New Build
Snagging Checklist

External & Approach

• Brickwork — consistent colour, no cracks, mortar joints even
• Render/cladding — no gaps, cracks, or uneven patches
• Roof tiles — straight lines, no slipped or cracked tiles
• Guttering and downpipes — securely fixed, no leaks at joints
• Fascias and soffits — no gaps, paint consistent
• Windows — all open, close, and lock smoothly from outside
• Front door — solid fit, no draughts, lock and handle work
• Driveway — even surface, no cracking, properly edged
• Paths and paving — level, no trip hazards, drainage slopes away from house
• Fencing and gates — upright, secure, latches work
• Drainage — manhole covers sit flush, no standing water

Entrance Hall & Stairs

• Front door — closes flush, no draughts, threshold sealed
• Flooring — level, no creaking, no visible gaps in joints
• Walls — smooth finish, no bumps, cracks, or uneven plaster
• Paintwork — even coverage, no brush marks, clean edges at skirting and ceiling
• Skirting boards — tight to wall, mitred corners neat
• Staircase — solid, no creaking, spindles firm and evenly spaced
• Handrail — securely fixed, smooth finish, no splinters
• Light switches and sockets — straight, flush to wall, all working
• Smoke detector — present, tested, correct position
• Under-stairs cupboard — door closes properly, interior finished

Living Room

• Walls and ceiling — no cracks, nail pops, or uneven plaster
• Paintwork — consistent colour, no runs or missed patches
• Windows — open, close, and lock. Seals tight, no draughts
• Window sills — no gaps between sill and wall, clean finish
• Flooring — level throughout, no creaks, carpet fitted tight to edges
• Skirting and architrave — tight joints, no gaps, consistent finish
• Electrical sockets — straight, firm, all working (bring a phone charger)
• Light fittings — working, centred, no visible wiring
• Radiator — securely fixed, heats evenly, no leaks at valves
• TV and media points — correctly positioned, functional
• Fireplace (if fitted) — surround secure, flue draws correctly

Kitchen

• Worktops — no chips, scratches, or uneven joints
• Worktop seal to wall — silicone bead continuous, no gaps
• Cupboard doors and drawers — all open, close, and align properly
• Soft-close hinges — working on every door and drawer
• Handles — straight, firmly attached
• Sink and taps — no leaks above or below, hot on left, cold on right
• Splashback/tiles — grouting complete, no cracked tiles, even spacing
• Oven and hob — installed level, all functions working, clock set
• Extractor fan — working, vented correctly (not just recirculating)
• Dishwasher and washing machine spaces — waste and water connections accessible
• Fridge/freezer space — power socket accessible, adequate ventilation
• Flooring — level, clean finish at edges, no lifting
• Plinth — no gaps under cabinets
• Electrical sockets — sufficient number, straight, all working
• Boiler — serviced, timer and thermostat programmed, pressure correct

Bedrooms

• Walls and ceiling — smooth plaster, no cracks or nail pops
• Paintwork — even finish, clean lines at ceiling and skirting
• Windows — open, close, lock. Trickle vents present and working
• Flooring — level, carpet stretched and gripped, no bumps
• Built-in wardrobes — doors slide or open smoothly, shelves level, rails secure
• Skirting and architrave — tight to wall, mitred corners neat
• Door — closes on latch, handle firm, no rubbing on carpet
• Electrical sockets — positioned correctly, straight, working
• Light switch — works, dimmer smooth if fitted
• Radiator — heats evenly, no leaks, TRV turns freely

Bathroom & En-Suite

• Bath — no chips or scratches, sits level, holds water
• Shower — adequate pressure, thermostat accurate, screen seals properly
• Shower tray — no flex when stood on, waste drains quickly
• Toilet — flushes fully, cistern refills quickly, seat secure
• Basin — no chips, taps work, hot on left
• Silicone seals — continuous bead around bath, shower, basin. No gaps
• Tiles — no cracked or hollow tiles (tap gently to check), grouting complete
• Grouting — consistent colour, no gaps, sealed at corners
• Towel rail/radiator — heats up, securely fixed
• Extractor fan — comes on with light or pull cord, adequate airflow
• Mirror and accessories — securely fixed, positioned correctly
• Flooring — waterproof, no lifting at edges, sealed to bath panel
• Bath panel — removable for access, no gaps at edges

Garage & Utility

• Garage door — opens and closes smoothly, locks securely
• Garage floor — level, no major cracks
• Power sockets in garage — working, RCD protected
• Utility plumbing — washing machine connections accessible, no leaks
• Utility flooring — waterproof, clean finish
• Boiler (if here) — accessible, serviced, pressure gauge in green
• Consumer unit — labelled correctly, RCD test button works
• Water stopcock — accessible, turns freely
• Gas meter — accessible, no smell of gas

Loft & Roof Space

• Loft hatch — opens smoothly, insulated, draught-stripped
• Loft ladder (if fitted) — secure, operates smoothly
• Insulation — laid to correct depth (270mm minimum), no gaps
• Roof felt — intact, no daylight visible through tiles
• Ventilation — eaves vents clear, no condensation
• Water tank (if present) — insulated, overflow pipe visible
• Wiring — tidy, no exposed connections

Before Legal Completion

Attend the builder's pre-completion inspection. Note all snags but do not sign anything confirming satisfaction until major issues are resolved.

First 2 Years (Defects Period)

Your builder must fix any defects that breach Building Regulations or the NHBC Buildmark standards. Report snags in writing as soon as you find them.

Years 3–10 (Structural Warranty)

NHBC covers major structural defects only (foundations, load-bearing walls, roof structure, drainage). Cosmetic issues are no longer covered.