Is a Snagging Report the Same as a Survey?: Understanding the Difference
Buying a new build home is an exciting prospect, especially in the UK, where strict regulations and quality standards have long been in place. However, as a new homebuyer, you may wonder about the difference between concepts tossed around during the process, such as a snagging report and a survey. These reports are crucial when assessing different aspects of your newly built property, but how do they differ, and are they actually the same? This blog post highlights the key differences between a snagging report and a survey to help you make informed decisions throughout your home-buying journey.
In the UK, new build homes must undergo inspections and evaluations to meet specific quality and safety standards before becoming available. This is where both snagging reports and surveys come into play. Their purpose may seem quite similar, as they are both used to assess the condition of a property, but there are some critical distinctions that every homebuyer should be aware of.
A snagging report is a comprehensive list of any defects, issues, or omissions in a new build property that do not meet the required standards; it typically covers the property's internal and external aspects. These reports are specifically designed to identify all "snags" within a new home, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to potential safety hazards that could impact the property's value in the long run. Snagging reports are crucial because they ensure your new build home has been finished to the highest possible standard. At Holme Snaggers Peterborough, our personal and professional snagging service is tailored to provide a thorough snagging report to protect your new property investment.
On the other hand, a survey, or a building survey, is an in-depth inspection of a property's structure, fabric, and grounds. Surveys, which are also referred to as "homebuyer reports," "structural surveys," or "building inspections," are not specific to new builds but can be conducted on any property. The primary focus of a survey is to identify and provide advice on urgent or significant flaws, including structural issues, damp, rot, and other critical defects. There are different types of surveys depending on the level of detail required.
Now that we have established the fundamental differences between snagging reports and surveys, it is essential to determine when each type of inspection is needed and why. In the following sections, we will explore the unique purposes and benefits of snagging reports and surveys so you are well-informed when deciding upon the most suitable course of action for your new build property. Stick with us as we delve further into understanding the importance of these inspections and their specific roles in ensuring a quality home.
Why a Snagging Report is Essential for New Builds
For new build properties, a snagging report is an indispensable tool in ensuring the quality and safety of your new home. One of the main reasons it is necessary is because problems may not be immediately apparent during the first few months of living in a new home. Issues such as shrinkage cracks, poor workmanship, or inadequate insulation may only become evident over time.
Another aspect to consider is the warranty the builder or developer provides, which typically lasts ten years. During the first two years, the warranty covers a broad range of defects; however, the guarantee becomes more limited after this period. Therefore, having an extensive snagging report completed by experienced professionals can expedite rectification, ensuring that any issues are dealt with under warranty.
In summary, a snagging report is essential in protecting your investment and preventing any problems from escalating, which could impact the property's value and long-term enjoyment of your new home.
Navigating the Different Types of Surveys
A property survey comes in various forms, from basic to more extensive assessments. The most common types of surveys include the following:
RICS Condition Report: This is the most straightforward and cost-effective survey, providing an overview of the property's condition and flagging any significant issues or potential legal problems. It does not provide advice or estimated costs of repair work.
RICS HomeBuyer Report: This report is more extensive, including everything in the Condition Report and advice about necessary repair work and the effect on the property's value. Some HomeBuyer Reports also come with a valuation as an option, which may be useful for mortgage purposes.
RICS Building Survey: Previously known as a "full structural survey," this report comprehensively assesses the property's condition. The surveyor will closely examine all accessible parts of the property, advising on potential issues, repair work, and maintenance recommendations. This type of survey is ideal for older properties or homes with visible defects or specific concerns.
When choosing the most appropriate survey for your needs, consider the age, size, and condition of the property in question, as well as your budget and individual requirements. A more extensive survey will provide greater detail and a higher price tag.
Finding the Right Professional for the Job
Choosing the right professional to conduct your snagging report or survey is crucial in ensuring an accurate, reliable, and unbiased assessment. In the UK, snagging inspectors should ideally have a construction, surveying, or architecture background and be independent of your building contractor.
Similarly, when selecting a surveyor, look for professionals accredited by governing bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Institution of Structural Engineers. This ensures they adhere to industry standards and best practices in assessing your property.
Holme Snaggers offers a specialist snagging service for new build properties across East of England, providing a comprehensive, professional assessment to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
Understanding the Costs and Timelines
Both snagging reports and surveys come with associated costs, which can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property in question. A snagging report can typically cost between £300 to £600, while property surveys range from £250 for an RICS Condition Report up to £1,000 or more for an RICS Building Survey.
Regarding the timeline, it is essential to plan when to have both the snagging report and survey conducted. We recommend arranging a snagging report as close to the property's completion date, ideally before you legally complete the purchase, to ensure any issues can be rectified quickly and under warranty. Depending on the type, surveys usually take several days to a few weeks after the inspection to receive the final report.
Snagging Report or Survey: Which One is Right for You?
A snagging report and survey serve different purposes, with snagging reports being crucial for new builds and surveys applying to all properties. Both inspections ensure the property's quality, safety, and value and should not be overlooked during homebuying.
A snagging report will help you identify any defects in your new build property, while a survey offers crucial insights into potential structural or repair issues that could impact your property's value. By understanding the differences between these inspections, you can decide how best to protect your investment and ensure a long-lasting, quality home. Trust in the professional services of Holme Snaggers to help secure your peace of mind and enjoy the satisfaction of your new build property to the fullest. For everything about home snagging in the UK, get in touch with us.
