New Build Snagging Survey

At River Crest Surveyors, we provide professional new build snagging surveys for clients in Hampshire and the surrounding area. Our RICS-accredited surveyors will offer expert advice and inform you of any critical issues before you move into your newly built home.

If you are interested in a new build snagging survey, you can speak to our team today by filling out our contact form or calling 023 8129 0888.

  • Experienced and RICS accredited surveyors

  • Fast and reliable reports and data

What is a new build snagging survey?

A new build snagging survey is a professional inspection of your newly constructed home, designed to highlight any problems before you move in. Even brand-new properties can suffer from defects—ranging from minor cosmetic issues such as poor paintwork or uneven finishes, to more serious concerns like structural faults or breaches of building regulations. By commissioning a snagging survey, you ensure that any issues are identified and documented while your builder is still responsible for correcting them.

For homebuyers in Hampshire and the South of England, a snagging survey provides peace of mind at a crucial stage in the buying process. Our RICS-qualified surveyors use a detailed snagging checklist to examine every aspect of your property, from the roof and glazing to the plumbing, electrics, and finishes. Any defects or non-compliance with building standards are clearly reported, giving you a comprehensive record to present to your developer. With this independent assessment, you can be confident that your new home meets the quality and safety standards you expect—before you pick up the keys.

What does a new build snagging survey include?

A new build snagging list includes:

Roofs

  • Checking for any loose or misplaced tiles.
  • The lofts are well insulated and have optimised performance.
  • The pipework is correctly installed.

Walls

  • Any cracks in the walls.
  • The paint is even and has been done to a high standard.
  • The plaster is smooth and applied correctly.

Windows and Doors

  • Windows have been fitted without any gaps between the window and the frame.
  • Insufficient handles and hinges.
  • Doors or windows are opening correctly.
  • The locks are working correctly.

Electrics

  • Test that all plug sockets are installed and working.
  • USB plug points are sufficient.
  • All light switches are tested.

Plumbing

  • No blockages or smells.
  • Water runs smoothly.
  • The toilets are flushing.
  • All taps have running water.

Flooring

  • All carpets and floorboards have been laid properly with no gaps.

Should I get a new build snagging survey?

Yes—having a new build snagging survey is highly recommended. The purpose of the new build snagging survey is to identify defects and unfinished work while the property is still under construction or immediately after completion, and crucially, before you move in. Many new homes are built quickly to meet demand, which can sometimes result in oversights or poor workmanship. Without a professional inspection, these issues often go unnoticed until after you've moved in, leaving you with the stress of negotiating repairs and the risk of unexpected costs.

By arranging a snagging survey in advance, you ensure that any problems—whether cosmetic defects, such as poor plastering and paintwork, or more serious concerns, like faulty plumbing, insulation gaps, or breaches of building regulations—are flagged early. This means your developer remains responsible for fixing them, giving you greater peace of mind and protecting your investment before you take possession of your new home.

Why choose River Crest Surveyors?

Knowledgeable Team

Every one of our surveyors has RICS accreditation combined with years of experience so that you can have an in-depth snagging survey. All of our surveys come with details of the surveyors and their expertise.

Overall Review

After the snagging survey is finished, our team will provide an in-depth review detailing the issues found during the survey.

Legal Standards

All of our newly built snagging surveys meet legal requirements with a disclosure to ensure that it was an unbiased survey with no previous involvement.

Meticulous Detail

Our RICS surveyors will examine every fine detail of the new build to produce an accurate report that flags even the most minor of defects.

Avoid Surprises

Having a new build snagging survey will give you knowledge of your new home and help you avoid potential safety concerns or unexpected costs.

Maintenance Tips

Our team of surveyors are on hand to offer any maintenance tips for your new build and best practices once you own it.

About River Crest Surveyors

If you are looking for an in-depth and comprehensive new-build snagging survey, our expert team at River Crest Surveyors is the team for you. From our home in Southampton, our RICS-accredited surveyors offer clients the best possible evaluation of their newly built homes. Speak with our team today by using our contact form or calling 023 8129 0888 to get a new build snagging survey cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are based in Southampton, and our team of chartered surveyors covers Hampshire, Twickenham, Portsmouth, Guildford, and the surrounding areas. However, our team can reach most of the UK, excluding Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Our RICS-accredited surveyors are usually available over the next few days. If you require an immediate appointment, you can speak with our team today.

No, we do not use trainee surveyors for any of our new-build snagging surveys. The whole team at River Crest Surveyors are fully RICS-accredited surveyors, so you can be assured that experts do these surveys.

While you can do a snagging survey yourself, which can be a good way to start the process, we recommend that you use a professional surveyor. Our snagging surveys would identify the more complex issues and make recommendations for the next steps.

Yes, our Level 2 Homebuyer Surveys are suitable for all standard-type properties and have a simple traffic light system, making them easy to understand. Our Level 3 Building Surveys are a more comprehensive report that examines each element of the property. Check out our blog, which looks at five reasons why you should consider a survey when buying a home. 

Even new builds can have faults due to rushed construction or overlooked quality checks. A snagging survey ensures all issues are identified early and rectified at the developer's expense, saving you time, stress, and unexpected costs later.

All snagging surveys are conducted by qualified RICS chartered surveyors, ensuring a professional, impartial inspection with a detailed report that developers take seriously.

Ideally, a snagging survey should be carried out before you legally complete on the property, so defects can be resolved before you move in. If this isn't possible, arranging one as soon as possible after completion—while your home is still under the builder's warranty—is highly recommended.