A new home can contain incomplete finishes, defective fittings or more significant workmanship concerns. A snagging inspection focuses on defects and unfinished work around handover, while an RICS Home Survey provides a defined condition service. The labels should not be used interchangeably.
The appropriate arrangement depends on build stage, contract, access and the service offered. Buyers should confirm scope in writing and avoid assuming that a warranty, building-control process or lender valuation proves that every element is complete and defect-free.
What snagging is for
GOV.UK defines snags as defects or unfinished work in a new-build home and suggests considering a snagging survey once the property is built and before completion. Its purpose is to create a clear list for the developer to address.
Inspection timing and access may be controlled by the contract and developer. Agree how findings will be submitted, answered and rechecked; no visual inspection can guarantee that every concealed workmanship issue will be found.
How a home survey differs
RICS Level 1 may suit some conventional newer homes in good apparent condition, while other circumstances can justify Level 2 or a specialist service. A home survey considers construction, condition and risk under the agreed level rather than compiling only finish defects.
Neither service is automatically a structural design audit, building-regulations inspection or invasive investigation. Ask what roofs, common parts, services, thermal issues and finishes are covered.
Contracts, warranties and records
Ask the conveyancer about the warranty, building-control completion evidence, specification and contractual snagging procedure. NHBC requires homes in its process to meet its standards at handover, but warranty arrangements still have defined terms and exclusions.
Documents complement an independent inspection; they answer different questions. Report defects promptly through the required route and keep written records.
- Agree access and timing before completion.
- Confirm whether the service is snagging, an RICS survey or both.
- Check warranty and completion documents.
- Record defects through the developer’s process.
Choosing what to commission
Explain whether the property is complete, occupied or off-plan and what concerns you have. JBS should recommend only a service it is competent and contracted to deliver, with limitations made clear.
If a concern requires specialist testing or opening-up, seek permission and appropriate expertise. Do not rely on cosmetic appearance alone, but do not assume every minor snag indicates wider failure.
Advice for your property
Get the right professional inspection
Online guidance is useful, but it cannot account for the construction, condition and history of an individual property. Tell us what you are buying or need valued and we will explain the appropriate service.
Authoritative sources and further reading
The guide is general information, not property-specific, structural, legal, tax or financial advice. Source pages can change; consult the relevant professional for your circumstances.