A snagging survey is a detailed, professional inspection of a newly built property. It identifies workmanship defects, installation errors, cosmetic issues, and any areas that do not meet building standards. Even new builds from reputable developers can have hundreds of minor issues, from uneven paint and misaligned doors to small leaks or incomplete seals.

Hiring a surveyor ensures you have an independent, expert assessment — not just the builder’s perspective. For a cost of around €265 per inspection, you’re safeguarding a potential €300,000+ investment, which makes the value absolutely clear.

Many buyers assume new homes are flawless, but even the best builders work under deadlines and pressure. Small defects often slip through. A professional snagging survey:

• Protects your investment: Early identification of issues prevents expensive fixes later.

• Ensures compliance: Confirms your home meets Irish building standards and warranty requirements.

• Prevents future problems: Catch minor defects before they develop into leaks, mould, or structural concerns.

• Gives leverage: Documented snags can be actioned by the builder at their cost.

• Provides peace of mind: Move in knowing everything has been professionally checked.

Put simply, paying a few hundred euros now could save thousands and protects your biggest personal investment.

The optimal time is just before the handover, when the builder declares the property “ready.” This ensures any issues are addressed before keys are handed over, preventing delays or disputes.

Even if you’ve already moved in, snagging is still valuable. Most builder warranties cover defects for the first 12 months. A survey will document what’s wrong and help you claim repairs before warranty expiry.

A standard three-bedroom home usually takes 2–3 hours. Larger properties, townhouses, or apartments with communal areas may take longer. Time varies depending on size, build complexity, and the number of defects.

We never rush. Each room, utility, and structural element is checked. It’s far better to invest a few extra hours now than discover hidden issues months later.

We conduct a full property inspection, including:

• Internal rooms – walls, floors, doors, windows, ceilings, finishes

• Bathrooms & kitchens – taps, appliances, tiling, seals, cabinets

• Plumbing & heating – pipes, radiators, hot/cold water, water pumps

• Electrical installation – sockets, lights, breakers, visible wiring

• Attic & insulation – ventilation, insulation, storage, structural features

• External areas – walls, brickwork, gutters, fascia, patios, drains

• Fire safety & compliance – escape routes, smoke alarms, statutory requirements

Nothing is overlooked. Even minor defects can impact safety, comfort, or resale value.

No. A snagging survey focuses on the quality of workmanship, finishes, and defects in a new build. A structural survey is more intrusive and generally reserved for older homes to identify hidden structural risks.

New builds rarely need a structural survey, but snagging is essential, as it protects your investment and ensures the property meets building regulations and warranty standards.

Not at all. Professional builders expect snagging inspections. They often appreciate a structured, itemised report rather than sporadic or informal complaints.

An inspection:

• Highlights genuine defects, making it easier for builders to address them

• Protects both buyer and builder from disputes later

• Ensures that the home meets contractual obligations

It’s a professional, standard part of buying a new build in Ireland.

Yes, provided the issues are legitimate and covered under warranty. Our reports are clear, evidence-based, and itemised, so builders know exactly what needs attention.

Minor items like touch-up paint, misaligned doors, or gaps in skirting are common, but documenting them professionally ensures they’re addressed before handover, saving time, money, and stress later.

We seen certain defects repeatedly:

• Paintwork & wall finishes: drips, marks, uneven surfaces

• Doors & windows: binding, scraping, poor alignment, broken restrictors

• Bathrooms & kitchens: rough silicone, unsealed panels, leaks

• Skirting boards & architraves: gaps, loose fittings, misalignment

• Carpentry & joinery: rough edges, incomplete shelving, miscuts

• Attic & insulation: poorly installed insulation, lack of ventilation

• External areas: mortar stains, uneven patios, poorly sealed drains

Most are minor but could escalate into costly repairs or safety concerns if ignored.

You can, but homeowners often miss subtle or hidden defects. Professional surveyors:

• Inspect over 100+ checkpoints

• Use tools like levels, moisture meters, thermal imaging

• Detect defects invisible to the untrained eye

For €265, you gain independent professional advice on a €300,000+ investment — a small price for absolute peace of mind.

Our reports are delivered within 24 hours, fully itemised with photos, descriptions, severity ratings, and guidance for remedial action. Builders can use this report directly, and clients can see exactly what needs addressing.

Yes. A re-inspection confirms that all snagging items have been resolved correctly. This protects the homeowner and ensures no detail is overlooked before final acceptance.

Absolutely. For €265 (or similar), you protect a property worth hundreds of thousands. Even a single overlooked defect could cost €1,000+ to repair after moving in.

It’s not just about fixing problems — it’s about:

• Maximising the value of your home

• Ensuring safety and compliance

• Saving money, stress, and time long-term

Yes. Apartment snagging includes your unit plus communal areas like hallways, lobbies, fire escapes, and service areas (where accessible). Apartment inspections often uncover hidden issues like poorly fitted flooring or water ingress points.

Builders perform their own internal quality checks, but these are often not independent, rushed, or incomplete. A professional snagging survey gives you an objective review, ensuring all work meets standards and your warranty requirements.

We guide homeowners on escalating defects through:

• Site manager or foreman

• Developer head office

• Warranty provider (HomeBond, Global Home Warranties)

• Consumer protections under Irish Building Control regulations

Documentation from a professional surveyor makes it far harder for builders to refuse legitimate repairs.

Typically, minor snags are completed within 2–4 weeks, depending on workload. Larger repairs may take longer, especially during peak seasons. We advise clients on timelines and ensure all issues are resolved properly before final sign-off.