Buying a new build property should mean moving into a pristine home — but surface defects are one of the most common complaints from new build homeowners in the UK. Chipped baths, scratched worktops, tile chips and floor scratches are regularly identified at snagging surveys and remain frustratingly common even after “snagging” has been completed.
Common New Build Surface Defects
- Bath chips — chips to acrylic baths during installation are common; often hidden under the bathroom accessories until after completion
- Tile chips and cracks — wall and floor tiles are often damaged during installation or during snag period work by other trades
- Worktop damage — scratches, chips and burn marks from installation and other tradespeople working in the kitchen after fitting
- Floor scratches — hardwood, engineered wood and LVT floors scratched during installation of appliances and furniture
- UPVC chips and scratches — window frames and door frames chipped during installation or by other building work
Your Rights With a New Build Developer
New build properties typically come with a 2-year developer warranty (covering defects and snags) and a 10-year structural warranty (covering major structural defects) from providers like NHBC Buildmark or Premier Guarantee. Surface defects — chips, scratches, tile damage — that were present on completion should be covered by the developer’s 2-year warranty.
Key points about claiming surface defects under warranty:
- Document defects at completion with photos and a written snagging list
- Formal snagging surveys by independent inspectors (such as NHBC or specialist snagging companies) provide a professional record
- Submit your snagging list to the developer promptly after completion — most have defined windows for this
- Developer warranty claims should be made in writing, citing the specific defects
When Developers Don’t Fix Defects Satisfactorily
Developer remediation of surface defects is often slow, poorly executed or incomplete. Where a developer has made a poor attempt at a repair, or where you’ve accepted a financial settlement in lieu of repair, a professional surface repair specialist can achieve a far better result than a developer’s general maintenance operative.
Shazam Repairs works extensively with new build homeowners — both remediating developer snag items and repairing surface damage that has occurred since handover. Contact us for a free assessment of your new build surface defects →
