Our Guide to New Home Snagging
New build home snagging guidance for homeowners
Moving into a new build should feel exciting and straightforward. At Redmile Homes, we work to make that happen by building to industry standards and checking quality at every stage.
All our homes come with NHBC Buildmark Cover, giving you a structural 10-year warranty from the day you legally complete. We also work with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), who check that every home meets all building and safety regulations. During construction, the NHBC also carries out its own inspections at key stages throughout the construction process to confirm we meet the technical requirements.
Before we hand over your keys, our site manager and contracts manager walk through your home in detail. They check workmanship, confirm your chosen options, and make sure everything works as it should. You’ll then be invited to a final visit so you can check the home yourself and ask any questions about how your new property operates.
Once you move in, you enter a 2-year defect period. During this time, we’ll fix any issues that fall within your warranty as quickly as possible. Our aim is for you to feel fully supported from the first day in your new home.
How does the NHBC warranty work for new homeowners?
The NHBC’s Buildmark warranty covers you for 10 years:
- From exchange of contracts: You’re insured if the builder becomes insolvent before completion.
- Years 1-2: Redmile Homes, fixes both minor and major defects that fall within NHBC guidelines. This includes some cosmetic issues.
- Years 3-10: The NHBC insurance covers major structural problems, such as issues with the foundations, walls, or roof.
Your solicitor will give you an NHBC certificate when you complete. You must keep this in a safe place – you’ll need the policy number if you sell your home or make a claim.
NHBC guide to snagging checklist (2-year defect period)
Snagging is a term referring to a new home inspection process that helps you identify all choices are correct and you are happy with the standard of workmanship. Once you have completed and moved into your new property you still have the comfort of the 2-year warranty covering defects within your property, these can range from minor problems to functional issues such as plumbing, heating and lighting.
It’s normal for new homes to develop snags as they settle, so make sure you check the property before moving in and relax safe in the knowledge you are covered by the 2-year defect period. Reporting issues as you find them gives us enough time to put them right.
Please note: The checklist below is based on NHBC guidance, but it does not form part of the NHBC Standards or Buildmark policies.
New home snagging checklist: Checking the outside
The brickwork
- Is the brickwork clean and free from major chips or mortar splashes?
- Is the mortar even and consistent in colour?
External paintwork
- Has every painted surface received a top coat?
- Is the paint finish to a satisfactory standard?
- Are window sills, including the undersides, fully finished?
External pipes / outside drainage
- Are gutters and downpipes fixed securely?
- Are there any leaks or visible blockages?
- Are manhole covers level and fitted correctly?
Garages
- Do the garage doors open and close smoothly?
- Has the garage been cleared of construction debris?
Drives and paths
- Are all driveways and paths complete?
- Are surfaces even?
- Does the gradient allow safe and practical access?
Gardens
- Has all builder’s debris been removed?
- If landscaping was included, has it been completed?
Walls, fences, and gates
- Are boundary walls finished?
- Are fences secure?
- Do gates open and latch properly?
The roof
- Do any tiles look loose or cracked?
New home snagging checklist: Checking the inside
Ceilings, walls, and wall tiles
- Is the plasterwork smooth and even, including corners and high areas?
- Is plaster neatly finished around switches, sockets, and pipework?
- Is paintwork or decoration complete and free from blemishes?
- Are any joints showing through?
- Is there any cracking?
- Is tile grout neat and are tiles clean?
Windows
- Is all paintwork complete, including undersides of sills?
- Is the window frame undamaged?
- Is the glazing free from scratches, cracks, or paint marks?
- Do all windows open and close properly, and are keys provided where locks are fitted?
Doors and frames
- Do locks and bolts work correctly?
- Is there a door viewer or peephole at the front door?
- Do doors open and close properly?
- Is the paintwork complete?
- Are gaps between doors and frames even?
Staircases
- Are bannisters and handrails secure?
- Are the treads level and even?
Floors and skirting boards
- Is floor tiling complete, including around cupboards and doorways?
- Are sheet floorings flat and free from bubbling or lifted edges?
- Are floors clean and undamaged?
- Are skirting boards and paintwork free from defects?
Pipes, radiators, and fireplaces
- Are all exposed pipes secure?
- Are radiators firmly attached and free from leaks?
- Are all radiators heating up properly and evenly?
- Have radiators been painted?
- Is the fireplace surround clean and undamaged?
Kitchens and bathrooms
- Do all taps run correctly, with adequate pressure and reliable hot / cold water?
- Are all sanitary fittings clean and undamaged?
- Have labels been removed, except where they contain instructions?
- Is the bath panel fitted?
- Does the toilet flush and refill normally?
- Are kitchen units and worktops free from damage?
- Are wall units fixed securely and free from paint splashes?
- Are cupboard doors aligned and working properly?
- Do all drawers open correctly?
- Is there any sign of leaks under the sink?
Appliances and electrics
- Do all lights and electric sockets function as expected?
- Are extractor fans fitted correctly and operational?
- Are appliances free from damage?
- Have you received operating manuals and guarantees?
Loft space
- Is the loft insulated?
- Are water pipes and tanks insulated?
Additional considerations
Appliances (including your boiler) will be covered by a manufacturer warranty and must be registered once you move in to start this warranty process. Your boiler will then need servicing in accordance with the manufacturer requirements to ensure the warranty continues.
As your home settles and comes into regular use, you may notice small changes such as cracks around skirting boards or plasterboard joints. These are typical in new homes and can fall within the scope of your 2-year defect period, depending on the severity of the issue.
For this reason, we suggest delaying decoration for 12-24 months. If you decorate early and cracks appear later, we will repair the defect but only repaint the affected area to the standard specification. Any further redecoration to restore your chosen colour will be your responsibility.
You are responsible for any damage caused by your own work – for example, a paint spill on the carpet or drilling into a pipe.
Your warranty also excludes problems caused by homeowner alterations or by a lack of maintenance. Major changes – such as removing a load-bearing wall – can void structural cover for issues linked to that modification.
Raising an issue with Redmile Homes
If you find a home snag or issue within the first 2 years, contact Redmile Homes. We’ll review the issue and arrange repairs where required.
From years 3 to 10, start by contacting Redmile Homes Customer Care. They’ll confirm whether the problem is a structural defect under your NHBC warranty. If it is, we’ll either carry out the work or ask NHBC to assess the issue.
Please have the following ready:
- Your NHBC Buildmark policy number
- A clear description of the issue and when it started
- Photos or documents, if you have them
We aim to keep the process simple and supportive from start to finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Is my new home from Redmile Homes covered by a warranty?
Yes, all Redmile Homes properties come with a warranty and insurance from the National House Building Council (NHBC) – the UK’s main provider of new home warranties. As an NHBC-registered builder, we follow their technical standards and pass their new home inspections at each key stage.
Is it normal for issues to appear after I move in?
Yes. As the property settles and you begin using fixtures and systems day to day, minor issues can occasionally appear. These might include doors becoming slightly stiff as frames adjust, small gaps forming around joinery, or sealant needing a quick touch-up. These are typically the result of natural movement and normal use, not a sign of poor workmanship or a defect.
How do I make a claim if I’m renting?
If you rent your home, your landlord must submit any new home snag defect or warranty claim to us on your behalf.
How do I make a claim if I’m a shared owner?
For shared ownership homes, contact your Housing Association (HA) or Local Authority (LA). They will raise issues with us or the NHBC on your behalf. You should still receive a copy of the Buildmark certificate. If you don’t, you can request it or ask for the policy number.
If you speak to NHBC directly, they may need permission from your HA or LA to discuss the policy with you, so ensure their contact details are available.
How do issues with shared spaces work?
If you live in a building with shared areas, such as stairwells or shared walls, the NHBC may need to work with the managing agent to address any issues. You can either provide their contact information yourself or through your Redmile Homes site manager.
Is there a minimum claims value for faults?
Yes. In years 3–10, NHBC applies a Minimum Claims Value (MCV). This is the minimum repair cost needed for a claim to be valid. If the repair cost is above the MCV, NHBC covers it. If it’s below, it is not covered. You’ll find your MCV amount on your Buildmark certificate, and it increases each year.
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