New Build Snags Double in Less Than 20 Years

INCIDENCE OF SNAGGING in the new-build sector has exploded over the past 15 years some of which can render a new home worthless.

Data from new home defect management company BuildScan shows that the average new-build home comes with as many as 157 snagging issues. That’s increased from an average of 80 in 2005, a 96% increase and an average annual jump of 6.4% every year.

At the same time, new-build house prices have increased by 44% in value, with homebuyers now paying an average of £340,936 despite the drop in quality.

In many cases, these snagging issues can be inconvenient but fairly easy to remedy with poorly fitted doors, poor plastering and low attention to detail amongst the most common.

However, in the most severe cases, snagging defects can render a home worthless and has revealed the top five new-build snags.

Worst Snagging Scenarios

Structural defects are a worst-case snagging scenario and often occur due to substandard foundation work. Cracking in walls, sloped floors and windows or doors that fail to shut are the most common signs and structural snags can be amongst the most expensive, and difficult, to repair.

Poor installation or issues with damp-proof coursing, poorly installed pipework or plumbing system defects can also be costly, causing water leaks, intrusion and damage. Not only can they cause serious flooding damage and lingering damp, but they can also leave new-build homeowners without one of life’s basic necessities.

The roof is an integral part of a home but all too often new-build homeowners can find incorrectly fitted roof trusses. Not only do they pose a real danger, but can also breach the standards set by the National House Builders Council – rendering a home worthless. The roof also protects a home from the elements and so even minor damage can lead to a major issue allowing water to seep into loft spaces, walls, ceilings and floors.

Perhaps one of the most dangerous snagging types is electrical and gas supply issues. Wiring issues, in particular, can be particularly common and can pose a very real risk of fire. A poorly installed gas boiler can also be highly dangerous and in a worst-case scenario, it could cause death via carbon monoxide poisoning or explosion.

Finally, dreaded black mould can also render your home worthless. It can be particularly common in new-builds if the home isn’t given time to dry out properly and not only is black mould a nightmare to get rid of, but it too can pose a danger to health.

Founder and Managing Director of BuildScan, Harry Yates, said: “An average snagging list of 157 defects may sound unbelievable but that really is the extent of the issues found by many new build homebuyers and it’s an issue that has unfortunately grown significantly over the last 15 years.

“These can range from very minor aesthetic issues to far more serious problems such as structural instability that can result in your home being worthless despite the high price paid.”

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