How Much Does a Snagging Survey Cost?
A new build snagging survey will cost between £300 to £600, depending on the size of the home. The cost will also depend on the company or individual undertaking the survey.
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.
Although new homes must meet new-build warranty standards, 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 is so beneficial for buyers of new build homes.
Below we look at whether snagging is worth the cost and how to find the right professional to inspect your new-build home.
Can I Do My Own Snagging List?
Technically you can do 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. That said, 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
Is a Snagging Survey Worth it?
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 found, you can move in without concerns. If multiple or larger issues are found, these can be rectified before you start living in the home. In turn, this saves you hassle and expenses in the future.
Issues found in a snagging survey can range from minor cosmetic defects to serious concerns. These can include poor workmanship, issues with external brickwork or structural problems.
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.
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.
Many property 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 prior to your living there.
Some professionals suggest having a snagging survey both before and after you move in. This is up to you, depending on how much you are willing to spend and how much reassurance you want on the home.
Save on Your Snagging Survey
Speak to a RICS or RPSA Surveyor Today
Who Pays for a Snagging Survey?
It is the 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 wish to try passing the cost of the survey 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.
But, 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.
How to Save Money on Snagging List
Although doing your own snagging survey could save you money, you run the risk of missing potentially serious concerns. By hiring a professional, 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 who are RICS or RPSA approved. This allows you to compare prices and find the best snagging service to assess your new home.
