What Is a Snagging Survey, and Why Do You Need It?
A snagging survey is a process of carefully examining a new build for any possible defects or flaws existing in construction. Not everyone can be an expert at it. You should hire an experienced surveyor with relevant knowledge of construction, modern styles, and laws of the land.
For most people, a new home is a lifelong dream. People spend their life’s savings on it. However, the data shows that more than 51% of new houses have significant flaws. To avoid that, you need professional input. With the experience of surveying more than 10,000 Properties across the UAE, Land Sterling is your best choice for snagging any building in the region.
What Property Features Should a Snagging List Cover?
As snagging is about a visual inspection of a building, most surveyors take the easy road. A good surveyor should dig deep to find the defects. The best practice for that is to have a snagging list. The list should cover all aspects of a property’s interior and exterior sides.
The exterior generally includes:
- Roof
- Graden
- Walls
- Front Looks
- Garage
The interior consists of the following:
- Rooms
- Floors
- Washrooms
- Piping
- Utilities (Electricity, Natural Gas, Heating, and Cooling)
- Kitchen
- Stairs
The list should highlight these aspects of the interior and exterior of a building:
- Any constructional flaws not up to warranty statements
- Craftsmanship (Woodwork, paint, tiles, glazing, etc.)
- Design and quality of used materials
- Pending Works
- Violations of Building Regulations
- Modern trend and style ratings
- Suggestions for improvement
What Is the Standard Procedure for a Snagging Survey?
A typical snagging survey starts by seeking the services of a credible organization. The companies send their professional surveyors to do the job.
On the inspection day, the surveyor visits the new house to perform his job. During his visual inspection, it identifies possible defects, quality of craft, and other vital elements. After that, the company generates a comprehensive snagging report.
A good report isn’t limited to pointing out the flaws. It should provide future advice as well. Since they have vast surveying experience, the snagging companies can suggest which improvements can be made.
Based on their advice, you can ask the house builder to make the necessary amends. You can also ask the surveyor to pay a supplementary visit to see whether the flaws have been rectified.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Snagging Survey?
There isn’t any definite answer to how long a snagging survey takes. The period generally depends upon two elements
- Size of the House/Building
- Snagging Defects
The size of the building directly impacts survey time. Generally speaking, it takes 2-3 hours to snag a 2-bed apartment. For an average size house, this period is about 1-2 days.
For any house built as per regulations, the survey time is considerably short. But if there are real issues concerning building material, alignment, or structure’s durability, then it can prolong. The snagging report can take several days, highlighting all reservations about a house’s quality.
There are other elements that can cause unnecessary delays. Sometimes, the builders don’t allow surveyors to inspect the house. A lot of time is spent on getting access. Typically, you have 2 years from the completion date to inspect a home and report the probable defects.
Another thing is the type of snagging checklist. If a snagging checklist is detailed, it requires more time. The surveyor has to inspect every point before marking it.
See related: Dilapidation Survey In Dubai
What Is the Aftermath of House Snagging?
Once you submit the snagging report, it is the responsibility of the builder to resolve the issues. The builders have the same 2 years time frame to do it. However, it only takes 2-3 weeks to resolve the issues for a newly built house.
Sometimes, builders can argue that subject snags don’t come under warranty. For that, you should be clear about the warranty document and its scope, or you can always seek assistance from the warranty provider. If a builder goes against the document, you can challenge it in a court of law.
Once the builder resolves the snags, you can either do a self-inspection or ask for a secondary visit. The surveyor will come again and confirm whether the issues have been resolved.
Final Words
A snagging survey is essential before shifting into a new house. It ensures that your new home meets the latest building standards and is free from any possible defects. For that, you should always consult professional companies.
Land Sterling is a market leader real estate consultancy firm based in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. In the last 15 years alone, Land Sterling has completed the valuation of more than 200 Billion Dirhams in properties. Our experienced team can perform comprehensive snagging surveys as per modern standards across UAE. Contact here for a snagging survey of your sweet home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a snagging survey worth it?
Yes, it is completely worth it. A snagging survey saves you from unnecessary repairs, additional costs, and mental stress. You can enter a new house at peace, knowing that everything is functional and free from defects.
What is the ideal time for a snagging survey?
The best time is before signing the contract. So that there isn’t any ambiguity, however, if a builder doesn’t permit it, you can do it on any date within the warranty period.
Can I do the snagging survey of my new house?
Yes, technically, you can. But one should deeply understand local building regulations, safety laws, quality of building materials, structure, and the latest trends. For these reasons, it is advisable to hire a professional firm.
