Independent Snagging Survey in Holywood

A premium specification, impressive kitchen or beautifully presented show home does not guarantee that a newly built property has been completed without defects.

NW Snag Surveys provides independent new-build snagging surveys in Holywood and surrounding BT18 areas. Every inspection is personally completed by Andrew Kerrigan, RPSA Tech., using more than 30 years of practical experience in construction, civil engineering, site management and residential inspection.

Whether you are purchasing a house, townhouse or apartment, the inspection provides an independent photographic record of defects for submission to the developer.

Detailed inspection for new homes in Holywood

Modern developments can include large areas of glazing, complex fitted furniture, balconies, terraces, multiple bathrooms, mechanical ventilation and high-specification finishes.

These features may look impressive while still containing installation defects, incomplete work or damage caused during the final stages of construction.

A snagging inspection looks beyond presentation and considers whether accessible components appear complete, correctly fitted and functioning as intended.

What does a Holywood snagging survey check?

The inspection follows a structured process covering the accessible internal and external areas included within the agreed scope.

Checks can include:

• Roof coverings and visible roof details
• Brickwork, render, cladding and external finishes
• Gutters, downpipes and surface-water drainage
• Windows, doors, glazing and perimeter seals
• Balconies, terraces and external guarding where accessible
• Internal walls, ceilings and decorative finishes
• Floors, stairs, joinery and fitted furniture
• Kitchens, worktops, appliances and utility areas
• Bathrooms, sanitary fittings and visible plumbing
• Electrical accessories and ventilation
• Heating controls and accessible fittings
• Insulation and unusual thermal patterns where appropriate
• Paths, driveways, boundaries and external levels
• Incomplete, damaged or poorly finished work

Defects are described clearly and supported with photographs wherever appropriate.

Houses, townhouses and apartments

Different property types require a slightly different inspection approach.

In a house or townhouse, the survey may include accessible elevations, roof details, drainage, private gardens, boundaries and internal accommodation.

For an apartment, the inspection concentrates on the individual property and any private balcony, terrace or allocated area included within the agreed scope. Communal spaces, shared services and management-company responsibilities are not automatically included unless specifically agreed beforehand.

This keeps the report clear about what has—and has not—been inspected.

More than a cosmetic inspection

Snagging is sometimes treated as little more than finding paint marks and untidy sealant. Those items matter, but a professional inspection should also look for defects that could affect performance or durability.

Examples can include:

• Doors and windows that do not close or seal correctly
• Poorly installed extract ventilation
• Incomplete or defective external weatherproofing
• Plumbing leaks and loose sanitary fittings
• Uneven floors or damaged finishes
• Missing components and incomplete installations
• Defective drainage arrangements
• Insulation irregularities
• Damage hidden by final decorative work

Where something cannot be confirmed through a visual inspection, the report can recommend appropriate further investigation.

When should you arrange the survey?

The preferred time is when the property is complete and ready for occupation but before legal completion, provided the developer permits independent access.

If access is not allowed before completion, the inspection can be arranged after you receive the keys. Completing it promptly gives you a useful record of the property’s initial condition and a structured defects list to send to the developer.

Read more about when to arrange a snagging survey for a new build in Northern Ireland.

Why appoint an independent inspector?

The developer’s quality checks are completed as part of its own construction and handover process. Your snagging survey is completed independently for you as the buyer.

An independent inspection provides:

• A structured assessment of accessible areas
• Clear and impartial defect descriptions
• Supporting photographic evidence
• A professional PDF report
• Practical information for the developer and contractors
• A record of the property’s condition around handover
• Evidence to support requests for remedial work

It also allows you to enjoy receiving the keys without trying to inspect every seal, fitting and finish during a short handover appointment. There are better ways to celebrate a new home than crawling beneath the kitchen sink with a torch.

Personally completed by Andrew Kerrigan, RPSA Tech.

Every survey is personally completed by Andrew Kerrigan, RPSA Tech.—it is not passed to an unknown subcontractor.

Andrew has more than 30 years of experience across construction, civil engineering, site management and residential inspection. This practical background helps identify the difference between a minor cosmetic issue and a defect that may affect the building’s performance or require more substantial remedial work.

Thermal imaging and drone options

Thermal imaging can be added where appropriate to help identify unusual temperature patterns associated with possible insulation gaps, cold bridging, air leakage or moisture.

Drone inspection may also be available where roof areas cannot be adequately viewed from ground level. This depends on the property, weather, surrounding airspace and safe operating conditions.

These options support the visual survey but do not replace specialist testing where further investigation is advised.

Areas covered around Holywood

Scheduled inspection visits are available in Holywood and nearby areas, including:

• Cultra
• Craigavad
• Seahill
• Marino
• Other nearby BT18 locations

NW Snag Surveys also provides snagging surveys in Bangor and North Down.

Send the property address, developer’s name, house or apartment type and anticipated completion date by WhatsApp to check availability.

Other property inspection services

Additional services available include:

• Pre-plaster inspections
• Home Survey – Level 1
• Home Survey – Level 2
• Independent damp and mould inspections
• Landlord property health and moisture inspections
• Thermal imaging
• Drone inspection add-ons

Where damp or moisture concerns are discovered during a suitable home survey, a detailed damp assessment can be discussed rather than leaving the buyer with only a general recommendation for further investigation.

Covering Holywood and Northern Ireland

The Holywood service forms part of NW Snag Surveys’ scheduled programme of independent snagging surveys across Northern Ireland.

Appointments are arranged in advance so Northern Ireland visits can be grouped efficiently while every property is still inspected personally and methodically.

Arrange a snagging survey in Holywood

To check availability, send the property address, developer, property type and expected completion or handover date.

Andrew Kerrigan, RPSA Tech.
NW Snag Surveys
Telephone: 07300 470965
WhatsApp: Message Andy
Website: nwsnagsurveys.com