How Much Does a Snagging Survey Cost?
A new build snagging survey costs between £300 to £600 on average. The cost depends on the size and location of the home and the surveyor undertaking the snagging inspection.
As new house prices continue to rise, investing in a snagging survey could be well worth the cost for peace of mind. Additionally, the cost could be offset by the savings you would make on remedial work in the future.
New homes must meet new-build warranty standards and building regulations. That said, mistakes can be made during the building process. Whilst they can be minor, sometimes these can lead to major issues in the future. This is why a snagging survey benefits buyers of newly built homes.
Below we look at whether a snagging survey is worth the cost and how to find a professional to inspect your new-build home.
Is a Snagging Survey Worth it?
A snagging survey can not only give you peace of mind, but it could also save you money further down the line. Once your new home is out of warranty, you will need to pay for any repairs or improvements yourself.
With a relatively low cost of £300-£600 versus the cost of a new build home, you can almost guarantee value for money.
If little to no issues are discovered, you can move in without concerns. If multiple or larger issues are found, these can be remedied before you start living in the home. In turn, this saves you hassle and expenses in the future.
Problems found in a snagging survey range from cosmetic defects to serious concerns. Common issues can include poor workmanship, issues with external brickwork or structural defects. Some surveyors will include photographic evidence in their reports.
When Should I Get One?
It is highly recommended that the snagging survey takes place before you move into the home. The surveyor will provide evidence of issues or unfinished work. You can then raise with the housebuilder. This allows them to rectify any issues before you move into the property.
The types of surveys available include:
- Pre-completion New House Snagging Report
- Post-completion Snagging Report
Many developers will not allow a surveyor on site until the sale has been legally completed. With this in mind, the best time for a snagging survey is between completion and moving in.
Once you are living in the home, having a surveyor inspect the home can be more difficult. Logistically, it makes it harder for the surveyor as your possessions will be in the home.
Additionally, it may be harder to prove that the issues were down to the initial construction. The homebuilder could argue that any damage happened after you moved in. It will be much harder to prove that these issues were present before you began living there.
Save on Your Snagging Survey
Speak to a RICS or RPSA Surveyor Today
Who Pays for a Snagging Survey?
New home buyers who are usually responsible for paying for the snagging survey. It is an optional survey, for the buyer’s reassurance and peace of mind. If you wish to have a snagging survey done, you should factor this into the cost of buying a house.
Some buyers may try to pass the snagging report cost to the house builder. This would be done by adding it to your purchase contract. Keep in mind that this will be up to the discretion of the property development company.
However, any major faults or defects found in the report should be repaired by the housebuilders. Usually, this is at no cost to the homeowner during the warranty period.
Can I Do My Own Snagging List?
Technically you can carry out your own new build snagging list. If you are confident in your ability to find issues and knowledge of property, this could save you money. But, be aware that if issues are present, a professional report will hold more clout with the home builder. This is important when raising issues with the homebuilder to have snags rectified.
You may save money doing your own snagging, but if you are not an expert, you may miss potential issues. A snagging survey can take up to 6 hours, depending on the size of the home. A professional surveyor will have experience and knowledge of the process. They will know exactly what to look for and what is required from the property developer.
Save on Your Snagging Survey
Speak to a RICS or RPSA Surveyor Today
How to Save Money on Snagging List
Although doing your own snagging survey could save you money, you run the risk of missing serious concerns. By hiring a professional snagger, you can be safe in the knowledge that the survey has been completed to a high standard.
One of the best ways to save money on a snagging report is by comparing local surveyors. Compare My Move can match you with up to 6 expert snagging surveyors in your area.
These will all either be approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA). This allows you to compare prices and find the best snagging serviceto assess your new home.
