Expert guides, market updates, and everything you need to know about buying a new-build home in the UK
Snagging & QualityThe kitchen is the most expensive room in your new build to fix after handover. This complete inspection guide covers unit alignment, soft-close mechanisms, worktop joints, splashbacks, appliances, extractor fans, electrical points, plumbing connections and drawer runners.
Snagging & QualityRoof and loft defects are among the most expensive to fix after handover. This guide covers tile alignment, flashing, lead work, soffit and fascia, guttering, loft insulation, ventilation, and truss integrity so you can catch problems before they escalate.
Snagging & QualityWindows and doors account for nearly a quarter of all new build snagging defects. Use this comprehensive checklist to inspect seals, glazing, locks, hinges, fire doors, trickle vents and window restrictors before signing off your home.
Snagging & QualityA comprehensive guide to electrical snagging defects in new build homes, covering socket placement, consumer unit labelling, extractor fans, smoke and CO detectors, EV charging points, data points, and EICR certificates.
Snagging & QualityA detailed guide to spotting plumbing and heating defects in your new build home, covering boiler issues, radiator balancing, leaks, water pressure, bathroom fixtures, underfloor heating, and noisy pipes.
Snagging & QualityA comprehensive guide to inspecting the exterior of your new build home, covering brickwork, render, roofline, guttering, windows, drainage, driveways, fencing, and landscaping.
Snagging & QualityFrom minor cosmetic fixes to major structural defects, find out how long UK developers typically take to resolve snagging issues, your warranty deadlines, and how to escalate when things stall.
Snagging & QualityTiming your snagging inspection correctly can make the difference between catching every defect and missing critical issues. Learn when to book, whether to go professional or DIY, and what to expect on the day.
Snagging & QualityYour new build warranty decoded year by year. What NHBC Buildmark actually covers, how alternative providers compare, the claims process, and what to do when the developer refuses to fix defects.
Snagging & QualityA categorised guide to every common new build defect — from hairline cracks to faulty drainage. Each issue rated by severity, with NHBC tolerance thresholds so you know what counts as a real snag.
Snagging & QualityProfessional snagging inspections cost £300-£600 but typically find 50-200+ defects. Learn how to choose a snagger, what the report includes, when to book, and whether DIY snagging is enough.
Snagging & QualityA printable, room-by-room snagging checklist for new build homes. Over 150 items to inspect across every room — kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, loft, external areas and more. Walk through your home systematically.