New Build Snagging List 2026: NHBC Warranty & 7-Day Rule

What is a snagging list?

A snagging list is a comprehensive checklist of every defect ("snag") in a new build home — from minor cosmetic problems like paint touch-ups and squeaky doors to bigger issues like mis-aligned kitchens, leaking radiators, faulty plumbing or structural problems. The builder is responsible for fixing snags identified within set timeframes, free of charge, under your new build warranty.

The earlier you spot snags, the easier they are to fix. The most important window is the first 7 days after key collection — most builders follow NHBC's "7-day rule" for cosmetic snags, after which point they may push back on claims that the damage was caused by you moving in.

The NHBC 7-day rule

Most major UK housebuilders carry NHBC Buildmark — the dominant new build warranty. NHBC recommends reporting minor cosmetic snags within 7 days of key collection. Reporting issues promptly shows the damage wasn't caused by you settling in and makes the repair process much smoother.

The 7-day rule isn't statute — it's an industry convention — and some builders have shorter (24 hour, 3 day) or longer windows. Check your handover pack on day one for your specific builder's snagging window.

NHBC Buildmark warranty: what's covered and when

Period	Cover	Who's responsible
Years 1-2 (Defects period)	Most defects in materials, workmanship and fittings (except wear & tear and minor issues like plaster drying cracks).	The builder (NHBC enforces if needed)
Years 3-10 (Structural cover)	Major structural defects — load-bearing elements, foundations, weather-tightness of external walls and roofs, chimneys and flues, etc.	NHBC directly

Different warranty providers (Premier Guarantee, LABC, Checkmate, BLP, Q Assure) have slightly different terms but all follow the same broad structure. Your handover pack lists which warranty your home has.

Your snagging checklist room by room

External

Render and brickwork — no large cracks, no missing pointing
Roof tiles all in line, no slipped or missing tiles
Drainpipes / gutters fixed straight and not leaking
Driveway / paving level (use a marble)
Fences and gates secure, paint finish even
Garden turf laid flat, no significant dips

Living areas, halls and stairs

Skirtings flush to walls and floor
Doors close properly, no rubbing on frame
Walls and ceilings smooth — no roller marks, lumps or visible joins
Light switches and sockets all working, plates flush, level
Flooring level — no creaks, no gaps between boards
Window seals intact, no gaps to outside

Kitchen

Cupboards aligned, doors hung straight, soft-close working
Worktops level, no chips or scratches
Appliances all working (run a wash, dishwasher cycle, oven, hob)
Taps run hot & cold, no leaks under sink
Tile grout consistent, no missing grout

Bathrooms

All taps and shower running, hot water gets hot quickly
Toilet flushes properly, refills without running on
Bath and shower seals intact, silicone neat
Extractor fans working (use a small piece of tissue paper)
No tiles cracked, all grout intact

Bedrooms

Radiators all heat evenly when system is on
Built-in wardrobes (if any) — doors level, runners smooth
Windows open and close, locks work, secondary security catches engaged
Curtain pole / blind fixings (if installed) secure

Systems

Heating: every radiator heats up; thermostat reads accurately; combi boiler hot water works on demand
Electrics: trip breakers don't trip when running a kettle + tumble dryer + oven simultaneously
Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms test correctly
EV charger (if fitted) — runs a test charge
PV solar (if fitted) — inverter status light is green

Independent snagging surveys

For new builds over £250,000 we strongly recommend booking an independent snagging surveyor — typically £300-£600. They spot 50-200+ snags on a typical new build (most of which the homeowner would miss) and produce a structured report you submit to the builder. Reputable providers include New Build Inspections, BrickKickers and HomeSnag.

Book the survey for before completion if your builder allows it, or within the first 7 days after key collection. Send the report to your site manager and the customer-care team in writing — by email — keeping a clear paper trail.

What to do if the builder refuses to fix

Escalate to head office customer care. Find the email of the regional customer-care director. Reference your warranty number and a list of disputed snags.
Trigger the NHBC resolution service. Free during years 1-2. NHBC sends an inspector to assess each disputed snag against their technical standards. If they agree it is a defect, the builder must fix it within a set timeframe, and if they still refuse, NHBC can arrange the work and recover costs from the builder.
Use the New Homes Ombudsman. Members of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) are subject to the New Homes Ombudsman, which can order compensation and binding repairs. Check whether your builder is a member at nhqb.org.uk.
Withhold final payments if any are owed. Get legal advice first; this is a serious escalation.

How HomeClicked can help

For more guidance on choosing a reliable builder up-front, see our Top UK House Builders comparison — including HBF customer satisfaction star ratings and warranty cover details. Choosing a 5-star HBF builder (Bellway, Berkeley, Cala, Redrow, Storey) reduces snagging volume from day one.

Sign in or create an account