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These are some of the more frequently Asked Questions:
When should the inspection be carried out?
The best time for your inspection is between contract exchange and legal completion. That way, the builder has chance to repair the snags before you move in.
If it's not possible to carry out the inspection before legal completion, then it should be done as soon after completion as possible.
If you have an NHBC warranty, your inspection can take place at any point in the first 2 years after completion but remember that you only have a limited time period to report certain defects such as problems with glass or sanitary ware.
What if new snags come to light after the initial snagging?
The builder is liable to repair all defects identified in the first 2 years so there is no limit on the number of lists that can be submitted. If new defects become apparent, the original list can simply be updated and reissued.
Will the builder allow access for a snagging inspection before legal completion?
In 2010, the Consumer Code for Home Builders came into force. This puts an obligation on builders to "co-operate with appropriately qualified professional advisers appointed by the Home Buyer to resolve disputes." (clause 5.2)
Certain builders say they have a policy of not allowing professional snagging inspections before legal completion, but we feel that this policy is not in the buyer's interests and when we checked with the Secretariat of the Consumer Code, they agreed that it goes against the ethos of the code.
If your builder denies access for an inspection before completion, ask them why not? What are they hiding?
In any case, if we have to do the inspection immediately after completion it doesn't change the builder's liability for the snags. It just makes it more difficult to repair them because they have to work around you and your furniture.
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