You’ve just bought your dream new build home. The builder walks you through for the “final inspection,” ticking boxes and assuring you everything’s perfect. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: that builder’s inspection isn’t protecting your investment the way you think it is.

At Snagit Ltd, we’ve inspected thousands of new builds, and what we consistently find would shock you. While builders focus on getting you to the closing table, we’re uncovering an average of 180+ issues per property that their “thorough” inspections somehow missed.

Let’s dive into exactly why your new build’s final inspection isn’t working: and why you need an independent snagger on your side.

1. Massive Conflict of Interest

Here’s the elephant in the room: builders aren’t exactly motivated to find problems with their own work. Their “quality control team” has a vested interest in getting you to closing day as quickly as possible. Every issue they find means more time, more money, and delayed handovers.

At Snagit Ltd, we work exclusively for you. We don’t care about the builder’s timeline or profit margins. Our job is to find every single defect, no matter how inconvenient it might be for anyone else involved.

2. Reputation Over Reality

Builders spend millions on marketing their “exceptional craftsmanship” and “attention to detail.” Admitting to significant problems contradicts everything they’ve told you about their quality standards. This creates a natural resistance to acknowledging flaws that could damage their carefully crafted reputation.

Our independent inspectors don’t have any brand reputation to protect when it comes to your specific property. We call it exactly as we see it, whether that’s 15 issues or 250 issues.

3. Rush Job Mentality

Builder final inspections typically happen 24-48 hours before completion. There’s immense pressure to move quickly, tick boxes, and get you moved in. This compressed timeline doesn’t allow for the methodical testing of every system, outlet, tap, and fixture.

Our comprehensive snagging surveys can take 4-6 hours for a typical home. We’re not rushing to meet a closing deadline: we’re taking the time needed to properly assess your investment.

4. Surface-Level Assessment

Builder walk-throughs focus heavily on obvious cosmetic issues while glossing over the mechanical and structural elements that actually matter long-term. They might notice a scuffed wall but miss the fact that your dishwasher is leaking into the space below or that your HVAC system is filled with construction debris.

5. Missing the Hidden Problems

Many serious construction defects aren’t visible during a casual walk-through. Water intrusion behind walls, electrical problems, improperly installed insulation, and structural issues require specialized knowledge and tools to detect.

This is where Snagit Ltd’s systematic approach really shines. We use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and other professional tools to uncover problems that won’t show up during a surface inspection.

6. Structural Issues Get Brushed Off

Builders’ representatives often aren’t qualified to properly assess structural concerns. They might dismiss slightly bowed walls, uneven floors, or door alignment issues as “normal settling” when these could indicate serious underlying problems.

Our inspectors are trained to identify structural red flags that could lead to expensive repairs down the line. We document everything with detailed photos and explanations, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

7. Electrical and Plumbing Shortcuts

Some of the most dangerous issues we find involve electrical and plumbing systems. Non-functioning GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, incorrectly wired switches, leaking pipes behind walls, and improper drainage systems are incredibly common in new builds.

Builder inspections rarely involve testing every electrical outlet or running water through every drain for extended periods. We do both, because these systems are critical to your safety and daily life.

8. HVAC Systems Barely Get a Glance

Heating and cooling systems are complex, and properly assessing them requires specialized knowledge. We regularly find ductwork clogged with construction debris, improperly installed thermostats, blocked vents, and systems that simply aren’t working efficiently.

During a builder inspection, someone might flip the switch to make sure air comes out. During our inspection, we test airflow, check for proper installation, and ensure your system will actually keep you comfortable year-round.

9. No Real Documentation

Builder final inspections typically result in a simple checklist or verbal assurances. If problems arise later, you have little evidence of what was or wasn’t checked during that original walk-through.

Snagit Ltd provides detailed written reports with photographs documenting every issue we find. This gives you concrete evidence for warranty claims and ensures nothing gets forgotten or disputed later.

10. You Lose All Negotiation Power

Once you’ve signed off on that builder inspection, your leverage disappears. Any issues that surface later become your responsibility, even if they were construction defects that existed before you moved in.

With an independent snagging report in hand, you can negotiate repairs, credits, or even walk away from the deal if the problems are too extensive. Knowledge is power, and our reports give you the knowledge you need to protect your investment.

The Snagit Ltd Difference

The statistics don’t lie: we find an average of 180+ issues per new build property. These aren’t nitpicky cosmetic complaints: these are legitimate defects that affect your home’s safety, functionality, and value.

Our systematic approach means we check every light switch, every outlet, every tap, every door, and every window. We test HVAC systems properly, check for water leaks, assess structural elements, and document everything with professional photography.

Most importantly, we work exclusively for you. We don’t have relationships with builders to protect or closing deadlines to meet. Our only goal is ensuring you know exactly what you’re buying before you commit to the biggest purchase of your life.

Don’t Leave Your Investment to Chance

Your new build might look perfect on the surface, but looks can be deceiving. Builder inspections are designed to get you to closing, not to protect your interests. That’s where independent snagging comes in.

At Snagit Ltd, we’ve built our reputation on finding the problems others miss. While builders are motivated to minimize issues, we’re motivated to find every single one. Because when you’re investing hundreds of thousands of pounds in a property, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting.

Don’t let a rushed builder inspection be the only thing standing between you and costly surprises. Get the independent assessment your investment deserves: because your dream home should work as perfectly as it looks.