accepting the handover, usually done to ensure that all snagging issues have been addressed.

Handover: The formal transfer of a new build property from the developer/builder to the homeowner, typically marked by the completion of construction and finalisation of paperwork.

Home Warranty: Insurance covering structural defects in new build homes for a specific period, often 10 years. The Building Safety Act 2022 has updated the laws for mandatory building warranties on new build homes. Part 5 (Section 144–145) of this legislation states that anyone who undertakes or commissions the construction or conversion of a building to create a dwelling must provide a building warranty in order to sell it.

Inspector/Snagging Surveyor: A professional hired by the homeowner to conduct a snagging inspection, identifying and recording defects in the new build property.

New Build Property: A residential property that has been recently constructed and has not been previously occupied.

Planning Permission: Local Authority process to gain approval to build a new home (or other building) at a location to an agreed design/specification.

Pre-completion Inspection: An inspection of a newly built property that is carried out before it is handed over to the homeowner. This inspection is an opportunity for the homeowner to identify any snags that need to be rectified. This is usually a less-formal part of the construction process on the part of the builder.

Quality Control: The measures and processes implemented by builders to ensure that construction meets the required standards and specifications.

Remedial Work: The work carried out to rectify snags in a newly built property. This work is typically carried out by the developer/builder.

Retention: A practice where a percentage of the payment to the builder is withheld by the homeowner until all snagging issues are satisfactorily resolved.

Snagging: The process of identifying and rectifying defects or issues in a new build property before final handover.

Snagging Company: A professional service hired by homeowners to conduct thorough snagging inspections, providing an unbiased assessment of the property’s condition.

Snagging List: A comprehensive record of all defects, issues, or incomplete tasks identified during the snagging process, often used as a reference for remedial work.

Snagging Period: The period of time after a newly built property has been handed over to the homeowner during which snags can be identified and rectified. This period is typically six months.

Snagging Process: The snagging process typically involves the following steps:

  1. The homeowner identifies snags and compiles a snagging list.

  2. The homeowner submits the snagging list to the developer/builder.

  3. The developer/builder inspects the snags and agrees to rectify them.

  4. The developer/builder carries out rectification work.

  5. The homeowner inspects the rectification work and confirms that the snags have been fixed.

Snagging Survey: A more detailed inspection of a newly built property that is carried out by a professional snagging surveyor. This inspection is more likely to identify hidden defects than a pre-completion inspection.

Top Tips for Snagging

The glossary above should hopefully help you through the snagging process as part of your new home purchase. We’ve also listed below our top tips to consider: 

  • Be thorough: Carry out a thorough inspection of the entire property, both inside and out.

  • Document everything: Take notes and photos of any snags you find.

  • Be patient: The snagging process can take time, so be patient and persistent.

  • Get professional help: If you are not confident in your ability to snag your property yourself, consider hiring a professional snagging inspector. Contact Infinity Planning by calling  or completing the form below.

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The Building Safety Act was enacted to enhance the safety of buildings following the Grenfell Tower Fire.

Understanding the Impact on Homeowners: Changes to the Building Safety Act in the UK

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Understanding the Impact on Homeowners Changes to the Building Safety Act in the UK

The Building Safety Act in the United Kingdom has undergone significant changes, ushering in a new era of regulations aimed at enhancing the safety and accountability of buildings.

These amendments have far-reaching implications for homeowners, shaping the way properties are constructed, managed, and maintained.

Whilst a large driver to these changes came from the Grenfell Tower Disaster, and as a result high-rise blocks come in for major regulatory reform, any building that is covered by Building Regulations is impacted by the changes to the Building Safety Act.

The Building Safety Act was enacted to enhance the safety of buildings following the Grenfell Tower Fire.

With major changes to the Building Safety Act coming into force, we have outlined below the major changes that will have an impact:

1. Strengthened Regulatory Framework:

The revised Building Safety Act bolsters the regulatory framework, placing a stronger emphasis on the responsibility of building owners and developers. Homeowners can expect increased scrutiny and stringent measures to ensure that their properties meet elevated safety standards.

2. The Introduction of three new regulatory bodies:

  • The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will oversee the safety and performance of all buildings, as well as having a special focus on high-rise buildings. It will promote competence and organisational capability within the sector including for building control professionals and tradespeople.
  • The National Construction Products Regulator (NRCP) will oversee a more effective construction products regulatory regime and lead and co-ordinate market surveillance and enforcement in this sector across the UK. The NRCP has already started taking enforcement action under the scope of existing regulations. The new regulatory regime will start to apply once the necessary secondary legislation on the future regulatory regime has been approved by Parliament.
  • The New Homes Ombudsman Scheme will allow relevant owners of new-build homes to escalate complaints to a New Homes Ombudsman. Developers of new-build homes will be required by secondary legislation to become and remain a member of the New Homes Ombudsman Scheme and secondary legislation will also set out the enforcement framework and sanctions for breaching requirements. Infinity Planning’s snagging services cover elements of ensuring new homes are built to the standards expected. The Secretary of State may also approve or issue a developers’ code of practice which sets out the standards of conduct and the standards of quality of work expected of the New Homes Ombudsman scheme’s members.

3. Heightened Accountability for Developers:

Homebuyers will benefit from the Act’s increased accountability for developers. Stricter rules regarding design, construction, and maintenance demand that developers adhere to higher standards, reducing the likelihood of safety issues emerging in the long term. This shift places greater importance on transparency and communication between developers and homeowners.

4. Extension of the “Golden Thread” Principle:

The Act reinforces the “Golden Thread” principle, emphasizing the need for comprehensive documentation throughout a building’s life cycle. Homeowners will now have access to detailed information about their property, facilitating better understanding and proactive management of safety-related aspects.

5. Enhanced Resident Engagement:

A key aspect of the changes is the encouragement of resident engagement in the safety processes. Homeowners will have a more active role in building safety, with mechanisms in place for reporting concerns and participating in safety assessments. This empowerment ensures that those living in the buildings are integral to maintaining a safe living environment.

6. Remediation of Unsafe Cladding:

In response to past safety concerns, the Building Safety Act addresses the issue of unsafe cladding. Homeowners affected by this will witness targeted measures to identify, assess, and remediate hazardous cladding materials, mitigating risks associated with fire safety and structural integrity.

Contact Us

The amendments to the Building Safety Act in the UK mark a pivotal moment in ensuring the well-being of homeowners. With a focus on accountability, transparency, and resident involvement, these changes aim to create a safer and more secure living environment. As these regulations take effect, homeowners can anticipate a more vigilant and responsible approach to building safety, ultimately fostering trust in the properties they call home. Infinity Planning can support you in ensuring that any designs for extensions, loft conversions or even new build properties are fully compliant with the amended regulations. Simply call us on 0800 148 8088 or complete the form below:

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