New Build Report
A new build snagging survey is an independent inspection of a newly built home to find defects, unfinished work and poor workmanship before they become your problem. Our New Build Report follows the RPSA New-build Inspection & Reporting Standards and gives you a clear, photographed list of snags to hand to your developer. We carry out snagging inspections across Essex, before or after completion.
About the Survey
A "snag" is a defect or unfinished item in a new home. It might be cosmetic, like a scratched worktop or patchy paintwork, or more serious, like a missing fire stop, a leaking pipe or poorly fitted roof tiles. Even well-built new homes usually have some snags, as so many trades work on a property in a short space of time.
Our New Build Report is a thorough inspection of the whole property, inside and out, by a Chartered Surveyor who works for you, not the developer. Every defect we find is described, photographed and listed in a report you can send straight to your developer, so they can put things right.
A standard home survey isn't designed for brand-new properties. A snagging inspection focuses on the quality of construction and finish, checking that your new home is safe, complete and built to a proper standard.
When to Book
The best time is before you legally complete, while you still have the most leverage. Developers registered with the New Homes Quality Board allow buyers to arrange a pre-completion inspection, and our report follows its Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist. Access depends on the developer, so book early and we'll liaise with the site team.
If a pre-completion inspection isn't possible, or you've already moved in, we can inspect at any point afterwards. An inspection in the first few months means issues are recorded and reported early.
Most new homes come with a warranty, with the builder usually responsible for putting right defects in the first two years. A snagging inspection before that period ends helps make sure nothing is missed while the builder is still responsible for fixing it.
The Inspection
We inspect every room and every part of the property we can safely access.
Our inspection follows the RPSA New-build Inspection & Reporting Standards and includes:
We use a moisture meter and, where needed, a thermal imaging camera to help find leaks, cold spots and missing insulation. Where weather conditions allow, we also use a drone or extendable pole camera to check roofs that can't be seen from the ground.
Your Report
Your report lists every defect we find, room by room, with a description and photographs so there's no doubt about what needs fixing and where. It also highlights any health and safety issues and leaks, so the most important items stand out.
The report is laid out so you can send it directly to your developer's customer care team. It's emailed to you within 5 working days of the inspection, and you can book a follow-up call to go through it.
Re-Inspections
Once your developer says the work is complete, we can return to check each item on the original list has been properly put right, and record anything still outstanding. Re-inspections are charged as an additional fee, and we'll quote for one when you book if you'd like it included.
What We Often Find
Good to Know
We'll always tell you if any part of the property couldn't be inspected, and why.
Across Essex
Essex has seen a large number of new homes built in recent years, from major developments around Chelmsford to new estates in Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, Rochford and the wider county. We carry out snagging inspections on houses and apartments across all of them.
See all the areas we cover, or get in touch with the property address for a quote.
Other Surveys
for a newer home that's being resold by its first owner
if you're buying a new build to let
for a single issue that's appeared since you moved in
Get in touch
Tell us about your new home and your completion date, and we'll come back to you with a quote. If you'd like a pre-completion inspection, let us know the developer and we'll help arrange access.
Prefer to talk?
WhatsApp us:
Send us a message, the property listing link and any photos or questions. Handy if you're busy during the day.
If you're unsure which survey you need, tell us about the property and your circumstance and we'll guide you through it.
It's strongly recommended. New homes almost always have some snags, and an independent inspector will spot issues you might miss, including ones that affect safety or could cause bigger problems later.
Many developers will, particularly those registered with the New Homes Quality Board, whose code allows buyers to arrange a pre-completion inspection. Access is ultimately up to the developer, so we recommend asking early. We'll liaise with the site team to arrange it.
Yes. We can carry out a snagging inspection at any time after completion. Booking within the builder's two-year period means the developer should still be responsible for fixing the defects we find.
Our New Build Report follows the RPSA New-build Inspection & Reporting Standards, which are based on the New Homes Quality Board Code of Practice and its Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist.
Yes, we offer re-inspections for an additional fee. We'll check each item on the original list and record anything still outstanding.
No. A Level 2 Home Survey is designed for existing homes. A snagging inspection is designed specifically for new builds, focusing on construction quality, finish and incomplete work.
Yes. We inspect the apartment itself and any communal areas we can access, such as stairs, corridors and bin stores, noting visible defects.
The fee depends on the size and type of property. Send us the details and we'll give you a quote, including a re-inspection if you'd like one.
Our Surveys
From RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys to new build snagging, buy to let and schedules of condition, we'll help you choose the right report for your property.
Get a Quote
Tell us the property address and the survey you need, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp 07375 390466.
Lima Surveys is an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors based in Leigh-on-Sea, regulated by both RICS and the RPSA. Every survey is carried out and written by a Chartered Surveyor, with a clear photographic report issued within 5 working days and a follow-up call to talk through the findings. We cover the whole of Essex.
Lima Surveys Ltd
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PL
Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 13556609
Registered office: C/O Kingsley House, 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 1SN.
VAT Reg No. 458 5578 39
T: 07375 390466
E: info@limasurveys.co.uk
