The short answer
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.
Choose the earliest permitted inspection point and preserve a later review opportunity where unresolved or seasonal items remain.
Key considerations
What to send before we quote
Your stage: pre-completion, after handover, or approaching the end of the defects period
When a snagging survey earns its fee
Before legal completion, where the developer allows a pre-completion inspection under the New Homes Quality Code
When a snagging survey earns its fee
Immediately after handover, while the developer customer care route is freshest
When a snagging survey earns its fee
Approaching the end of the builder warranty period, often two years from policy start or legal completion depending on the scheme
What to do next
Ask the developer whether pre-completion access is allowed.
Book promptly after handover if earlier access is unavailable.
Send the documented schedule through customer care.
Review unresolved items before the applicable defects period ends.
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.
Do I need a snagging survey if the developer has NHBC?
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.
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.
Related guidance
Local Level 3 building survey guides
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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