New Build Snagging Checklist
A room-by-room snagging checklist for UK new build homeowners. Use it within your first 2 years while the builder warranty still covers cosmetic and minor defects under NHBC and NHQB rules.
Why use a snagging checklist?
A snagging checklist helps you identify and report defects while your home is still under the builder's responsibility. Most cosmetic and workmanship issues — paint runs, poor sealant, sticking doors, uneven tiling — must be reported in writing within the first 2 years to be covered free of charge. After that, only major structural defects fall under the 10-year NHBC warranty.
Walk through your home with this list, take photos with timestamps, and submit everything in one written report to your developer. Don't rely on verbal promises from the site manager.
Room-by-room checklist
Print this list or check items off on your phone as you go.
Exterior & Roof
- Brickwork pointing — no missing mortar, cracks or smeared joints
- Roof tiles sit flat, none slipped, broken or with visible nails
- Gutters and downpipes are secure, level and free of debris/mortar
- Render is even, with no hairline cracks at corners or window reveals
- External paintwork on fascias, soffits and bargeboards is consistent
- Drain covers sit flush, are accessible and not paved over
- Air bricks are clear and not blocked by render or soil
Windows & External Doors
- All seals are continuous — no gaps, bubbling or missed beads of silicone
- Frames open, close and lock smoothly on every catch
- Trickle vents present, operate and aren't painted shut
- Glass is free of scratches, chips and internal misting
- Reveals and cills are square, with no cracked plaster
- External door thresholds are weather-tight and don't stick
Kitchen
- Hot and cold taps run clear, drain freely and don't drip
- Waste pipes under the sink are leak-free after 5 minutes of running water
- Worktop joints are tight, sealed and level (use a spirit level)
- Cupboard doors align, close softly and handles are even
- All integrated appliances power on and run a short cycle
- Extractor fan/hood vents correctly and isn't blocked
- Splashback and sink sealant is continuous, with no mould
Bathrooms & En-suites
- Tiles are flat, evenly spaced and grout is consistent
- Silicone around bath, basin, shower tray is mould-free and continuous
- Shower drains within a few seconds — no pooling
- Toilet flushes fully and refills without hissing
- Extractor fan runs on the light switch and pulls air strongly
- Towel rail/radiator heats evenly with no cold spots
- Floor falls toward the drain in wet rooms (no standing water)
Living Areas, Hall & Stairs
- Walls free of dents, scuffs, filler marks and roller lines
- Ceilings are flat — no cracks at junctions or visible nails/screws
- Skirting and architraves are mitred, caulked and painted neatly
- Every socket and switch is square, secure and powered
- TV/data points work and are the agreed type
- Internal doors close without binding and latches engage
- Staircase handrail is solid, balusters even, no squeaks
Bedrooms
- Radiators heat evenly — no cold patches (sign of trapped air or sludge)
- Carpet joins are tidy, gripper rods not visible at edges
- Wardrobe sliders/hinges run smoothly
- Curtain pelmets/blinds (if included) are level and secure
- Smoke/heat alarm test button operates and is mains-wired
Loft, Boiler & Utilities
- Loft insulation meets the spec depth and isn't compressed
- Loft hatch closes flush and is draught-sealed
- Boiler pressure sits in the green band; flue terminates correctly
- Stopcock, gas meter and consumer unit are accessible and labelled
- MVHR/extract systems (where fitted) run on every setting
Garden, Garage & Driveway
- Fences are plumb, posts concreted, gravel boards in place
- Patio/paving falls away from the building and drains freely
- Turf is laid evenly with no large gaps or dead patches
- Driveway block paving is level with consistent joints
- Garage door operates fully and seals at the threshold
- External tap and lighting work, with isolation valves accessible
Why hire a professional snagger?
A DIY checklist will catch the obvious. A professional RPSA-accredited snagging inspection catches what you can't — thermal bridges, roof defects, badly installed cavity insulation and hidden plumbing leaks. We typically log 100–300 items per home.
Drone roof survey
See what ladders can't reach.
Thermal imaging
Cold spots, missed insulation, leaks.
Detailed PDF report
Builder-ready, NHBC/NHQB-aligned.