Snagging Services: What to Expect in a Report
When you’re purchasing a new property, whether it’s a newly built home or an off-plan purchase, snagging services are an essential part of the process. These services help identify and address defects before you take ownership. One of the key deliverables of a snagging service is the snag report, which provides a detailed overview of the defects found during the inspection. In this blog, we will explain what you can expect in a snagging report and how it ensures that your new property is in top condition before you move in.
What is a Snagging Report?
A snagging report is a comprehensive document that lists any defects, issues, or unfinished work identified during a snagging inspection. This inspection is typically carried out shortly before handover, either by a professional snagging company or a qualified inspector. The report serves as a checklist for the developer or builder, detailing areas that require attention or correction before you can take possession of the property.
Key Elements of a Snagging Report
A well-prepared snagging report should cover all major areas of the property. Here’s what you can expect to find in a typical report:
1. Defect Descriptions
Each defect identified during the inspection is described in detail, including:
- Type of defect: Whether it’s a cosmetic issue (like a scratched surface) or a more serious structural problem (such as cracks in the walls or foundation).
- Location of the defect: The specific area or room in which the defect was found (e.g., bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, exterior).
- Severity of the defect: The seriousness of the issue, ranging from minor cosmetic problems to major structural defects.
This ensures that the developer or builder has a clear understanding of the problem areas that need to be addressed.
2. Visual Documentation
In addition to written descriptions, a good snagging report will include photos of the defects. These photos help illustrate the issues clearly, showing the extent of the damage or the incomplete work. Photos can be extremely helpful in highlighting problems such as:
- Uneven flooring or walls
- Cracked tiles
- Poorly fitted windows and doors
- Faulty plumbing fixtures
- Electrical system issues
The visual evidence supports the claims made in the report and makes it easier for the developer to locate and address the defects.
3. Categorization of Issues
A snagging report usually categorizes defects into different types to make it easier to understand the nature of the problem:
- Minor defects: These are typically small issues that are easy to fix, such as paint touch-ups or adjustments to doors and windows.
- Major defects: These issues can affect the property’s safety or long-term stability and require more significant repairs, such as structural issues, plumbing problems, or faulty electrical systems.
- Completion issues: These are areas where the construction or finishing work is incomplete, such as missing trim, unfinished floors, or incomplete installations (like kitchen appliances or light fixtures).
This categorization helps you prioritize what needs to be fixed first and gives you a sense of the seriousness of each issue.
4. Developer’s Responsibility
The snagging report will often include a section that specifies which defects are the developer’s responsibility to fix. This is important because some issues may fall outside the developer’s obligations (for example, if you caused the damage after moving in). A clear outline of the developer’s responsibilities helps avoid disputes and ensures the issues are resolved before the handover.
5. Recommendations for Action
Along with identifying defects, a professional snagging report will typically include recommendations for resolving the issues. For example, a crack in the wall might require re-plastering, or a leaky tap may need to be replaced. In some cases, the inspector might recommend a further investigation by a specialist, such as a structural engineer, if the issue is more serious.
These recommendations are important for guiding the developer or contractor on how to address the problems and ensuring that the property is ready for handover.
What to Do with Your Snagging Report
Once you’ve received your snagging report, here’s what you should do:
1. Review the Report
Take the time to go through the snagging report thoroughly. If any defects or issues are unclear, ask the snagging company for clarification. Make sure you understand the severity of each issue and its potential impact on the property.
2. Share the Report with the Developer
The snagging report should be submitted to the developer or builder as soon as possible. Most developers will have a standard process for addressing snags, which could include fixing the issues before handover, adjusting the final payment, or offering compensation. Some developers may even send their own team to inspect the defects and carry out the necessary repairs.
3. Negotiate Repairs or Compensation
Once the developer receives the report, they will likely take action to address the defects. If the issues are substantial, you may have the option to negotiate repairs or compensation. In some cases, you may even be able to delay the handover until the issues are fully addressed, ensuring the property meets your standards.
How to Ensure Your Snagging Report is Effective
To ensure the snagging report is thorough and accurate, consider the following tips:
1. Hire a Professional Snagging Service
While it’s possible to conduct a basic snagging inspection on your own, hiring a professional snagging service ensures that the inspection is done thoroughly. Professional inspectors are trained to spot issues that may not be immediately obvious and will ensure that all areas of the property are covered.
2. Attend the Inspection
If possible, attend the snagging inspection so you can see the issues firsthand. This will also give you the opportunity to ask the inspector questions and better understand the defects being identified. It also allows you to gain a clearer idea of the scale of the issues and how they might impact your move-in.
3. Document Everything
In addition to the snagging report itself, keep a record of any correspondence with the developer or builder. This includes emails, phone calls, or meetings where you discussed the defects and the steps to resolve them. Having a detailed record will help if there are any disagreements or delays in addressing the issues.
Conclusion
A snagging report is a vital part of the property handover process, ensuring that your new home or office is free from defects before you move in. By hiring a professional snagging service and reviewing the report carefully, you can identify potential issues early, hold the developer accountable, and ensure that the property meets your expectations. Whether it’s minor cosmetic issues or major construction defects, a well-executed snagging inspection and detailed report will help protect your investment and save you from costly repairs down the line.
