28 Nov 2024

Snagging guide to help new homeowners published

‘A Homeowner Guide to Snagging’ - the first in a series of Consumer Guides produced by the NHQB – is now available.  

Screenshot 2024-11-28 104701.png

The guide is designed to help homeowners understand what snags are (and aren’t) and what they should expect from their developer when resolving snagging issues. It includes information about:  

  • Common snagging issues and how to handle them   
  • The differences between snags and defects  
  • What does not count as a snagging issue   
  • What is included in the builder’s warranty  
  • How to prevent snagging issues   
  • Steps to take if snagging issues are not resolved  

Navigating through the complexities of purchasing and settling into a new home can be a challenging time - and whilst research conducted by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) in March 2024  found that 87.5% of respondents of the National Homebuyer Customer Satisfaction Survey were satisfied with the quality of their homes, 95% of homeowners identified snags in their new homes, with nearly half of these (47%) experiencing over 10 snagging issues.   

Emma Toms, Chief Executive at the New Homes Quality Board commented,

“With 95% of new homeowners reporting snags, it is clear that this is an issue many consumers are experiencing. 

“Through the Homeowner Guide to Snagging, we are providing consumers with a valuable resource about snagging issues and what they should expect from their developer in resolving them. At the same time, we are working with developers to help improve their quality and service in this area, through the New Homes Quality Code framework.   

“With the majority of new homes being built across England, Scotland and Wales now part of the New Homes Quality Code, we look forward to helping even more consumers as more developers commit to this framework.”  

You can view A Homeowner Guide to Snagging here