Snagging Checklist: A Surveyor’s Guide with Real Defects Found in Kirkbymoorside

Buying a brand-new home is exciting - fresh walls, unused appliances, everything looking shiny and perfect.

Well… almost perfect.

Because even the best new builds can have defects, and that’s exactly why so many homebuyers now try a bit of DIY snagging before moving in. With the right guidance, you can catch a fair amount yourself.

Why Snagging Matters (Even in a Brand-New Home)

Recently, I carried out a snagging survey on a newly built property in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, and it was the perfect reminder that “brand new” doesn’t always mean “flawless.”

Before we get into your DIY snagging checklist, here’s a look at some of the real issues we found on that inspection and other recent ones.

Real Defects We Found in Kirkbymoorside (& other Recent Properties)

New builds always look spotless at first glance. But once you start checking things properly — opening, closing, tapping, measuring — problems quickly reveal themselves.

Here are a few examples:

1. Misaligned Window Frames

Easily missed unless you check from both inside and outside. A slight misalignment can affect sealing and cause draughts later down the line.

2. Poor Mastic Work in Wet Areas

Patchy sealant around the bath and kitchen worktops. Not only is this messy, but a future water ingress risk if not put right.

3. Loft Hatch That Didn’t Close Properly

Only a small defect, but exactly the sort of thing a developer should fix before handover.

4. Flooring Gaps in the Hallway

Only obvious once you’re down at eye-level. These gaps worsen quickly with foot traffic.

5. Paving That Sloped Towards the Property

A subtle dip in the driveway that could easily cause water pooling - the kind of thing that turns into a nuisance fast.

None of these issues are dramatic on their own, but together they show why snagging is essential and why a trained eye makes such a difference.

Your DIY Snagging Checklist

If you’d like to look for the biggest and most visible defects yourself, here’s a clear, straightforward snagging checklist to work through.

Exterior Checks

☑️ Walk around the whole property and look for cracks, gaps or poor pointing

☑️ Check gutters and downpipes for alignment or leaks

☑️ Inspect paths and driveways for uneven or sinking slabs

☑️ Open and close exterior doors and windows to check their seals

Interior Checks

☑️ Inspect all paintwork, especially near corners and sockets

☑️ Check plaster for cracks or patchy areas

☑️ Run your hand along skirting boards to feel for gaps

☑️ Look at flooring for scratches, uneven levels or lifting edges

Doors & Windows

☑️ Ensure doors open, close and latch smoothly

☑️ Check hinges, handles and locks

☑️ Test window trickle vents

☑️ Look for draughts or gaps around frames

Plumbing Checks

☑️ Test every tap for pressure, temperature and leaks

☑️ Flush toilets to ensure no slow filling or dripping

☑️ Check under sinks for moisture

☑️ Run the bath or shower briefly to test drainage

Heating & Electrics

☑️ Test all light switches and sockets

☑️ Check radiators heat evenly

☑️ Make sure the thermostat responds properly

☑️ Look inside the fuse box for proper labelling

Ventilation & Insulation

☑️ Test kitchen and bathroom extractor fans

☑️ Check loft insulation for consistency

☑️ Look for signs of condensation

Safety Red Flags

☑️ Loose handrails or poorly fixed banisters

☑️ Exposed wiring

☑️ Cracks wider than a credit card

☑️ Missing fire-stopping in the loft

Any of these should be raised immediately.

Tools You’ll Need for DIY Snagging

If you have a good eye for detail, you can work through a snagging checklist yourself - but you’ll need a few simple tools to do it properly:

• Notebook or printed snagging checklist

• Spirit level

• Tape measure

• Flashlight or head torch

• Electrical socket tester

• Smartphone for photos or videos

These will help you cover the basics. However, even with the right tools, DIY snagging usually picks up only the most obvious issues.

What Homebuyers Often Miss

Most homebuyers tend to spot 10–15 issues even with a checklist.

In comparison, a professional snagging survey usually identifies 40–80, depending on property size.

At Skyline Property Surveys, we also check:

• Ventilation setups

• Correct installation of insulation

• Thermal bridging and heat-loss areas

• Structural movement

• Loft and roof defects (we find roof issues with a drone)

• Issues only visible with a drone

• Compliance with NHQB / NHBC standards

These are the sorts of issues that simply aren’t easy to identify during a DIY walk-around.

DIY Snagging Works… Just Not for Everything

DIY snagging is handy for:

☑️ Cosmetic issues

☑️ Simple checks

☑️ Testing fixtures and fittings

☑️ Highlighting obvious defects

But it’s not ideal for:

• Hidden defects

• Plumbing or electrical problems

• Building regulation compliance

• Roof or loft issues

• Ventilation and insulation

• Structural concerns

• Heat-loss or moisture detection

This is why many homeowners start with DIY… then bring in a professional for the things they aren’t sure about.

Thinking of Doing Your Own Snagging? Here’s the Honest Truth

You absolutely can complete a DIY snagging checklist, and this guide will help you do it.

But suppose you’d rather not spend hours checking every room, crawling into the loft, examining mastic lines, testing electrics and measuring gaps. In that case, that’s exactly why we offer a professional snagging survey.

At Skyline Property Surveys, we:

✅Follow NHQB and NHBC snagging standards.

✅Identify dozens of defects most buyers won’t spot.

✅Provide a clear photographic report that developers can’t ignore.

✅Offer a friendly, thorough service across Yorkshire and the North East.

If you want complete peace of mind before moving into your new home:

👉 Book a Professional Snagging Survey with Skyline Property Surveys. Clear reporting, friendly service, and defects found before they become your problem.