Walking into your brand-new home for the first time is an exciting moment — but it's also your best opportunity to spot defects before they become your problem. Here's a room-by-room snagging checklist to help you know what to look for.
While we always recommend a professional inspection, this checklist will help you understand the scope of what a thorough snagging survey covers — whether you're in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or anywhere in Scotland.
Why a Snagging Checklist Matters
Developers build homes to tight deadlines, often using multiple subcontractor teams. The result is that even the best builders leave defects behind. The average new build in the UK has over 150 snags — some minor, some significant.
The key is catching them early. Once you complete and move in, getting the developer back to fix things becomes harder. A documented snagging list — ideally before completion — puts the legal obligation squarely on the developer.
Kitchen Snagging Checklist
- Check all cupboard doors open and close cleanly, with no rubbing or misalignment
- Inspect worktop joints for gaps or uneven seams
- Test every plug socket and light switch
- Check the sink and tap for leaks — look underneath as well as above
- Inspect tile grout and silicone sealant for gaps or mould
- Ensure integrated appliances are fitted flush and level
- Check for damage to worktops, splashbacks, and units
Bathroom Snagging Checklist
- Check all sealant around baths, showers, and sinks — gaps lead to leaks
- Test water pressure and drainage in all taps and showers
- Look for cracked or chipped tiles
- Check the toilet is securely fitted and flushes properly
- Inspect grout lines for consistency and completeness
- Check extractor fans operate correctly and quietly
- Look behind the toilet and under the sink for signs of leaking pipework
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Inspect all walls for cracks, uneven plaster, or visible seams
- Check paintwork for drips, thin coverage, or scuffs
- Open and close every door — they should latch without force
- Check skirting boards and architraves for gaps, damage, or poor mitre joints
- Look at window frames for gaps in sealant and test that all windows open, close, and lock
- Check for draughts around windows and external doors
- Inspect flooring for lifting, gaps, or scratches
Exterior and Communal Areas
- Check brickwork or render for cracks, staining, or mismatched materials
- Inspect the roof for broken or missing tiles
- Check guttering and downpipes are securely fitted and not leaking
- Examine external seals around doors and windows
- If you have a garden, check the fencing, paving, and drainage
- Look at the driveway for cracks or uneven surfaces
When to Call a Professional
This checklist covers the visible defects you can spot yourself — but the reality is that the most serious issues are often the ones you can't see. Leaking pipework behind walls, inadequate insulation, drainage problems, and electrical faults often only become apparent weeks or months after you've moved in.
A professional snagging inspector — particularly one with a background as an NHBC inspector — knows exactly where developers cut corners and what to look for beyond the surface. At Quality Snagging Solutions, we provide a comprehensive, developer-ready report within 48 hours, with every defect photographed and located.
Don't leave the biggest purchase of your life to chance. Book a professional snagging inspection and move into a home that's finished the way it should be.
