New Build Snagging Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to identify defects — or "snags" — in your new build before or shortly after moving in. Developers are legally obliged to fix genuine defects under your NHBC Buildmark warranty. Don't skip this step.

Key Points

How to Use This Checklist

Go through each room methodically. Photograph every defect you find — include a measure or reference object for scale. Record the location and nature of each issue. Submit your list to the developer's site manager in writing and request written confirmation of the remediation plan and timescales.

🏠 External & Structure

Brickwork: chips, cracks, mortar gaps, staining
Render: cracks, uneven finish, missing areas
Roof tiles: broken, missing, misaligned
Ridge and hip tiles: secure and pointed
Chimney stack (if present): pointing, flashings
Gutters: secure, slope correct, no blockages
Downpipes: secure, connected to drain
Fascias and soffits: no gaps, painted/finished
Windows: sealed, no gaps in frames
Window sills: level, sealed, no cracks
Front door: opens/closes smoothly, seals
Driveway / path: level, no loose slabs, edged
Garden fencing: secure, level, no gaps
Gate: opens and latches properly
External lighting: working, fitted flush
Soil grading: slopes away from property

🚪 Entrance & Hallway

Front door: draughts, gap around frame
Doorbell: working
Letterbox: opens smoothly
Staircase: handrail secure, no squeaks
Bannisters: secure, correct height
Floor: level, no hollows or ridges
Skirting boards: mitre joints tight, painted
Coving: continuous, no cracks at joints
Walls: smooth plaster, no hollows/cracks
Light switches: working, flush-fitted
Sockets: working, flush-fitted, no gaps
Smoke/CO detector: fitted, working

🛋️ Living Room

Windows: open/close/lock correctly
Window handles: secure, correct operation
Trickle vents: present and operable
Double glazing: no condensation between panes
Fireplace/media wall: finish, socket positions
Ceiling: flat, no cracks, paint uniform
Walls: paint coverage, no shadows or brush marks
Skirting boards: level, no gaps at corners
Flooring: no gaps, squeaks, or lifted edges
TV aerial / satellite point: present if specified
Number of sockets: matches specification
Radiator: secure, working, no air in system

🍳 Kitchen

All units: level, doors aligned, soft-close hinges
Drawer runners: smooth operation
Worktops: no chips, joins sealed, level
Upstands / splashback: fully sealed at joins
Sink: level, sealed, no movement
Tap: no drips, hot/cold correct
Dishwasher connection: stub pipe fitted
Oven/hob: installed, working
Extractor fan: working, ducted correctly
Under-unit lighting: working
Plinth: fitted, no gaps
Appliances: all as specified, working
Tiles: all grouted, no cracked tiles
Integrated fridge/freezer: seals, working

🛏️ Bedrooms (check each)

Wardrobe doors: aligned, smooth operation
Wardrobe interior: shelves, rail secure
Windows: lock correctly, no condensation
Curtain pole fixings: in place (if specified)
TV/data points: present as per schedule
Sockets: correct number, correct height
Ceiling light: working, correct fitting
Carpet/flooring: no seams visible, laid correctly
Plaster: no hollows, cracks at ceiling
Radiator: working, no air in system

🚿 Bathroom & En-Suite (check each)

Bath: level, sealed at all edges, no movement
Shower enclosure: watertight, no leaks on test
Shower tray: level, sealed, no flex
Shower head and controls: working
WC: flushes correctly, seat secure, no wobble
Basin: sealed, no movement, taps working
All tiles: fully grouted, no cracked tiles
Silicon seals: consistent, no gaps
Extractor fan: working, timed correctly
Towel rail: secure, working if heated
Mirror/cabinet (if specified): fitted flush
Water pressure: adequate in shower

⚡ Services & Utilities

Consumer unit: correctly labelled circuits
Test all sockets: check with socket tester
Test all light switches: correct light activated
Boiler: commissioned, pressure correct
Heating: all radiators working, balanced
Hot water: adequate pressure and temperature
Thermostat/controls: working, programmable
Internet/broadband: point installed
Gas meter: accessible, labelled
Stop cock: accessible, clearly identified
Smoke alarms: all working
CO detector: working (near boiler)

What to Do With Your Snagging List

  1. Submit your list in writing to the developer's site manager or customer care team
  2. Request written confirmation of what will be fixed and when
  3. Follow up after the agreed timeframe — get sign-off in writing when each item is complete
  4. For anything not resolved within 2 years, escalate to the NHBC (or your warranty provider)
  5. For major structural defects in years 3–10, the NHBC structural guarantee applies

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