Quality Control (Snagging) Surveys

A Quality Control (Snagging) Survey is a detailed visual inspection of a newly built or recently refurbished property, ideally carried out before legal completion or shortly after you move in.

Designed specifically for new homes, the survey provides a thorough, non-invasive inspection of the interior and exterior, identifying defects, poor workmanship, unfinished items, and issues that fall below expected standards.

Our report highlights items that fall below expected standards of finish and workmanship and, where relevant, makes specific reference to Building Regulations, Approved Documents, New Homes Quality Board requirements, and Structural Warranty Standards. This provides clear, evidence-based justification to present to your developer, supporting effective and timely rectification of identified issues.

As part of our service, we also include a 4K high-resolution drone inspection of the roof, capturing detailed imagery of chimney stacks and other hard-to-reach areas, helping to identify defects that may not be visible from ground level.

We generally recommend a Quality Control (Snagging) Survey:

  • Prior to legal completion (pre-handover), where access is permitted
  • Shortly after moving into your new home
  • At any point within the first two years of your 10-year structural warranty

During this period, the developer is typically responsible for rectifying defects. A professionally prepared snagging report provides clear documentation to support timely resolution.

What the Quality Control (Snagging) Survey Includes

The inspection is comprehensive yet non-invasive, covering the interior and exterior of the main building together with any permanent outbuildings.

It is designed to assess all areas that are reasonably accessible at the time of inspection, with any limitations clearly identified within the report.

We assess visible issues relating to:

  • General workmanship and finishes
  • Incomplete or poorly executed works
  • Cosmetic defects
  • Installation issues
  • Functional concerns affecting normal use
  • Structural defects visible at the time of inspection
  • Items falling below expected standards

Where services are operational, they may be observed in normal day-to-day use. However, the survey does not include specialist testing of electrics, gas, plumbing, heating, or drainage systems.

As part of our Quality Control Survey, we include a high-resolution 4K drone roof inspection as standard.

This allows for a more detailed assessment of roof coverings, chimney stacks, and other hard-to-reach areas that may not be fully visible from ground level. Any defects identified are incorporated directly into your snagging report for complete clarity.

Following the inspection, you will receive a clear, structured electronic report detailing:

  • All identified snags at the time of inspection
  • Photographic evidence
  • Location references for ease of developer review
  • Reference to relevant legislation, Approved Documents, and technical standards where applicable
  • Any inspection limitations
  • Recommendations for further investigation where required

The report is prepared for your private use and can be shared with the developer to support rectification of identified defects.

If required, we can also undertake a re-inspection once remedial works have been completed (additional fees apply).

New homes are often constructed under tight programmes and varying site conditions. While minor tolerances are to be expected, defects, incomplete works, and substandard finishes should still be identified and addressed as early as possible.

A professional Quality Control (Snagging) Survey provides independent oversight and clear, evidence-based reporting, helping ensure your new home is finished to the standard you were promised.

What the Quality Control (Snagging) Survey Includes

The inspection is comprehensive yet non-invasive, covering the interior and exterior of the main building together with any permanent outbuildings.

It is designed to assess all areas that are reasonably accessible at the time of inspection, with any limitations clearly identified within the report.

We assess visible issues relating to:

  • General workmanship and finishes
  • Incomplete or poorly executed works
  • Cosmetic defects
  • Installation issues
  • Functional concerns affecting normal use
  • Structural defects visible at the time of inspection
  • Items falling below expected standards

Where services are operational, they may be observed in normal day-to-day use. However, the survey does not include specialist testing of electrics, gas, plumbing, heating, or drainage systems.

As part of our Quality Control Survey, we include a high-resolution 4K drone roof inspection as standard.

This allows for a more detailed assessment of roof coverings, chimney stacks, and other hard-to-reach areas that may not be fully visible from ground level. Any defects identified are incorporated directly into your snagging report for complete clarity.

Following the inspection, you will receive a clear, structured electronic report detailing:

  • All identified snags at the time of inspection
  • Photographic evidence
  • Location references for ease of developer review
  • Reference to relevant legislation, Approved Documents, and technical standards where applicable
  • Any inspection limitations
  • Recommendations for further investigation where required

The report is prepared for your private use and can be shared with the developer to support rectification of identified defects.

If required, we can also undertake a re-inspection once remedial works have been completed (additional fees apply).

New homes are often constructed under tight programmes and varying site conditions. While minor tolerances are to be expected, defects, incomplete works, and substandard finishes should still be identified and addressed as early as possible.

A professional Quality Control (Snagging) Survey provides independent oversight and clear, evidence-based reporting, helping ensure your new home is finished to the standard you were promised.

Why Choose ELR for Your Quality Control (Snagging) Survey?

At ELR Building Surveying & Consultancy, we provide Quality Control (Snagging) Surveys with a practical, professional, and client-focused approach. As an independent, family-run Chartered RICS surveying practice, we are committed to delivering clear, honest advice that helps you protect your investment and ensure your new home meets the standards you expect.

With almost a decade of experience in Building Control, we have a detailed understanding of how new homes should be constructed, finished, and handed over. This enables us to identify defects, poor workmanship, and unfinished items that may fall below expected standards, giving you confidence that issues are properly recognised and addressed.

Our reports are clear, structured, and evidence-based. We not only identify snags, but also make specific reference to Building Regulations, Approved Documents, New Homes Quality Board requirements, and Structural Warranty Standards where relevant. This provides you with strong, independent evidence to present to your developer, supporting effective and timely rectification.

To support a more thorough inspection, all of our snagging surveys include a 4K high-resolution drone roof inspection, allowing us to assess areas that may not be visible from ground level and identify defects more accurately.

Above all, our aim is to give you clarity, confidence, and reassurance that your new home has been inspected professionally, with any issues clearly identified and evidenced before you move forward.

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Contact the ELR team about a New Home Build Quality Control Survey

If you would like further information, professional guidance, or to request a sample report, please get in touch.