Your new build snagging checklist

What is a snagging list and why does it matter?

A snagging list is a record of any minor defects or unfinished details in your new home that need attention. These can range from cosmetic touches, such as paintwork or grouting, to functional issues, such as a sticky door or a dripping tap.

Creating a thorough snagging list helps you protect your investment and ensures your home is finished to the quality standards we promise.

Common issues in new homes

Most snagging issues fall into three categories:

• Cosmetic issues like paint splashes, minor plaster imperfections, scuffs on skirting boards or uneven grouting.

• Functional issues include items that don't work as they should, perhaps a door doesn't close properly, a window is stiff to open, or kitchen cupboards are misaligned.

• Structural concerns are less common but more serious. These may include cracks in walls or ceilings, damp patches, or problems with the foundations or roof structure.

When to do your snagging inspection

Ideally, you'll want to inspect your home at several stages to catch everything.

Pre-completion snagging

The best time for a thorough inspection is during your pre-completion visit with our site manager. This is your opportunity to walk through the property before you collect the keys, and it's much easier to spot issues when the home is empty.

Post move-in inspections

Even after moving in, it's worth doing another check. Some issues only become apparent when you're using the space day to day, such as a radiator that doesn't heat evenly, a shower that loses pressure, or a floor that squeaks when you walk across it.

How long do you have to report snags under warranty or contract?

We request that any damage be reported within 7 days after the legal completion date. After this time, it may be impossible to determine who caused it. After 7 days, the site manager will visit, providing an opportunity to raise any snags or minor defects you have spotted.

Room-by-room snagging checklist

Our checklist is designed to help you work through your new home systematically. It’s a good idea to print this out or view it on your phone as you walk through your home.

Exterior and structure

Walls, brickwork and rendering

• Check for cracks, chips or uneven areas in brickwork

• Look for gaps in mortar or render that might let water in

• Ensure rendering is smooth and consistent in colour

• Check that all exterior walls are straight and true

Roof, gutters, downspouts and flashings

• Look for any damaged or missing roof tiles

• Check gutters are securely attached and free from debris

• Ensure downpipes are properly connected and draining away from the property

• Inspect flashings around chimneys and roof joints for gaps

Exterior doors, windows, frames and seals

• Open and close all external doors – they should move smoothly without sticking

• Check that window locks work properly and that windows open and close easily

• Look for gaps around frames that could let draughts in

• Test door handles, letterboxes and locks

• Ensure weather seals are intact and properly fitted

Drainage, paths, driveways and garden finish

• Check manhole covers are level and secure

• Ensure rainwater drains away from the property

• Look for cracks or uneven areas in paths and driveways

• Check that garden boundaries, fencing and gates are complete and secure

• Note any areas where grass or landscaping hasn't established properly

Interior surfaces and finishes

Plaster, drywall, jointing and smoothing

• Run your hand along the walls to feel for lumps or rough patches

• Look for cracks, particularly around door frames and in corners

• Check for indentations where plasterboard screws might not be fully covered

• Ensure walls are smooth and ready for decorating if required

Paintwork

• Look for drips, runs or uneven coverage

• Check for paint splashes on floors, skirting or other surfaces

• Ensure woodwork has been painted neatly

• Check the colour consistency throughout each room

Floors and tiling: Grouting, level, squeaks and gaps

• Walk across all floors, listening for squeaks or movement

• Check tiles are level and that none are cracked or loose

• Inspect grouting for gaps, cracks or inconsistent colour

• Look for gaps between the flooring and the skirting boards

• Ensure floor transitions between rooms are smooth and level

Doors, windows and joinery

Doors open and close properly

• Test every door in the house – internal and external

• Check they close fully without catching or scraping

• Ensure locks and latches work smoothly

• Look for gaps around the edges when closed

Glazing issues

• Check for scratches, cracks or chips in glass

• Look for condensation between double-glazed panes

• Ensure all windows are clean inside and out

Window locks

• Test that all window locks engage properly

• Check that handles move smoothly and aren't stiff

• Ensure keys are provided where needed

Thresholds, architraves and skirting

• Check door thresholds are level and secure

• Look for gaps or poor fit where architraves meet door frames

• Ensure skirting boards are properly fixed with no gaps at floor level

• Check for damage or marks on woodwork

Plumbing and bathrooms

Taps and leaks

• Run all taps and check for leaks from pipes below

• Ensure hot and cold taps are clearly marked and work correctly

• Check taps turn on and off smoothly without stiffness

• Look under sinks for any signs of water damage or leaks

Drainage

• Check all plug holes drain quickly without gurgling

• Ensure waste pipes are properly sealed

• Look for any signs of leaks around the bath, sink or shower tray

Water pressure

• Test water pressure at all outlets

• Check that the shower has good pressure on all settings

• Ensure toilet cisterns fill properly and that stop valves work

Showers, shower trays and baths

• Check that shower trays and baths are level and properly sealed

• Test shower doors open and close properly with no leaks

• Ensure bath panels are secure and properly fitted

• Look for scratches or damage to surfaces

Seals

• Check the silicone sealant around baths, showers and sinks is neat and complete

• Look for gaps where water could penetrate

• Ensure sealant is smooth without bubbles or uneven areas

Electrical and heating

Lights, sockets and switches

• Test every light switch and socket in the property

• Check that light fittings are secure and bulbs work

• Ensure socket faceplates are flush to the wall

• Test dimmer switches work correctly

Correct wiring

• Check that your consumer unit (fuse box) is properly labelled

• Ensure sockets are positioned where specified in your plans

• Test that outdoor sockets have weatherproof covers

Ventilation fans

• Switch on extractor fans in the bathrooms and the kitchen

• Check that they run quietly and remove moisture effectively

• Ensure vents are properly sealed from the outside

Boiler and radiators

• Test that your heating system fires up correctly

• Check all radiators heat up evenly across the surface

• Ensure that any thermostatic radiator valves work properly

• Look for any leaks around radiator valves or pipes

• Check the boiler pressure is correct and stable

Kitchen and utility areas

Appliances

• Test all supplied appliances according to their manuals

• Check oven, hob, extractor fan and dishwasher, if included

• Ensure appliances are level and properly installed

• Test washing machine connections in utility areas

Worktops

• Check worktops are level and properly supported

• Look for chips, scratches or damage to surfaces

• Ensure joins between worktop sections are neat and sealed

• Check that splashbacks are properly fitted and grouted

Cupboards, fittings and hinges

• Open and close all cupboard doors and drawers

• Check soft-close mechanisms work if fitted

• Ensure shelves are level and properly supported

• Test that handles and knobs are secure

• Check the cupboard interiors are clean and damage-free

Fittings and décor

Wardrobes, shelving and internal fittings

• Check that fitted wardrobes open and close properly

• Ensure shelving is level and securely fixed

• Test that hanging rails support weight properly

• Look for any damage to wardrobe interiors or sliding mechanisms

What to do if you find snags

Finding snags is a normal part of moving into a new home, and we're here to help resolve them quickly and professionally.

Reporting snags

At Barratt Homes, our dedicated New Home Customer Care team is here to support you. You can report snags through our online contact form on the Owners Hub section of our website, or by contacting your local Customer Care team directly.

When you report an issue, we'll log the details and either arrange for a repair, ask for photos to help diagnose the problem, or, in more complex cases, arrange for someone to inspect the issue in person to confirm the next steps.

Follow-up

After repairs are complete, it's worth checking that the work has been done to your satisfaction. If you're not satisfied with the fix, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team.

Hiring a professional snagging surveyor vs DIY

Some homeowners choose to hire a professional snagging surveyor to inspect their new home, whilst others prefer to do it themselves using a checklist like this one.

Costs vs benefits

Professional snagging surveys cost money. The benefit is that experienced surveyors know exactly what to look for and can spot issues you might miss. They'll provide you with a detailed report and photographs. However, with a thorough checklist and a careful eye, many homeowners successfully identify snags themselves.

Common snagging mistakes and things new homeowners often miss

Even the most careful inspection can miss things. Here are some areas people commonly overlook.

Hidden issues

Don't forget to check:

• Inside cupboards and wardrobes for damage or poor finishing

• Under stairs for unfinished plasterwork or untidy pipework

• The loft space, if you have access

• Behind and underneath kitchen appliances

• Overflow pipes outside

• The condition of meter boxes and utility cupboards

Cosmetic vs structural issues

It's important to have realistic expectations. Some variation in plasterwork or minor settlement cracks can be normal in new builds and may not require immediate attention. However, anything that affects the function of your home, causes water ingress, or appears to be a structural issue should be reported promptly.

Moving into your new Barratt home should be an exciting experience, and we're committed to making sure it's a positive one. By using this checklist systematically, you'll have peace of mind that you've identified any issues early, and our dedicated team will work with you to resolve them quickly and professionally.

For more guidance on caring for your new home, visit our Owners Hub for helpful guides and frequently asked questions to support you as you settle in.