Things to look for when snagging a build
When building your home, there will always be small defects or problems discovered along the way – even sometimes after the building work is complete.
However, smaller issues such as sticking doors or cracked tiles may detect bigger issues, such as poor drainage or a boiler fault.
It's a good idea to bring sticky notes with you to pop next to defects without leaving an unsightly mark.
What should I look out for when snagging a new build?
As an overview, these are the things you need to look out for:
- Damage to walls in areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Use a spirit level to check surfaces and floors are level.
- Ensure floors have no trip hazards.
- Damaged or seriously chipped bricks.
- Check woodwork, paintwork, glazing and tiling for surface defects. Look and feel for chips and scratches, splashes of paint and cracks on the walls and ceilings.
- Doors and windows are correctly fitted and open properly. Check that keys, hinges, and locks, drawers and other fitted units all work smoothly.
You should also check that:
- Heating performs as efficiently as expected.
- Light fittings and sockets are not damaged or loose.
- Shrinkage between skirting boards and walls.
- Water stains on walls.
- Tiles are undamaged and properly grouted. Silicon is flush to tiles and other surfaces.
- Loose fixtures such as taps and light fittings. You may also discover the hot and cold water are the wrong way around.
- Gaps around pipes coming through walls.
- Scratched or cracked windows.
- Loose or blocked guttering.
- Electrics including ovens, alarms, fans and lights are safe and work.
Want more details?
The National House Building Council, a not-for-profit building insurer and adviser to the construction industry, provides an easy-to-follow guide.