• Before you exchange you must think about snagging defects in your new home and the possible consequences for your investment. What if you could not let or sell the property for a few months - how would this impact on your cash flow?

• Always use your own independent solicitor and not one recommended to you by a developer who may not have your best interests at heart.

• Be aware that you do not legally own the property until completion. This means that if a developer wants to refuse you entry to carry out snagging, they are legally entitled to do so (although they rarely refuse us entry). See if you can get permission written in to your contract.

• Holding back a retention until all snagging defects are complete is a great incentive for your developer to finish your home to standard - try to get this built in to your contract too.

• Never buy a new home without a warranty and be aware that an Architects Certificate is NOT a warranty and in many cases not worth the paper it is written on. Never complete on a new home with an Architects Certificate unless you have checked the property thoroughly and defects have been rectified. NHBC, Zurich and Premier are the most common warranties.

• Make sure you carry out a thorough snagging inspection of the property before you complete. You could do this yourself or you can get a professional company to do this for you. Make sure you find out the qualifications & experience of the company snagging your home and what customer service & support they can provide for you - not all snagging companies are equal.

• Inspector Home always try to meet the site manager at the time of inspection to ensure all defects are corrected prior to completion. If this is not possible ensure that you obtain written confirmation and a schedule of remedial works prior to handing over your money.

• Once you have completed, visit the property and re-check for cosmetic defects and leaks. If building work has been carried out in your home, some additional damage may have occurred and leaks can unfortunately happen at any time.

• During the first 2 years of your warranty, your developer is liable for defects that occur, but be aware that wear and tear on the property can be difficult to distinguish. Report defects in writing as soon as they arise to protect your position.

• 90% of new homes do have defects, but rest assured that once you have identified them they can be corrected and your investment will be finished to standard and ready to provide you with a good return.
  
  

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