What Is Snagging?

Moving house is always a stressful time.

From packing up all your belongings to the uncertainty over move-in dates, there is often a lot to occupy your mind. 

For those purchasing a new-build property, there is sometimes the additional worry of snagging. 

In this article, the team here at Clockwork Removals and Storage will take a closer look at what snagging means and how the process can affect your move.

What is snagging?

Snagging is the process of identifying and reporting problems in the design or construction of a new-build house so they can be rectified before the new homeowner moves in. 

The purpose of snagging is to ensure that the new property is built to the right specifications and proper standards necessary; and while it is the builder’s responsibility to check a property is ready for people to move in, this does not always happen.

This is why many people purchasing a new-build property will opt for a snagging survey. Essentially, the new-build equivalent of a property survey, it will see a professional check the house and create a ‘snag list’ of problems and defects that need to be addressed. It is not a legal requirement, but a snagging survey is recommended for people purchasing a new-build property. While new-builds are often more modern in design and function, it does not mean they are always problem-free.

Once a snag list has been provided to the developer, it can take anywhere from weeks to months for the issues to be resolved – potentially delaying move-in dates significantly.

Different types of snags 

Your snag list can contain wildly different issues, from minor cosmetic work to more significant problems. 

Some common snags include:

• Poor brickwork
• Faulty window sealant 
• Poor installation of kitchens and bathrooms
• Plumbing issues 
• Electrical issues 
• Heating problems 
• Poor insulation 

The best time to organise a snagging survey tends to be after the building work has been completed but before you move in. While you can choose to move in first, it may be harder to organise remedial work and some developers may even claim the damage has been caused by you. 

Snagging storage services 

As mentioned above, waiting for a snag list to be rectified can be time-consuming and may delay your move. 

With this in mind, there may be instances where you need to keep your belongings in storage as you wait for your new-build home to become available. 

If you’re looking for professional and reliable storage services, then Clockwork Removals and Storage is here to help. For more than 25 years, we’ve provided secure storage across the UK, offering people a place to keep their stuff while they wait for the snagging process to be completed.

Whether you need short-term storage or more long-term options, we provide secure facilities with 24/7 CCTV monitoring to ensure your belongings always remain safe and exactly as you left them. 

Then, when you get confirmation of your move-in date, just give us a call and our team will return everything to you. The process couldn’t be simpler. 

We also offer two optional waivers for moves that have been delayed or cancelled. Our Waiting Time Waiver offers coverage against charges if your move has been delayed as a result of a third party. Plus, our Cancellation and Postponement Waiver ensures you’re protected if your move is unexpectedly cancelled or postponed. Get in touch with our team to find out more about these options.   

For more information on our range of storage options, contact Clockwork Removals and Storage today.