Kitchen Snagging Checklist

A snag is a defect found in your new build property after building work has been completed, often as a result of poor workmanship. A snagging survey investigates your property for major and minor issues that your housebuilder needs to rectify. This could include anything that falls below acceptable standards, is not completed to the specification, or breaches building regulations.

This checklist highlights some of the most common snags we look for in the kitchen. This list is not exhaustive and acts as a good starting point when finding kitchen snags. HouseScan’s snagging inspectors have the experience and expert eye to identify all the faults in your new kitchen, including those listed below and many more.

• Plasterwork is smooth, even, and free from rough patches, bumps, and cracks, and neatly finished around sockets, switches, and corners
• All paintwork is completed and free from blemishes and chips
• All surfaces are clean and free from cracks and scratches
• Wall and floor tiling is fully grouted and neatly finished between tiles and around sockets
• Flooring is laid level and free of unevenness
• Sheet flooring is flat and free from curling edges and bubbling
• Skirting boards are undamaged and free from defects
• There is no shrinkage between skirtings and walls
• The worktop, sink, taps, and hob are sealed properly
• All joints are clean and invisible
• All units and worktops are fixed properly and free from damage
• All drawers and doors to kitchen units operate properly
• Cabinets and cupboards are level and doors are hung correctly
• All appliances are clean, undamaged and working properly
• All appliances have operating instructions and guarantees
• All sanitary fittings are clean and undamaged
• The dishwasher and washing machine are fully plumbed in and connected
• Water flows to taps and appliances properly
• There are no leaks in pipes or underneath the sink
• The sink is free from dents and scratches
• Radiators are fixed to the wall properly, free from leaks, and work properly
• Extractor fans work properly and are fitted correctly
• Windows and doors open and shut properly and easily without jamming
• Window and door frames are level, sealed, and free from scratches and cracks
• Kitchen window locks and bolts engage properly
• Keys for the windows and doors are included
• Glazing is free from cracks, scratches, and paint splashes
• Light fittings are installed correctly and work properly – all lights turn on and off
• Sockets and outlets are working
• Sockets are secure and level
• Smoke alarms are working
• Appliance grid switch is wired correctly
• The mains water valve is secured and installed correctly

This is a list of the most common issues found in the kitchen that your snagging inspector will look for amongst many others. If you identify any of these issues yourself, contact us today to book a snagging inspection in which your inspector will carry out a thorough examination to assess all the faults in your kitchen and the whole property.

Naturally, the confusion that homeowners face is their lack of understanding of the tolerances and requirements within these defects and this will often cause disagreements between the homeowner and house builder.

This is why a snagging survey is indispensable in identifying snags and making sure the housebuilder puts them right. We cannot stress the importance of hiring a professional snagging inspector who has the knowledge and expertise to identify all snags that will go unnoticed to the untrained eye.