Want to know about an independent inspection of your newly built property? Let us understand two major methods, Home Survey Vs Snagging: Which is Better For a Newly Built Property?
Introduction
Buying a new house is everyone’s dream. For most people, it is the most precious purchase of their lives. After paying such a hefty amount, you deserve to have a place not requiring any damage repairs, amendments, or upgrades.
For that reason, all buyers want a 3rd party inspection of a new property before buying it. There are two major types of surveys available; Home survey and Snagging. In this article, we shall explain the intro, scope, procedure, and difference between the two, And hopefully, towards the end, you will decide which is better for new properties.
What is a Home Survey?
A home survey is an independent inspection of a property by seasoned professionals. During the survey, the examiner highlights minuscule to significant issues related to the house construction.
The surveyor points out the damaged roofs, titled walls, or low-quality glazing. After that, the home seller rectifies these mistakes. A home survey is equally good for newly built and second-hand properties.
What is the Purpose of a Home Survey?
The purpose of the survey is to avoid any surprises. You don’t want to enter a house and realize the wiring or utility problems. Also, before moving in, you should be confident about the structural strength and safety of your household. A property survey ensures these two things.
What is the Standard Procedure for a Home Survey?
The procedure is quite simple. The buyers hire an independent servicing company for a house inspection. On the decided date, the surveyor visits the site. During the visit, he scrutinizes the interior, exterior, driveway, and all other aspects of the site.
The process requires 6-24 hours depending upon the size of the property and the type of survey. Our surveyors offer 3 levels of home surveys as per RICS standards. In the end, the service provider generates a comprehensive survey report.
If you’re a UAE resident, looking for a home survey, you can hire RICS-certified experts for home surveying as per international standards.
What is Snagging?
Snagging is a surveying procedure focused on finding snags in a newly built property. A snag is any flaw remaining unaddressed by the house builder. This flaw can be about material, structure, insulation, glass, or woodwork.
Property snagging is also done by real estate snagging experts. A building surveyor evaluates a building as per local building codes, safety standards, structural knowledge, and contemporary styles. After that, he gives his detailed report, highlighting the shortcomings. The buyer submits this report to the builder for rectification.
Learn more about: land survey company in Dubai
What is the Purpose of Snagging?
The whole idea of snagging is to remove flaws to the micro level. A snagging expert can point out tiny things like loose fittings, door closures, and scratches on window glasses. The expert also highlights the pending work and suggests the improvements which can be made.
After snagging, you expect your place to be ready for living. There shouldn’t be any pending matters or repair works to disturb your mental peace and cause discomfort and stress.
What is the Standard Procedure for Snagging?
The procedure starts with a buyer contacting a snagging firm. After that, the buyer settles for a day for review. On that day, the house builder and snagging experts visit the property. During the visit, the expert visits the interior (rooms, floor, tiles, washrooms, stairs, etc) and exterior (roof, gate, garage, walls, etc) of the place.
Every snagging expert possesses a snagging checklist. In the checklist, the surveyor marks every flaw present in the building. After that, he generates a comprehensive report, which is submitted to the builder. The builder is given a specific time, after which you can organize a second survey to see whether the flaws have been removed or not.
If you want to snag any residential or commercial building in UAE, Land Sterling should be your first choice.
Home Survey Vs Snagging Comparison For a Newly Built Property?
Home Surveys and Snagging both are very common surveying methods. But when it comes to newly built properties, you should always go for snagging.
Snagging has been specifically designed for newly built properties while a home survey can also be done for second-hand properties. Snagging judges a property to the micro level while a home survey doesn’t care much about that.
In a snagging survey, the examiner pays special attention to modern style and contemporary look. The ideal time for snagging is before signing the sales contract. A home survey can be done at any time. You can include snagging in the legal agreement while home surveying can’t be included in that.
Lastly, snagging is considerably cheaper than home surveying. New houses only require visual inspection and the ability to find out tiny defects while home surveying points out the major flaws related to building cracks, roof damage, contamination in piping, and excessive, wear and tear.
See related: Dilapidation survey
Conclusion
Home Surveys and Snagging both are trusted building inspection methods. Both have their specific purpose, benefits, and limitations. The snagging is ideal for newly built properties while home surveying is recommended for second or third-time sales.
Land Sterling is UAE’s leading real estate solution provider. We have experience in completing more than 10,000 projects including the Iconic Dubai Islamic Bank and Burj Khalifa. Contact Land Sterling for a home survey or snagging of any property across the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a home survey in the UAE?
The cost of a home survey depends upon the size of the property and the level of the survey. A simple home survey usually costs between 1,500-3,000 AED.
Who pays for a snagging survey?
The buyer pays for a snagging survey. The price is settled between the buyer and the service provider.
What are the most common snags?
The most common snags include finishing, door locks, broken glass, glazing problems, and pending works.
