The number of snagging problems in new-build homes increased by 19 per cent in 2005, says a new report...

According to research carried out by Inspector Home, a specialist snagging company that works on behalf of buyers, the average number of defects in a new home rose from 52.7 in 2004 to 62.4 in 2005. Faulty System?
Vanessa Ambler, Director of Inspector Home, said the number of snagging problems found in properties already passed by the warranty providers highlights the inadequacy of the current system: Financial Pressures
Aside from the limitations of the warranty check, Ambler says the main reasons for the number of defects are site management and the pressures of time.

The homes were checked after the properties had been passed by the developer and the warranty provider (NHBC and Zurich are two of the largest), and some properties were found to be in a very bad state.

In the worst examples, says the report, ceilings had collapsed from water leaks, and one developer had sold units as two bedroom properties even though they were only one bedroom with an open mezzanine.

Kent and the South Midlands recorded the highest average number of defects per property (73) in the UK whilst London remained the lowest area with an average of 46 defects. Scotland showed the highest improvement with a ten per cent reduction in defects.

"Many people aren't aware that the warranty provider's final inspection is a risk assessment for insurance purposes, not a quality check to make sure your home has been completed to standard."

The results of the survey cast a negative shadow on the house-building industry, but Ambler added that many individual developers are making a genuine effort to improve quality.

"Were not anti-developer and we have worked hard to build a good relationship with the leading players. Some companies, like Barratt Homes, are working very hard to improve and are implementing customer service policies to that end."

"Adverse weather conditions can hit developers hard; and if they are delayed finances come into the equation and things can get rushed. But the quality of the site manager is also crucial and that can vary from site to site.

"There are also certain times of the year when developers are under pressure. You need to be especially careful if you're buying at the end of the financial year or half year because they tend to rush at these times to get the money in - June and December are notorious."

What should buyers be on the alert for? Inspector Home offers the following tips for new homebuyers.