You’ve just spent the biggest chunk of money of your life on a brand-new home. Surely it’s perfect, right? Wrong.

Here’s a sobering truth: Over 90% of new build buyers make critical inspection mistakes that cost them thousands later. And the worst part? These mistakes are completely avoidable with the right knowledge and professional help.

At Snagit Ltd, we’ve inspected hundreds of “perfect” new builds and found an average of 150+ defects per property. Yes, you read that right – 150+ issues in brand-new homes that developers swore were ready for handover.

Don’t become another statistic. Here are the 7 fatal mistakes that could turn your dream home into a financial nightmare.

Mistake #1: Believing “New” Means “Perfect”

This is the big one – and it’s costing buyers £10,000s every year.

Over 50% of new build buyers discover defects after moving in that should have been caught before signing. Builders are juggling multiple projects, working to tight deadlines, and yes – they make mistakes. Human error, miscommunication, and rushed work are daily realities on construction sites.

The Reality Check: We recently inspected a £450,000 new build that had:

• Incorrectly wired electrical outlets (fire hazard)
• Missing cavity wall insulation
• Leaking shower tray causing structural damage
• Windows that didn’t lock properly

Your Action: Never, ever skip a professional snagging inspection. Book your Snagit inspection today – because assumptions about “perfect” new builds have bankrupted buyers before you.

Mistake #2: Trusting Only the Builder’s Final Inspection

Here’s what developers don’t want you to know: Their “final inspection” only checks for basic code compliance – not quality, functionality, or your long-term satisfaction.

Municipal inspectors focus on minimum building standards. They’re not checking if your expensive kitchen units are properly aligned, if your heating system is efficient, or if there are cosmetic defects that will drive you mad for years.

The Snagit Difference: Our independent surveyors have construction expertise spanning decades. We don’t work for developers – we work for you. Our detailed reports (delivered within 24-48 hours) cover everything from structural concerns to minor cosmetic issues that affect your enjoyment and resale value.

Ready to get an independent second opinion? Contact Snagit for your no-obligation quote today.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Pre-Drywall Inspection

This mistake alone has cost our clients’ neighbours tens of thousands in hidden repairs.

Once drywall goes up, critical systems become invisible: electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC installations, and structural elements. If there’s a problem with any of these, you won’t know until it’s too late – and too expensive to fix easily.

What We Find During Pre-Drywall Inspections:

• Incorrect electrical installations
• Plumbing not properly secured
• Missing or inadequate insulation
• Structural shortcuts
• HVAC systems improperly installed

Don’t Wait: If you’re buying a new build currently under construction, book your pre-drywall inspection now. Snagit’s construction experts can spot issues while they’re still easy (and cheap) to fix.

Mistake #4: Focusing Only on Big Issues, Ignoring “Minor” Problems

“It’s just a small scratch – I can live with it.”

We hear this constantly, and it breaks our hearts. Those “minor” issues add up to major headaches and expenses. Worse, they often indicate rushed workmanship that suggests bigger problems lurking underneath.

The multiplication effect: Small defects often indicate systemic quality control problems. If the finishes are sloppy, what does that say about the hidden work?

Snagit’s Comprehensive Approach: We document everything – from major structural concerns to minor cosmetic defects. Our detailed photographic reports give you maximum leverage with developers and ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Mistake #5: Not Understanding Your Warranty Rights

Most buyers have no clue what their new build warranty actually covers – or how to use it effectively.

New build warranties are complex documents with strict timeframes and specific procedures. Miss a deadline or fail to report issues correctly, and you could lose thousands in covered repairs.

Warranty Reality Check:

• Most warranties have 10-day, 2-year, and 10-year periods for different types of defects
• You must document and report issues within specific timeframes
• Developers often dispute claims that aren’t professionally documented

Snagit’s Professional Documentation: Our detailed reports provide exactly the documentation you need for warranty claims. We know how to describe defects in language that developers can’t dispute and that warranty providers must honour.

Protect your warranty rights – get your professional snagging report before your initial warranty period expires.

Mistake #6: Doing DIY Inspections Without Construction Knowledge

YouTube tutorials and smartphone cameras aren’t enough for a £500,000 investment.

We love that buyers want to be involved, but construction defects often require trained eyes to spot. What looks “fine” to a homeowner might be a serious issue to a construction professional.

Common DIY Inspection Fails:

• Missing signs of future settlement cracks
• Not recognising improper waterproofing
• Overlooking electrical code violations
• Failing to spot HVAC efficiency issues
• Misunderstanding what’s “normal” vs. defective

The Snagit Advantage: Our surveyors combine decades of construction experience with the latest inspection technology. We know where to look, what to look for, and how to document findings that get results.

Mistake #7: Waiting Until After You’ve Moved In

This is the costliest mistake of all.

Once you’ve completed and moved in, your leverage with the developer drops dramatically. Issues that could have been resolved quickly during the snagging process become drawn-out disputes after completion.

Post-Completion Problems:

• Developer claims issues are “wear and tear”
• More difficult to access all areas for inspection
• Furniture and belongings complicate repairs
• Stress of living in a construction site during remedial work

The Smart Move: Get your professional snagging inspection scheduled before completion. This gives you maximum leverage and ensures issues are resolved before they become your daily reality.

Don’t Become Another Casualty – Take Action Now

Here’s the bottom line: Every day we speak to homeowners who wish they’d known about these mistakes before it was too late. The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of cure.

Why Choose Snagit Ltd?

✅ Independent Expertise: We don’t work for developers – we work for you
✅ Fast Turnaround: Detailed reports delivered within 24-48 hours
✅ Construction Knowledge: Decades of combined surveying experience
✅ Comprehensive Coverage: From major structural issues to minor cosmetic defects
✅ Professional Documentation: Reports that developers can’t dispute
✅ Warranty Protection: Documentation that preserves your warranty rights

Ready to Protect Your Investment?

Don’t gamble with the biggest purchase of your life. Your new build might look perfect, but without professional inspection, you’re flying blind.

Contact Snagit Ltd today for your no-obligation quote. Our friendly team will explain exactly what we’ll inspect, when we can schedule your appointment, and how our detailed reporting will protect your investment.

Remember: The cost of a professional snagging inspection is typically 0.1% of your home’s value. The cost of missing critical defects? It could be 10-20 times more.

Call us now or visit our website – because your new build deserves more than hopes and assumptions. It deserves professional inspection.

Don’t let these 7 fatal mistakes turn your dream home into a nightmare. Book your Snagit inspection today.