The game is changing for new build buyers. Come 2025, the Future Homes Standard becomes mandatory across England, introducing a whole new world of energy-efficient technology that most builders are still figuring out. While this is brilliant news for the environment and your energy bills, it’s creating entirely new categories of new build defects that even experienced developers are struggling with.

With 93.7% of new build buyers already reporting problems and over a quarter finding more than 15 snags, the introduction of complex green technology makes a professional snagging inspection more critical than ever. Let’s dive into the 7 new defect types you’ll start seeing: and why your standard snagging survey needs to evolve.

What Actually Is the Future Homes Standard?

The Future Homes Standard isn’t just another building regulation tweak. It’s a complete overhaul requiring all new homes to produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than current builds. This means mandatory low-carbon heating (goodbye gas boilers), serious insulation upgrades, and integrated renewable energy systems.

The problem? Many builders are scrambling to understand these new requirements, and that learning curve inevitably leads to more installation errors. Industry leaders are already expressing concerns that the standards don’t go far enough, while simultaneously worrying about implementation challenges.

The 7 New Defects Every New Build Buyer Should Watch For

1. Solar Panel Installation Failures

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are becoming standard equipment under the new regulations. Poor installation can cost you £600-£700 annually in lost energy savings, according to industry estimates.

Common defects include:

• Incorrect wiring creating fire hazards
• Inadequate mounting causing water ingress
• Poor integration with your home’s electrical system
• Panels not properly oriented for maximum efficiency

A house snagging report should now include detailed checks of solar panel installation, something most traditional property inspection services haven’t needed to cover before.

2. Heat Pump System Problems

Say goodbye to gas boilers: heat pumps are the future. But they’re complex systems that many builders are still learning to install properly.

Key issues we’re seeing:

• Inadequate electrical supply capacity
• Poor system sizing for the property
• Insufficient integration with improved insulation
• Outdoor units incorrectly positioned

3. Mechanical Ventilation Defects

The Future Homes Standard requires sophisticated ventilation systems to work alongside improved airtightness. These aren’t your basic bathroom fans.

Common problems include:

• Improper ductwork installation
• Poor air balancing throughout the home
• Heat recovery systems not functioning efficiently
• Systems poorly integrated with airtight building envelope

4. Airtightness Performance Failures

Homes must now achieve much higher airtightness standards. While great for energy efficiency, poor execution can create serious issues.

Watch for:

• Gaps around new technology installations
• Incomplete sealing around ventilation systems
• Poor vapor barrier installation
• Inadequate sealing at construction joints

These defects often aren’t visible but can dramatically impact your home’s energy performance and running costs.

5. Advanced Insulation System Issues

The new standards demand significantly improved thermal performance, often using unfamiliar insulation materials and techniques.

Building defects survey should now check for:

• Thermal bridging at construction details
• Gaps in continuous insulation layers
• Moisture problems from vapor barrier failures
• Poor installation of advanced insulation materials

6. Wastewater Heat Recovery Malfunctions

Some Future Homes Standard options include wastewater heat recovery systems: technology that’s completely new to most UK builders.

Potential issues:

• Improper plumbing integration
• Inadequate insulation of heat exchange components
• Poor maintenance access design
• Systems not delivering expected efficiency gains

7. Smart Home and Energy Management Integration Problems

Modern homes increasingly include sophisticated energy management systems, smart meters, and integrated home automation.

Common defects include:

• Poor network connectivity infrastructure
• Incompatible system integrations
• Inadequate user interface design
• Systems not properly commissioned

Why Your Snagging Survey Just Got More Important

The Stakes Are Higher

A basic snagging survey cost of £300-500 now protects against annual energy bill impacts potentially worth £600-£700. The return on investment for professional snagging inspection has never been clearer.

These aren’t cosmetic issues you can live with: they’re performance problems that will cost you money every month until fixed.

Builders Are Still Learning

The construction industry is adapting to technologies many have never worked with. Even well-intentioned developers are making mistakes with these complex systems.

Kevin McCloud recently criticized the Future Homes Standard implementation as “way overdue” and representing “a backtracking on a backtrack,” highlighting industry uncertainty about these new requirements.

Ready to protect your investment? Contact Snagit Ltd for a comprehensive snagging survey that covers all new Future Homes Standard technologies.

Developer Final Inspections Aren’t Enough

Standard developer defects checking doesn’t cover the technical complexity of these new systems. You need an independent snagging company with expertise in modern building technologies.

Most developer snagging focuses on cosmetic issues and basic building elements. The new technologies require specialist knowledge to properly assess performance and identify installation problems.

Early Detection Saves Money

Fixing complex technology defects after completion is significantly more expensive than during construction. Solar panel rewiring, heat pump system modifications, or ventilation rebalancing can be major undertakings once you’ve moved in.

A pre-completion inspection by professionals who understand these systems can identify problems while they’re still the developer’s responsibility to fix.

What This Means for Your New Build Purchase

Choose Your Snagging Company Carefully

Not all home snagging service providers have updated their expertise for Future Homes Standard requirements. Make sure your inspector understands:

• Modern heating system technologies
• Renewable energy installations
• Advanced ventilation systems
• Energy performance testing
• Smart home technology integration

Don’t let complex new technologies slip through the cracks. Snagit Ltd’s team stays current with all Future Homes Standard requirements. Book your professional inspection today.

Timing Becomes Critical

With more complex systems to check, new build snagging checklist processes need more time. Book your snagging survey well before your completion date to allow time for proper assessment and any necessary remedial work.

Performance Testing Is Essential

Visual inspections alone aren’t enough for these new technologies. Professional snagging now needs to include performance verification: ensuring systems actually deliver their promised efficiency gains.

The Bottom Line

The Future Homes Standard represents a massive step forward for environmental sustainability and long-term running costs. However, the implementation challenges mean new build defects are becoming more complex and potentially more costly.

A professional snagging inspection isn’t just about protecting your investment anymore: it’s about ensuring these advanced systems actually deliver the energy savings and environmental benefits you’re paying for.

The construction industry will eventually adapt, but early adopters of these new standards need extra protection. Don’t let enthusiasm for green technology blind you to the importance of proper installation and commissioning.

Your new build represents a major investment in both your future and the planet’s. Make sure it’s done right with a comprehensive snagging survey from Snagit Ltd. Get your quote today and protect your investment in tomorrow’s technology.

The Future Homes Standard is coming whether builders are ready or not. Make sure you are.