The short answer
A new-build warranty does not make a new home defect-free. If the home has NHBC Buildmark, NHBC describes the builder warranty period as usually the first two years from the policy start date. We do not act as warranty claims handlers; we prepare clear evidence so your developer customer care route, warranty provider or adviser can see what was found and what remains open.
Treat the survey as an independent record and the warranty as a separate contractual route, without presenting the surveyor as a claims handler.
Key considerations
Where the Code, Ombudsman and warranty fit
A snagging schedule is strongest when it follows the route your developer and warranty provider recognise.
Outputs
Notes on items that may be warranty-relevant rather than developer snags
Developer liaison support
Clear, numbered schedules in a format site teams accept, and advice on escalation routes where responses stall - including warranty context, without acting as claims handlers.
What to do next
Identify the warranty and developer customer-care route.
Record defects independently and clearly.
Submit items through the recognised customer-care route.
Take unresolved warranty questions to the provider or appropriate adviser.
Related services
Sources and standards
Related questions
What is a snagging survey?
A snagging survey is an independent inspection of a new-build home that records defects, unfinished work and poor-quality finishing in a schedule the developer can act on. It focuses on workmanship and completion rather than the structural condition matters covered by a building survey of an older property.
When should I book a snagging inspection — before completion or within the two-year defects period?
Ideally before legal completion, if the developer permits a pre-completion inspection - the New Homes Quality Code has made this more common. Failing that, as soon as possible after handover, and again shortly before the defects or rectification period ends so latent items are caught while the developer is still obliged to fix them.
How much does a snagging survey in London cost?
From £350 + VAT for one-bedroom apartments — fixed fee by bedroom count, confirmed before you instruct.
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Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.
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