This comprehensive snagging checklist covers every area of a typical new build home. Print it out or save it on your phone to ensure you don't miss anything during your inspection.
General Checks (Apply to Every Room)
Walls and Ceilings
- No cracks in plaster or drywall
- Walls are plumb (vertical) and true
- Corners are straight and even
- No bumps, hollows, or uneven patches
- Coving/cornices properly fitted with no gaps
- Paint finish is even with no drips, missed spots, or brush marks
- No nail pops or screw heads showing
- Wall connections to ceiling are flush
Floors
- Surface is level (test with ball or spirit level)
- No creaks or squeaks when walked on
- Skirting boards fitted flush to wall and floor
- No gaps between skirting and floor
- Floor finish is consistent (no scratches, marks, or defects)
- Threshold strips properly fitted at doorways
Windows
- Glass is clean with no scratches or marks
- Frames are damage-free
- Windows open and close smoothly
- All locks and handles function correctly
- Weather seals are intact
- Window sills are level and properly sealed
- Trickle vents open and close
- No condensation between double glazing (indicates seal failure)
Doors
- Open and close smoothly without sticking
- Consistent gap around frame (3mm typical)
- Locks and handles work correctly
- Hinges are secure and silent
- No damage to finish
- Door stops installed where needed
- Fire doors (if applicable) have correct seals and closers
Electrics
- All sockets work (bring a phone charger to test)
- Sockets and switches are level and flush to wall
- Correct number of sockets as per specification
- Light switches operate all intended lights
- Consumer unit (fuse box) is accessible and labelled
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Living Room / Lounge
Specific Checks
- TV point location as specified
- Sufficient sockets for entertainment equipment
- Feature fireplace (if applicable) correctly installed
- Radiators positioned as per plan
- Smoke alarm fitted and working
Kitchen
Units and Worktops
- All cabinets are level and aligned
- Doors and drawers open/close smoothly
- Soft-close mechanisms work on all doors/drawers
- Worktop joins are tight with no gaps
- Worktop edges are finished properly
- Splashback fitted correctly with sealed edges
- No chips or scratches on surfaces
Appliances
- All specified appliances are installed
- Oven heats correctly
- Hob ignites and heats all burners
- Extractor fan operates with external vent
- Dishwasher (if fitted) runs through cycle
- Fridge/freezer reaches correct temperatures
Plumbing
- Hot and cold taps work correctly (check which is which!)
- Sink drains quickly with no leaks underneath
- No leaks at any pipe connections
- Waste disposal unit works (if fitted)
Bedrooms
Master Bedroom
- Built-in wardrobes (if applicable) doors align and close properly
- Wardrobe internals complete (rails, shelves)
- Sufficient sockets on each side of bed location
- Window locks work with keys provided
- Blinds or curtain tracks fitted (if specified)
Other Bedrooms
- All items as per master bedroom
- Room dimensions match floor plan
- Radiator size appropriate for room
Bathrooms
Fixtures
- WC flushes properly and refills correctly
- WC is securely fixed to floor (no wobble)
- Basin is level and securely mounted
- Bath is level and firmly supported
- Shower tray is level with no flexing
- All taps turn on/off smoothly with no drips
- Showerhead flows evenly
- Hot water reaches acceptable temperature
Sealing and Waterproofing
- Silicone seals complete around bath, shower, and basin
- No gaps in silicone (water could penetrate)
- Silicone is neat with no lifting or bubbling
- Tile grouting is complete and even
- No cracked or chipped tiles
Ventilation
- Extractor fan operates
- Extractor fan vents externally (not into roof space)
- Fan runs for appropriate time after leaving bathroom
En-Suite
- Same checks as main bathroom
- Door opens correctly without hitting fixtures
- Adequate ventilation for this smaller space
Utility Room
- Plumbing connections for washing machine
- Waste connection accessible
- Adequate sockets for appliances
- Ventilation adequate
Hallways and Landing
- Stair handrail secure with no movement
- Spindles (balusters) are secure and evenly spaced
- Stair treads are even with no creaks
- Landing has adequate lighting
- Cupboards (hot press, storage) have working doors and lights
Attic / Loft Space
- Hatch opens smoothly
- Latch/lock works correctly
- Ladder (if fitted) operates safely
- Insulation is properly laid
- No visible water staining or damp
- Water tank (if present) is covered
- Any exposed pipes are insulated
Garage
- Door opens and closes smoothly
- Remote control (if fitted) works
- Safety sensors function correctly
- Adequate lighting
- Floor is even and properly finished
- Internal door to house (if applicable) is fire-rated
External Areas
Roof
- All tiles/slates in place and aligned
- Ridge tiles secure
- Flashing around chimneys, vents sealed
- Gutters properly fitted with correct fall
- Downpipes secure and connected to drainage
Walls
- Render/brickwork complete with no cracks
- Pointing is complete and even
- DPC (damp proof course) visible and unobstructed
- Air bricks unblocked
Windows and Doors
- All external seals complete
- Window sills have proper drip edges
- Door threshold sealed
Drainage and Services
- All drains have covers
- Drain covers are level with surface
- External taps work (if fitted)
- Outside lights work
- External sockets work
Garden / Landscaping
- Driveway complete and level
- Paths finished
- Fencing/gates installed as specified
- Lawn areas seeded or turfed
- Planting beds prepared
- External tap functional
Safety Items (Critical)
These items must be completed before handover:
- Smoke alarms fitted and working on each floor
- Carbon monoxide alarm fitted near any gas appliances
- Fire doors fitted where required (garage, boiler room)
- Gas safety certificate provided
- Electrical safety certificate provided
- BER (Building Energy Rating) certificate provided
- All keys handed over (doors, windows, meter boxes)
Documentation to Request
Before completion, ensure you receive:
- Boiler manual and warranty documents
- Appliance manuals and warranties
- Window/door servicing information
- Paint codes for touch-ups
- Contact details for ongoing warranties
- As-built drawings (if modifications were made)
- Alarm codes and manuals (if fitted)
How to Use This Checklist
- Print or save this checklist on your phone
- Work systematically through each room
- Photograph every defect you find
- Note the location precisely for each issue
- Mark severity — cosmetic, functional, or safety
- Submit to builder within 48 hours of inspection
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checklistsnaggingnew builddefectsquality control