This summer, as the housing market heats up, so do the horror stories.
We’re talking infestations, structural shortcuts, and buyers left footing the bill. One of the most shocking trends we’re seeing? Rats in new builds. Yes, really.
What’s going wrong?
Some developers are rushing to finish homes without sealing access points or properly fitting pipework—creating perfect pathways for vermin. We’ve seen rats nesting under kitchen units, burrowing into loft insulation, and chewing through electrics—in brand new homes.
Why this matters now:
• Summer is prime nesting season for pests.
• Buyers are flooding the market with hopes of finding a dream home fast.
• Builders are racing to meet demand—but corners are being cut.
Other major new build issues we’re seeing this summer:
• Collapsed drainage from poorly laid piping.
• Roof leaks from rushed tiling and flashing.
• Cracks in render and walls due to bad foundations and dry weather movement.
• Electrical defects left unfinished and even unsafe.
Real example:
A family in Manchester moved into a £340,000 new build. Within 6 weeks, they discovered:
• Rodent droppings under the stairs.
• A chewed-through cable in the loft.
• Entry points left wide open behind kitchen units.
Cost to put right: £2,800 – and none of it covered by warranty.
Our advice this summer:
• Never skip a snagging survey.
• Get all accessible areas inspected—including lofts, behind kickboards, and pipe chases.
• Don’t trust cosmetic finishes. What’s under the surface could cost you thousands.
Think it’s just a minor snag? Rats, water damage, and structural defects can escalate fast.
Book your professional snagging survey with NW Snag Surveys today.
Don’t let a new home turn into a summer nightmare.
Call or WhatsApp Andy on 07300 470 965