Snagging for New Builds in London: Why Professional Clerks Spot Issues Developers Often Miss

Along with regular inventory services, our experts in London also offer expert snagging inspections. So, what are these, and when are they important?

Buying a newly built home in the capital should feel exciting. You expect a clean slate, modern fittings and the comfort of knowing everything is brand new. The reality can be very different.

Even the best developers hand over homes with faults. Some are small and easy to fix. Others, if ignored, grow into expensive problems that the owner ends up paying for long after the warranty period ends.

This is where a professional snagging inspection becomes essential. New build snagging is the process of checking a property from top to bottom before the developer hands it over to the owner or the owner’s agent. The aim is simple. Find every issue, document it clearly and give the buyer the evidence they need to get the developer to put things right.

Attic Inventory has carried out snagging inspections across Greater London for years. With more than fifteen years of experience in property reporting, the team knows exactly where problems hide and how to record them in a way that gets results. The difference between a quick look from the developer and a detailed snagging inspection by an independent clerk is night and day.

Why New Build Homes Need Snagging in the First Place

Most people assume that newly built homes leave the construction site in perfect condition. However, in a busy city like London, this is rarely the case. 

Large-scale developments move fast. Multiple trades work on the same site at the same time. Tight deadlines often mean finishing touches are rushed, overlooked or left for “later”. Many issues only show themselves when someone takes the time to look closely.

Common problems include:

• Poor paintwork or patchy plaster

• Scratched surfaces, chipped tiles or damaged fixtures

• Loose fittings, handles or hinges

• Uneven floors or poorly fitted carpets

• Leaks around taps, radiators or shower seals

• Heating systems not working as intended

• Windows or doors that don’t close correctly

• Missing insulation or ventilation problems

• Electrical faults or badly fitted sockets and switches

The average owner is unlikely to spot all of these issues, especially during the excitement of a first walkthrough. Developers have limited incentive to point out defects unless they are obvious. And once the handover is complete, the owner has to fight harder to get the work done. This is why a snagging inspection before the handover is not just helpful. It is essential.

Why Independent Clerks Catch What Developers Don’t

A professional inventory clerk is trained to inspect properties with precision. Their job is to assess conditions, note defects and back every point with photographic proof. They are independent, experienced and focused on accuracy, not speed. This alone puts them at an advantage over site staff.

When Attic Inventory carries out a snagging inspection, one of our clerks starts with an unbiased mindset. They do not work for the developer. They do not have targets to meet or a handover deadline to rush toward. Their goal is simple. Protect the owner by making sure the property is handed over in the best possible condition.

Years of inspecting homes in London mean our clerks know where small defects usually hide. They check corners, edges, seals, fittings, electrics and plumbing with the same care used for a full property inventory. 

Every room is reviewed in detail. Every defect is photographed. Every issue is recorded in clear language that the developer cannot ignore.

How a Professional Snagging Report Helps the Owner

The snagging report is more than a list of problems. It is a structured document backed by detailed photographs that creates a single source of truth between the owner and the developer. It gives the owner leverage and it reduces the chance of disagreement.

A good snagging report:

• Shows a complete record of the property’s condition

• Gives the developer clear instructions on what needs fixing

• Helps avoid disputes during the handover

• Inspires faster remedial work

• Protects the owner during the warranty period

• Prevents small issues growing into expensive repairs

Attic Inventory uses award winning software to deliver clear, organised reports within forty eight hours. This level of detail would be impossible for most owners to achieve on their own. It also gives the developer fewer opportunities to argue or delay work.

Why Snagging Should Be Done Before Handover

Many new build owners move in before a snagging inspection has been carried out. At that point the developer may claim the damage was caused after handover, even if this is not true. Attic Inventory can ensure you avoid this. 

It also lets the developer fix issues without disrupting the owner. No one wants workers coming in and out of their new home in the first weeks of ownership. A professional clerk working on behalf of the owner ensures that problems are found early, documented clearly and resolved quickly.

Attic Inventory always recommends booking the inspection before keys are handed over. The earlier the defects are found, the more likely the developer will resolve them without delay or pushback.

Our experienced clerks level the playing field. They understand London build standards, local regulations and common problems found in new developments.

For more information on our property inventory services in London, simply contact us today.