New build properties frequently come with surface defects — chips in kitchen worktops, scratches on bath panels, tile cracks in wet rooms. Dealing with a housebuilder’s after-care team to get these resolved can be slow and frustrating. This guide explains your options and the most practical routes to getting defects fixed.
Common Surface Defects in New Build Properties
- Worktop chips — caused by tradespeople working in the kitchen after worktop installation
- Bath chips — from plumbers fitting hardware after the bath is in place
- Tile cracks — from movement in the substrate or impact during fitting
- Scratched bath panels or shower trays — from post-installation trades
- UPVC window frame scuffs and chips
Using the Developer’s Snagging Process
New build buyers have a right to a snagging inspection, and most housebuilders operate a defects period (typically 2 years under NHBC Buildmark warranty) during which defects caused by construction should be remediated. Surface damage present at completion or clearly caused during construction should be reported as a snag — document it on the day of completion with photographs.
When to Use an Independent Repairer
If the housebuilder is slow to respond, disputes responsibility, or their appointed repairer produces poor-quality work, an independent surface repair company is often a better and faster route. Professional independent repair on a chip or crack is typically completed within days, at a cost that’s a small fraction of the disruption a drawn-out snagging dispute causes.
Documenting Damage for Possible Recovery
If you arrange independent repair and want to recover costs from the developer, get a written repair quote and invoice, and photograph the damage thoroughly before and after repair. Keep all correspondence with the housebuilder.
