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Your Snagging Report Is Back — What Do You Do First?

26 October 2026

Your snagging report has arrived. It may contain a lot of photographs, observations and recommendations, so it can be hard to know where to begin. A calm, organised approach will make it easier to raise the findings with your developer and keep track of what happens next.

If you have not yet arranged an inspection, see our independent new-build snagging survey service.

1. Read the report and understand each finding

Start by reading the report from beginning to end. Look at each finding’s location, description, photographs and recommended action. If anything is unclear, make a note of the finding number and prepare a specific question rather than guessing what the wording means.

A snagging report records observations from the inspection. It is a useful document to discuss with your developer, but the builder may need to inspect a finding themselves before agreeing what work is appropriate.

2. Organise the findings into a clear list

Make a simple tracker using the report’s finding numbers. You could include:

• the room or location;
• a short description of the issue;
• the date you reported it;
• the developer’s response or proposed action;
• whether a visit or repair is still outstanding.

Keep the original report and copies of any photographs. If you take additional pictures, label them with the room, date and finding number where possible.

3. Send the findings to the developer in writing

Use the developer’s aftercare or customer-service process and follow the instructions in your home documents. Send a clear list of the findings you want them to review, refer to the report numbers and keep a copy of your message and any reply.

Ask the developer to confirm which items they will inspect or address, and what the next steps are. Keep a note of calls too, including the date, who you spoke to and what was agreed.

If your home has NHBC cover, check your policy and the relevant homeowner guidance. NHBC provides templates for notifying the builder about issues and following them up. View NHBC homeowner guidance.

4. Keep communication factual and follow up

Describe what you have observed, where it is and when you noticed it. Avoid altering or repairing an item before the developer has had a reasonable opportunity to review it, unless immediate action is needed to protect people or prevent further damage. If there is an urgent safety concern or active leak, contact the developer promptly and take sensible steps to protect the property.

If you do not receive a response, follow the developer’s stated process and refer back to your original message. A dated record makes it easier to see which items have been acknowledged, booked in or completed.

5. Check the work once repairs are reported as complete

When the developer says work has been completed, check the relevant locations against your list. Take dated photographs if an issue remains or if you notice a new concern, and raise it through the developer’s aftercare process. Update your tracker so you have a clear record of what is finished and what still needs attention.

If you are unsure how to interpret a finding or want an independent inspection of completed work, professional advice can help you understand what is visible at the time of inspection and what follow-up may be appropriate.

Independent new-build snagging surveys

NW Snag Surveys carries out independent snagging inspections across the Wirral, Liverpool, Chester and North Wales, with scheduled Northern Ireland visits available. Reports include photographs, clear observations and practical recommendations that you can discuss with your developer.