Specialist new-build snagging surveys

Independent snagging surveys for new-build homes

RPSA Accredited snagging inspections backed by 10 years’ experience surveying new-build properties and assessing workmanship against NHBC Standards.

Pre-completion or post-completion inspections, with photographic reports issued within 2 business days.

With offices in the North East and the Midlands, SnagMate provides independent new-build snagging surveys across both regions.

  • RPSA Accredited
  • 10 years' new-build experience
  • Report within 2 business days
A modern UK new-build detached house in bright daylight

RPSA Accredited

Accredited with the Residential Property Surveyors Association.

10 years' new-build experience

A decade inspecting newly built and recently completed homes.

Report within 2 business days

Photographic reporting issued promptly after your inspection.

The basics

What is a snagging survey?

An independent inspection of a newly built or recently completed home, carried out to identify defects, poor workmanship and unfinished items in one clear record.

SnagMate is instructed by you, not by the developer, so findings are recorded objectively. SnagMate is independent and is not affiliated with, employed by, or endorsed by NHBC.

More about snagging surveys

Pre-completion inspection

If your developer permits access before completion, a pre-completion inspection can identify defects before you take possession of the property.

Same price either way

Post-completion inspection

If access is not available before completion, the property can be inspected after you receive the keys.

Same price either way

Not sure which option is right for you? Contact SnagMate and we can discuss the timing of your inspection.

Why SnagMate

Specialist snagging expertise

An independent, personally handled service built around new-build construction.

  • Independent service

    SnagMate is instructed by you, not by the developer.

  • Handled directly by Cameron

    One point of contact from enquiry through to report and follow-up questions.

  • RPSA Accredited

    Accredited with the Residential Property Surveyors Association.

  • 10 years' new-build experience

    A decade surveying newly built and recently completed homes.

  • NHBC Standards experience

    Workmanship assessed with reference to NHBC Standards. Independent of NHBC.

  • Thermal imaging where appropriate

    May assist in identifying temperature anomalies, subject to conditions.

  • Drone inspection where appropriate

    Used for roof and high-level views, subject to weather, safety and airspace.

  • Report within 2 business days

    Photographic reporting issued promptly after the inspection.

  • Transparent pricing

    A published price list, with the same price pre- or post-completion.

  • Genuine quote price match

    Send us a comparable written quote and we will do our best to match it.

Inspection scope

What we check

Typical areas reviewed during a SnagMate inspection.

  • Internal finishes

    • Plaster, wall and ceiling finishes
    • Paint coverage and finishing quality
    • Floor finishes and floor coverings
    • Marking, chipping and damage to finished surfaces
  • Doors and windows

    • Alignment, gaps and operation
    • Ironmongery, handles and locks
    • Seals, trims, beading and glazing
    • Opening and closing where safe to do so
  • Kitchens and bathrooms

    • Units, doors, drawers and worktops
    • Sanitaryware, taps and shower fittings
    • Tiling, grout and sealant
    • Appliances checked where appropriate and within scope
  • Plumbing and heating

    • Visible pipework and fittings
    • Radiators and heating controls
    • Taps and visible waste connections
    • Signs of leaks where visible
  • Electrical fittings

    • Sockets, switches and visible fittings
    • Light fittings and extract fans where accessible
    • Installation quality and alignment
    • Function checks where appropriate and within scope
  • Joinery and second fix

    • Skirtings, architraves and mitres
    • Stairs, spindles and balustrades
    • Fitted storage and wardrobes
    • Trims, beads and finishing details

Typical areas reviewed. Inspections are visual and non-intrusive. Scope depends on safe access, site conditions and what is present at the property on the day.

See the full inspection scope

How it works

From quote request to raising items with your developer

Availability is confirmed manually — there is no automated online booking, so every date is agreed with you first.

  1. 01

    Request a quote

    Send the property details, postcode and your timescales using the quote form, by email or by phone.

  2. 02

    Availability confirmed

    Availability is checked manually and we come back to you to confirm a suitable inspection date.

  3. 03

    Property inspection

    A methodical inspection of the property, recording defects, poor workmanship and incomplete items.

  4. 04

    Report issued within 2 business days

    A clear photographic snagging report setting out each item and where it was found.

  5. 05

    Raise items with your developer

    The report is organised so the findings can be passed straight to your developer.

A re-inspection can be arranged after remedial works for £300.

After the report

Support Beyond the Report

Your support doesn't end when the snagging report is delivered. SnagMate stays available while remedial works are being carried out, helping you understand the developer's response and what happens next.

If the developer pushes back on an item, we can help you prepare a clear, evidence-based response based on the inspection findings and relevant standards. We'll guide you through the remedial process so you're not left dealing with it alone.

A follow-up inspection can be arranged after remedial works are completed to review previously identified items.

What post-report support includes

  • Help understanding your developer's response
  • Evidence-based guidance on pushback
  • Advice on what to expect during remedial works
  • Arranging a re-inspection when works are complete

Practical guidance, not legal representation or guaranteed dispute resolution.

The report

Preview a sample snagging report

Clients receive a professional snagging report with clear defect descriptions, photographic evidence and organised findings, written so the items can be raised directly with the developer.

Report issued within 2 business days.

Sample report available on request.

What the report contains

  • Clear, plain-English defect descriptions
  • Photographic evidence for each item
  • Findings organised by area of the property
  • Information suitable for raising items with your developer

Direct personal service

Your survey, handled personally

When you contact SnagMate, you deal directly with Cameron throughout — from your initial enquiry and quote request, through to the survey itself, report preparation and any follow-up questions.

Enquiries are welcome between 09:00–23:00, 7 days a week. That is extended availability rather than a guarantee of an instant response — every enquiry is answered personally.

  • RPSA Accredited
  • 10 years' experience surveying new-build properties
  • Experience assessing workmanship against NHBC Standards
One point of contact for your enquiry, inspection, report and follow-up questions.

Common defects

New-build defects are often small individually but add up quickly across a property.

  • Uneven paint and filler marks on an interior wall

    Poor finishes

  • Poorly applied sealant along a bathroom fitting

    Sealant defects

  • Internal door sitting unevenly within its frame

    Alignment issues

  • Scuffing and marking on a white window frame

    Cosmetic damage

  • Gap at the junction of a skirting board and architrave

    Joinery defects

  • Uneven mortar pointing on new external brickwork

    External defects

  • Unfinished room with outstanding second-fix work

    Incomplete works

  • Installation issues

    Image to follow. This slot is reserved for a photograph from a SnagMate inspection.

Illustrative placeholder images showing common categories of new-build defect. These are not photographs from SnagMate inspections and will be replaced with real survey photography.

Pricing

Build your quote in three steps

Tell us about the property and see your estimated snagging survey price straight away.

  1. Tell us about the property
  2. Your quote

Tell us about the property

Three quick details give you an estimated price for your snagging survey.

Property type
Number of bedrooms
Property purchase price

Choose all three options and your price appears here instantly.

Genuine quote price match

Received a genuine written quote for a comparable snagging survey? Send it to us and we will do our best to match it.

Price matching applies to genuine written quotes for a comparable professional snagging inspection of the same property. The inspection scope and service must be broadly equivalent. SnagMate reserves the right to decline a price match where the services are not comparable.

Coverage

Where SnagMate works

Areas covered

Operating from the North East and Midlands, SnagMate generally covers developments within approximately one hour of the A1, M18 and M6 corridors.

Not sure if we cover your development? Send us the postcode and we will confirm availability.

Reviews

What clients say

Reviews are submitted by clients and published only after they have been checked. We do not publish testimonials that have not been given by a real client.

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FAQs

Snagging survey questions

Common questions about snagging surveys, timing, scope and reporting.

What is a snagging survey?

An independent inspection of a newly built or recently completed home, carried out to identify defects, poor workmanship and unfinished items so they can be raised with your developer.

Should the inspection be before or after completion?

Both are equally valid and cost the same. If your developer permits access before completion, defects can be identified before you take possession. If access is not available, the property can be inspected after you receive the keys.

How much does a snagging survey cost?

The price depends on the property type, number of bedrooms and purchase price. Use the quote generator to see your estimated survey price in a few seconds, or contact us for a tailored quote. The price is the same pre-completion or post-completion, and a re-inspection is £300.

Do you price match?

If you have received a genuine written quote for a comparable snagging survey, send it to us and we will do our best to match it. The scope and service must be broadly equivalent.

How quickly do I receive the report?

The report is issued within 2 business days of the inspection.

What does the report include?

Clear defect descriptions, photographic evidence, organised findings and information suitable for raising the items with your developer.

Do you use thermal imaging?

Thermal imaging may be used where appropriate. It may assist in identifying temperature anomalies or areas requiring further consideration, and is not a diagnostic or intrusive test.

Do you use a drone?

A drone may be used where appropriate to view roof and high-level areas, subject to weather, location, safety and airspace restrictions.

Do you inspect the loft and drainage?

The loft or roof space is inspected where safely accessible, and manholes and drainage are inspected where accessible and practical on the day.

Do you assess against NHBC Standards?

Workmanship is assessed with reference to NHBC Standards, drawing on 10 years' experience surveying new-build properties. SnagMate is independent of NHBC.

Can I book a date online?

No. Availability is confirmed manually. Send a quote request with your preferred dates and we will come back to you to confirm the inspection.

What areas do you cover?

Operating from the North East and Midlands, SnagMate generally covers developments within approximately one hour of the A1, M18 and M6 corridors. Not sure if we cover your development? Send us the postcode and we will confirm availability.

Can I arrange a re-inspection?

Yes. A re-inspection can be arranged after remedial works for £300.

Who will carry out my survey?

Cameron handles enquiries, quotes, the inspection itself, the report and any follow-up questions.

General information only. For advice on your specific property, contact SnagMate on 07748 296002.

Next step

Get a quote for your snagging survey

Send us the property postcode and your timescales. We will confirm availability and come back to you with a quote.

Preferred dates are subject to availability. We will contact you to confirm your inspection.