A snagging inspection is a detailed assessment of a newly built property to identify defects, incomplete works, or items that fall below expected construction standards.

The inspection ensures any issues are formally documented so they can be raised with the builder during the defect liability period.

Many homeowners assume that a brand-new property will be free from defects. While most developers aim to deliver a high standard of workmanship, modern housing developments are often built under tight construction schedules.

Even well-managed sites can result in minor defects, incomplete finishes, or items that do not meet expected standards.

A professional snagging inspection provides:

• An independent, objective assessment

• Detailed documentation of defects

• Peace of mind before your warranty period begins

• Protection of your financial investment

In many cases, homeowners may only notice a small number of visible issues. A thorough inspection frequently identifies significantly more items that would otherwise go unnoticed.

We recommend booking your inspection well in advance to secure availability around your completion date.

Ideally, inspections should take place:

• On the day you take legal possession, or

• Within 3–4 days of completion

Many builders request a snagging list within 7 days of handover, so arranging an inspection early ensures defects are identified and recorded within the appropriate timeframe.

Booking early also helps ensure your preferred inspection date is available.

Snagging inspections can still be carried out at any time within the first 2 years after completion, while your builder remains responsible for resolving defects.

Yes, and this is often preferable.

If possible, arrange the inspection before floor coverings are installed and before furniture is delivered. Some builders allow access prior to legal completion, but this must be agreed directly with them.

Inspection times vary depending on property size.

Typical durations include:

• 1 bedroom apartment: approximately 2 hours

• 3–4 bedroom property: approximately 4–5 hours

• Larger properties: up to 6 hours

The inspection is thorough and methodical to ensure all accessible areas are checked carefully.

You will receive a comprehensive digital report including:

• Clearly listed defects

• Supporting photographic evidence

• Location references for each issue

• A structured format suitable for submission to your developer

Reports are typically delivered within 24 hours of the inspection.

Not always.

While the NHBC (National House Building Council) warranty typically lasts for 10 years, minor cosmetic issues are often excluded.

Builders are usually responsible for defects during the first two years, although this can vary depending on the warranty provider.

For this reason, it is important that snagging items are identified and formally raised during the builder’s defect liability period.

Yes.

Scottish Home Inspections operates independently and solely in the interests of the homeowner. We have no affiliation with developers or building companies.

Our inspections provide an impartial assessment of your property.

Our reports are prepared professionally and supported with photographic evidence.

If you encounter difficulty with your builder, Scottish Home Inspections can discuss appropriate next steps and provide guidance on how to proceed.

Yes.

We inspect individual apartments and, where accessible and agreed, can review shared or communal elements relevant to the property.

Yes.

Once remedial works have been completed, we can carry out a re-inspection to verify that issues identified during the initial inspection have been addressed.

Re-inspections are charged separately from the original survey.

Scottish Home Inspections operates across Scotland.

Inspection pricing is based on property size and travel distance.

Please see our Pricing and Areas Covered page for full detail.

Booking is simple:

1. Select your inspection property type

2. Enter your inspection property postcode (or nearest postcode/town)

3. Provide additional location details if required (e.g. plot number of development name)

4. Select your preferred inspection date (if your chosen date is unavailable, alternative options will be provided)

5. Complete secure payment to confirm your booking.

Your confirmed inspection date and time will be displayed on screen before payment and included in your confirmation email, along with full details of your inspection.

Common defects identified during inspections include:

• Poor plastering or paint finishes
• Misaligned doors or windows
• Incomplete sealants
• Plumbing leaks
• Electrical installation issues
• Poorly fitted fixtures or fittings
• Flooring or tiling defects

Each issue is documented clearly within the inspection report.