u/EmeraldSnagServices

One thing I see a lot with new builds is people focus heavily on cosmetic issues but miss the stuff that’s much harder to fix later once the house is occupied.

A few things worth checking carefully before handover:

• Turn the heating on straight away and test every radiator room by room after 30-40 mins, feeling the tops of all the radiators are warming as much as the bottoms. If not, they need to be bled of trapped air.
• Check for uneven floors by walking slowly through each room (especially upstairs). This can sometimes be felt underfoot.
• Test locks on all external doors/windows, not just whether they open. Make sure you can open & close the handles on windows easily.
• Run the shower, bath & sinks and check drainage speed.
• Open attic access if possible and have a quick look at insulation coverage + general finish

Another big one people don’t think about: check outside just as carefully as inside.

• Poorly finished paving
• Side gates that don't lock
• Damaged kerbing on driveways
• Missing sealant around external penetrations or windows/doors

The inside gets all the attention on viewing day, but external issues can become the bigger headache later.

And same advice as before: don’t feel rushed. Developers expect snag items. A proper walk-through now is far easier than chasing things after you’ve moved in.

I carry out snag inspections across Leinster and nationwide and come from a site management background, so happy to answer questions if anyone has a handover coming up or isn’t sure what to look out for. Feel free to comment/message/email 👍

Hi all,

Back again after the last post, really glad it helped a few people and I’ve had some good messages off the back of it.

I thought I’d share a few practical things you can actually check yourself when you get access before handover, even if you’re not bringing in a professional snagger.

A few simple ones that are worth doing:

• Run all taps and check water pressure + how quickly it heats (especially upstairs)
• Flush toilets multiple times and listen for slow refilling or strange noises
• Open and close every window/door, you’d be surprised how many don’t seal or catch properly
• Bring a phone charger and test sockets (don’t assume they’re all live)
• Check extractor fans are actually working, not just making noise
• Look at finishes in natural daylight if possible, artificial lighting hides a lot

One I always mention; don’t rush it. A lot of people naturally feel pressure on the day to just sign off and get the keys, but it’s probably the most important walk-through you’ll do.

Even if you’re not getting a full snag done, having a basic idea of what to look for can save hassle later.

As before, I carry out snag inspections (mainly Leinster but travel nationwide) and come from a site management background. I am happy to answer any questions if anyone has one coming up or isn’t sure what to expect. If you don't want to comment, feel free to message me or email through the website 👍

Hi all,

I posted here last week about new build snag inspections and it got a really good response, so I thought I’d follow it up with a few more things that are often missed before handover.

A lot of people still think a snag list is mainly cosmetic, but in reality some of the more important issues tend to be less obvious at first glance.

Some of the common things that can get missed include:

• Incorrect fall on showers / drainage issues that aren’t obvious straight away
• Poor loft insulation installation or incomplete coverage
• Windows/doors not sealing properly, which can lead to draughts later
• Boiler / heating system setup issues, error codes, wrong balancing, timers, pressure faults
• External work like drainage, paving levels, or unfinished boundary details

These are some of the types of issues that aren’t always visible at first but can become costly and frustrating later if not picked up.

Most developers will correct issues if they’re properly identified and documented, but the key is having a thorough, independent inspection done, or knowing exactly what to expect before you sign off.

I carry out snag inspections, mostly in Leinster, but also nationwide and have a history in new build site management. I am happy to answer any questions if anyone is going through snagging or handover soon or is unsure what to expect 👍