Snagging new property - how fussy?

[Stolly]

You can't be too picky when it comes to snagging. They should fix everything, although settlement cracks are part of a new build. They will happen, don't wallpaper or paint the walls for the first year. Fill them then.

 

[coopersim]

I'd agree with regard to settlement cracks, be prepeared to redecorate after the first two years anyway, but be sure on the important things, for instance we had to have the roof off ours because they'd not put in the insulation for the second floor - either rip the walls out or take off the roof to correct it - this is the sort of issue that you can't see, so just be careful to check the things you can't see!

 

[HangTime]

You've got to be kidding me right ? These are cosmetic issues - I bet you £50 that you have got way bigger issues than these lurking under the floors / guttering or outside.

No house is perfect - even the the new builds.

Some of these first time buyers need a good kick up the .... Just remember that the seller can take his business elsewhere.

He may well have bigger issues lurking but that doesn't make the points raised invalid.

Not sure where "first time buyers" came from either as the OP has not indicated that this is the case. As for taking the business elsewhere, he's already said that he doesn't expect any major issues (that need fixing prior to completion), so once he's bought the house, the seller CAN'T take their business elsewhere.

Going back to the general topic of snagging, in my experience (and that of friends) if you are patient then things will get done, just put stuff in writing and then if you haven't been contacted by the contractors for some of those jobs within a few weeks write/phone to find out what is happening with the outstanding items.

Shrinkage cracks are to be expected but depending on what other issues you have you may be able to get them sorted alongside other work if you have a friendly contractor. Remember that while the house builder will be reluctant to fix issues as it costs them money, if they've left the development they will be deploying contractors who are getting paid so will welcome the work. As mentioned after the initial snagging you will no doubt need to go back over the two year period with things that rear their heads like suspect plumbing, doors expanding so they don't shut properly etc.

Our two years was up just over a month ago but before that we wrote to them about a few minor issues that remained, so this has reminded me to follow that up.

 

[BennyC]

Bit of a thread revival!

Is anybody able to give a rough estimate of how much it costs to get a 'professional' to snag the property for you? Obviously aesthetic defects can be seen with your own eyes. For things like boiler pressures, guttering angles, dodgy plumbing etc?