How to Write a Snagging List: A Room-by-Room Checklist for New Build Buyers

Why a Systematic Approach Matters

Walking into a new build and noting down whatever catches your eye is not snagging — it is a cursory glance. A proper snagging list is methodical, exhaustive, and documented. Developers rely on buyers overlooking issues; a structured checklist closes that gap.

The approach below follows a room-by-room sequence, but within each room the inspection follows the same order: **ceiling → walls → floor → windows → doors → electrics → heating → finishes**. This consistency means you are less likely to skip a category under the distraction of something else.

Bring a torch (for inside cupboards and under stairs), a spirit level (check door frames and kitchen units), a socket tester (plug-in devices from any hardware shop, under £10), a phone for photographs, and a notepad. Allow at least 3–4 hours for a 3-bedroom house.

External Inspection — Before You Step Inside

• **Roof:** Are ridge tiles bedded and pointed correctly? Are all slates or tiles laid evenly without cracks?
• **Fascias and soffits:** Correctly fitted, painted, no gaps at joints?
• **Gutters and downpipes:** Securely fixed, falls correct, no paint splashes, end caps fitted?
• **Brickwork / render:** No cracks, efflorescence, or mortar smears on face brickwork?
• **Windows from outside:** Frames clean, sealed at reveals, trickle vents present and operating?
• **Driveway / paths:** Correctly graded away from the building, no cracked or sunken blocks?
• **Garden:** Turf laid, fencing secure and upright, gate hinges and latches functioning?

Hall and Staircase

• Ceiling: flat, no ridges at plasterboard joints, cornice (if specified) neatly mitred?
• Walls: paint finish even, no roller marks, skimming smooth with no trowel lines?
• Floor: tiles or engineered flooring laid square, grout lines even, no lippage between tiles?
• Stairs: every tread solid underfoot (no creaks), balustrade balusters evenly spaced and secure, newel post firm, handrail continuous?
• Door to under-stairs cupboard (if present): opens and closes freely, latch engages properly?

Living Room and Dining Room

• Ceiling: no cracks, stains, or blow holes in plaster?
• Walls: paint coverage complete to corners and behind radiators?
• Skirting boards: level, mitre joints tight, no gaps at floor, painted on all faces?
• Window reveals: plaster returned squarely, no gaps at frame, silicone bead neat and unbroken?
• Electric sockets: all level, flush to wall, socket tester confirms wiring correct?
• TV point and data points (if specified): present and functional?
• Radiator: securely bracketed, valves present both ends, no air locks?

Kitchen

The kitchen is typically the highest-value room for snag density. Check:

• **Unit alignment:** all base unit tops level (use your spirit level), wall unit bottoms level and aligned?
• **Door gaps:** gaps between cabinet doors consistent (aim for 2–3 mm), doors hanging square?
• **Drawer runners:** smooth operation, fully extending, soft-close mechanism functioning?
• **Worktop joins:** tight, silicone bead neat, no daylight visible at upstands?
• **Tiling and grouting:** tiles plumb and level, grout lines even, no cracked tiles, grout raked neatly at junctions with worktop?
• **Appliances:** each installed appliance working through a full cycle before completion?
• **Plumbing:** hot and cold under sink, waste trap correctly fitted, no drips under dishwasher connections?
• **Extractor:** ducting connected, fan operating, grease filter present?

Bathroom, En Suite, and WC

• **Tiling:** tiles plumb, no lippage, grout uniform, silicone bead unbroken at bath/shower tray joints?
• **Bath or shower tray:** level, no flex when stood upon, waste sealed?
• **Shower enclosure:** glass panels vertical, door seals present and contacting correctly, hinges straight?
• **Sanitaryware:** WC pan and cistern fixed to floor and wall respectively, seat hinge tight, flush mechanism functioning, no movement when sat upon?
• **Basin:** secure to wall or vanity unit, taps operating both hot and cold, waste plug engaging?
• **Chrome fittings:** no scratches, swarf from installation removed?
• **Extractor fan:** wired to light (as specified), grille present and unobstructed?
• **Heated towel rail:** hot throughout, no air lock?

Bedrooms

• Fitted wardrobe doors: aligned, gap consistent, handles fitted squarely?
• Loft hatch (master bedroom or landing): opens freely, hatch board present, insulation beyond?
• TV and data points as specified?
• All sockets level and correctly wired?

Loft Space

If accessible, inspect with a torch:

• Insulation laid to correct depth (270 mm mineral wool is current Building Regulations minimum)?
• No debris left by trades?
• Roof structure visible and undamaged?
• Water tank (if present) lagged and overflow directed correctly?

External Doors

• Open and close smoothly without sticking?
• Weatherstrip compresses fully when closed?
• Multi-point lock engages all bolts?
• Threshold strip correctly fitted, no gap at floor level?

Documenting Your List

For every defect, note: location, description, and photograph. Number your items so you can cross-reference them with the developer's response. Submit your list in writing — email creates a timestamp and paper trail. Our [new build snagging calculator](/new-build-snagging-calculator) can help you estimate the remedial cost of the items you find and prioritise which to chase first.