Birmingham Surveyors UK conducts snagging surveys on new build properties across Birmingham and the West Midlands, regularly identifying hundreds of defects in supposedly "finished" homes. New build buyers often assume warranties eliminate survey needs—a dangerous misconception. Our RICS chartered surveyors protect new build buyers by identifying defects before completion when developers are most motivated to fix problems. This guide explains snagging surveys, common new build defects, and why professional inspections are essential even for brand new Birmingham properties.
What Is a Snagging Survey?
Snagging surveys inspect new build properties identifying defects, incomplete work, and specification failures. Birmingham Surveyors UK's building surveyors conduct meticulous inspections before legal completion, producing detailed snag lists with photographs documenting all problems. Developers must rectify identified issues before buyers complete purchases. Snagging surveys cost £300-£600 typically but protect £200,000-£500,000+ investments ensuring buyers receive properties meeting expected standards.
Common New Build Defects Birmingham Surveyors UK Finds
Our chartered surveyors regularly identify defects including: Poor paintwork with runs, marks, and missed areas. Damaged or poorly fitted doors and windows. Cracked or damaged plasterwork. Poorly fitted kitchen units and worktops. Bathroom sealant gaps and shower screen issues. Scratched or damaged flooring. Chipped tiles and grout problems. Missing or damaged electrical facepiates. Inadequate external finishes. Drainage and guttering problems. Heating system deficiencies. Garden and external works incomplete. Building regulation non-compliance issues. Specification failures where promised features are missing or substandard.
Birmingham Surveyors UK's snagging surveys regularly identify 50-300+ defects per property depending on size and build quality. Developers are contractually obligated to fix these problems, but only if identified before completion. After completion, proving defects existed at handover becomes difficult and warranty claims prove challenging. Our snagging surveys protect buyers ensuring properties meet expected standards.
Why New Build Warranties Aren't Enough
New build properties come with NHBC or similar warranties covering structural defects for 10 years. However, warranties don't cover everything. Cosmetic defects often aren't covered. Specification failures may not qualify. Warranty claims require evidence and can be disputed. Claiming under warranties after moving in causes disruption. Developers are less motivated to fix problems after completion. Our snagging surveys identify problems before completion when developers must rectify issues to complete sales. This timing gives buyers maximum leverage ensuring proper standards.
The Snagging Survey Process
Birmingham Surveyors UK's snagging process includes: Pre-completion inspection visiting properties 1-2 weeks before legal completion. Systematic room-by-room inspection checking all elements. Photography documenting all defects clearly. Detailed snag list preparation itemizing every problem. Report delivery providing comprehensive evidence for developers. Developer liaison helping ensure problems are addressed. Re-inspection after repairs confirming satisfactory completion. Our chartered surveyors bring extensive new build experience identifying problems buyers might miss.
Birmingham New Build Developments
Birmingham sees substantial new build activity across the city centre and suburbs. Developments near Birmingham city centre, the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, and suburban locations all benefit from professional snagging surveys. Birmingham Surveyors UK has inspected properties across major Birmingham developments, understanding common issues affecting local builders and helping buyers receive proper standards before completion.
When to Commission Snagging Surveys
Book snagging surveys 2-3 weeks before completion dates. This timing allows comprehensive inspections, snag list preparation, developer repairs, and re-inspection before legal completion. Birmingham Surveyors UK recommends early booking preventing last-minute survey unavailability. We work flexibly accommodating completion date changes common with new builds.
What Happens After Snagging
After receiving Birmingham Surveyors UK's snag list, developers schedule rectification works. Buyers should insist on repairs before completion—this is the strongest negotiating position. Our building surveyors offer re-inspection services confirming satisfactory completion. If developers refuse repairs, buyers can renegotiate completion prices, delay completion until works complete, or in extreme cases withdraw from purchases. Our detailed photographic evidence supports buyer positions in any disputes.
Snagging vs. Full Surveys
Snagging surveys focus on defects and finish quality, not structural condition. New builds rarely need full structural surveys. However, Birmingham Surveyors UK recommends snagging surveys for ALL new build purchases. The modest cost protects substantial investments ensuring buyers receive properties meeting expected standards. Our surveys have helped hundreds of Birmingham buyers identify defects totaling thousands in repair value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Birmingham Surveyors UK identifies defects in virtually every new build we inspect. Warranties don't eliminate survey needs—they cover some problems but not cosmetic defects or specification failures. Professional snagging surveys ensure properties meet expected standards before completion.
Snagging surveys typically cost £300-£600 for standard properties. This modest investment protects £200,000-£500,000+ purchases, identifying defects worth thousands in repair value. Birmingham Surveyors UK provides transparent quotes based on property size.
Developers are contractually obligated to deliver properties to specified standards. Birmingham Surveyors UK's detailed photographic snag lists provide strong evidence supporting buyer positions. Most developers cooperate, but buyers can delay completion, renegotiate prices, or withdraw if necessary.
You'll spot obvious problems, but professional surveyors identify issues you'll miss. Birmingham Surveyors UK's chartered building surveyors bring extensive experience and trained eyes spotting defects buyers overlook. Our systematic approach ensures comprehensive property assessment.
Book 2-3 weeks before completion allowing inspection, snag list preparation, developer repairs, and re-inspection. Birmingham Surveyors UK recommends early booking as completion dates often change with new builds, and last-minute availability may be limited.
Buying a New Build in Birmingham?
Birmingham Surveyors UK provides professional snagging surveys across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Protect your new build investment with our comprehensive inspections.
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