Do you pay for snagging?

Snagging is the common slang expression, used by builders and the public, meaning that there are certain defects on the completion of building or construction. A snagging inspection is a process in which a professional will observe the home and take a thorough look at it in order to complete a list of minor defects or omissions after the building work has taken place. This list will then be reviewed by the contractor so that the snags can be fixed.

In this blog, we will discuss ‘do you pay for snagging’ including a discussion about what a snag is, what a snagging list is, do you pay for snagging, whether snagging is worth it, whether a builder can refuse to pay and how you can snag your home.

If you’re looking for a professional to write a snagging list for you, get in touch with HouseScan today.

What is a snag?

A snag is a small problem with the building that can be noted once the building work has been completed. This could be from a cracked tile on the wall to a door that doesn’t close properly and so on. Typically, these snags will be cosmetic, but they can also incorporate more serious defects on major fixtures that may become dangerous.

What is a snagging list?

A snagging list will be prepared and issued by an appropriate certification authority, who will detect certain snags in your property and liaise with the builders so that they can rectify their mistakes. All of the faults that have been identified must be sorted out by the contractors before the certificate of practical completion is awarded. You should start making a snagging list when your property is completed and is ready to move into.

If you get a snagging company to complete one of these lists after you’ve moved in, it might be a little trickier to get the snags fixed as the builders of the home could claim that the problems were not there before and the defects were from your doing.

Although it is best to get a snagging list completed as soon as possible, you still have the right to report any defects and faults to the building two years from the date of completion. During this time, there is a warranty period which means your home builder is legally obliged to fix all of the defects in your home.

Do you pay for snagging?

You as the buyer will have to pay for the snagging list to be carried out, however under certain conditions, the builder will have to pay for the repairs. It’s best to get a professional snagger inspector to look at your house so that they can negotiate with the builders to make sure you get the most out of what you’re paying for.

Is snagging worth it?

It is estimated that just 2% of new builds don’t have any snags in the home. Low-level severity snags may seem trivial at first, however, if you had a faulty door and blocked guttering, that already adds up to £165. This isn’t the worst problem in the world, but there are also mid-level severity issues such as external doors that have been poorly fitted which could cost £165. In the case of a faulty door, this could not just pose a hefty cost, but could also pose a security risk.

Can a house builder refuse to fix any problems on the snagging list?

The housebuilder is responsible for fixing any issues with your new build, complying with the rules set by the warranty and their insurance provider. The only debate the issue might cause between the snagging company and your builder is what is classed as a snag. This happens because snagging is subjective, which is why you should hire a professional for this job as they understand how to better liaise and negotiate with the housebuilders.

How can I get my home snagged?

You can hire a professional to complete a snagging list and negotiate with the builders. House Scan are great at negotiating with your housebuilders and have plenty of experience in this field. If you would like to examine the home yourself before calling in a professional snagger, you should check the following:

Electrics: Check that all plug sockets are working.
Windows: Make sure that all of the windows close properly and that no cold air is coming through.
Doors: Check that all of the doors are secure and working properly.

Thank you for reading our blog ‘Do you pay for snagging?’. If you would like a professional snagger to come to visit your new build, get in touch with House Scan today.