How to use this checklist

The checklist below is intended to be printed on paper and used on-site. A walking inspection typically works best when approached systematically, one room at a time, with photographs of each issue captured as they are found. Many buyers find it helpful to walk the property twice — once alone at an unhurried pace, and a second time with the developer's site manager or an independent inspector present.

A short, practical routine tends to work well:

For broader background on the snagging process, see the full guide to snagging a new build home.

Before you arrive — what to bring

A compact kit typically covers most of the inspection. It is advisable to gather these items in advance rather than relying on whatever is to hand on the day:

Important notice — read before using this checklist This checklist is not exhaustive. It does not replace a professional inspection and does not assess structural, electrical, gas, or fire safety matters, all of which require suitably qualified professionals. It is provided as general guidance only and is used entirely at the reader's own risk. For any significant concern, a high-value purchase, or a suspected defect, it is advisable to engage a chartered surveyor or a professional snagging inspector before completion.

The room-by-room checklist

The items below cover defects that commonly require attention on new-build properties in Ireland and the UK. The list is not exhaustive — every property is different, and some items will not apply while others will only become apparent on-site. Each defect should be photographed with a clear location reference (for example, "Bedroom 2, east wall, behind door") and logged in the buyer's running snag list.

Exterior and approach

Entrance hall and stairs

Living room

Kitchen

Dining and open-plan areas

Bedrooms

For each bedroom:

Bathrooms and ensuites

Utility room and plant area

Attic and loft space

Garden, garage and outbuildings

Documentation handover check

At handover, buyers should check receipt of the following paperwork, retaining both digital and paper copies:

When this checklist isn't enough

A printed checklist is a useful starting point, but it has clear limits. There are several scenarios in which it is advisable to go further and engage a professional.

Signs of damp or water ingress — staining, musty smells, cold spots, or condensation in unexpected places — generally warrant a specialist view. Hidden moisture can have causes that are not obvious on a surface walk-through.

Any structural concern should be treated seriously. Cracks wider than a hairline, floors that feel uneven underfoot, doors that will not sit in their frames without an obvious reason, or visible movement in walls typically require a chartered surveyor.

Electrical testing beyond a plug-in socket tester, and any gas compliance concern, must be left to qualified trades. Roof-level inspection, flat-roof detailing, and anything requiring ladder or harness access similarly sits outside a buyer walk-through.

Higher-value properties, homes bought off-plan from smaller developers, or situations where a dispute with the developer appears likely, tend to benefit from a formal written report by a professional. A professional report also provides an independent record should the matter escalate.

For any of the above, it is advisable to engage a qualified chartered surveyor or a professional snagging inspector. This checklist is not a substitute for that service. Buyers weighing up the cost of engaging a professional may find it useful to read the guide to snagging inspection cost.

Tips for getting the most from your snagging walk-through

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this checklist instead of hiring a professional snagging inspector?

It is generally more useful as a complement than as a replacement. A printed checklist helps buyers think systematically and capture the obvious items, but a professional inspector typically brings trade experience, professional indemnity insurance, access equipment, and an independent written report that carries more weight with a developer. For higher-value purchases, properties with visible issues, or buyers who feel out of their depth, it is advisable to engage a qualified snagging inspector or chartered surveyor in addition to using this checklist.

How many snags are typical on a new build?

It is common for new-build homes to contain dozens of minor items — paintwork touch-ups, silicone and grout finishing, alignment of doors and cabinets, and similar cosmetic defects. The exact number varies widely depending on the builder, the stage at which the inspection takes place, and how strictly the buyer applies each criterion. A long list is not necessarily a sign of a poor build; it often reflects a thorough inspection.

Should I share this checklist with the developer in advance?

Generally no. A snagging checklist is a buyer's working tool, while the snag list ultimately submitted to the developer is the output — a tidied, numbered, and photographed record of specific defects. It is, however, advisable to notify the developer of the inspection date in advance, confirm access, and check that services such as power and water will be live on the day.

How long does it take to work through this checklist on site?

For an average three- or four-bedroom house, a careful inspection typically takes between two and four hours. Larger properties, homes with extensive finishes, or buyers inspecting in detail for the first time may need longer. It is advisable not to rush — a snagging walk-through tends to pay back the time invested, and missed items can be harder to raise after handover.

Is there a standard snag list format in Ireland or the UK?

There is no single statutory format in either jurisdiction. In the UK, RICS provides guidance on condition reporting that influences professional practice, and the New Homes Quality Code 2022 sets expectations for builder conduct and aftercare. In Ireland, HomeBond documentation sets out warranty reporting procedures but does not prescribe a snag-list format. In practice, most snag lists combine a numbered room-by-room list with photographs and a clear location reference for each item.