Snagging Guide

Helping You Settle In With Confidence

At Hopkins Homes, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our homes. Each property is carefully inspected before handover, but as with all newly built homes, small items can occasionally become noticeable once you begin living in it.

This is a normal part of the settling-in process and is known as snagging.

Our aim is to make this stage straightforward, transparent and reassuring, so you can focus on enjoying your new home.

What to Expect in a New Home

Snags are typically minor cosmetic issues or finishing adjustments that do not affect the safety or performance of your home. More significant concerns, such as plumbing or electrical faults, are treated as defects and will be addressed accordingly.

During the first year, your home will also go through a natural drying-out process. Materials such as plaster and timber may shrink slightly as they settle, which can result in small hairline cracks or minor movement around joinery. As a general guide, shrinkage cracks smaller than the width of a £1 coin are considered part of this natural process. Good ventilation will help to minimise these effects.

To prepare for your 21-day visit, here is a helpful DIY snagging guide:

Roof

  • Check for broken, cracked, or loose tiles

  • Ensure ridge tiles are secure and aligned

  • Look for uneven roof lines

  • Check flashing around chimneys and vents is sealed properly

Brickwork & External Walls

  • Inspect brickwork for chips, cracks, or inconsistent colouring

  • Check mortar pointing is neat and complete

  • Look for white powdery marks (efflorescence) indicating poor acid wash

  • Ensure render (if applicable) is smooth and crack-free

  • Confirm weep vents are unobstructed

Gutters & Drainage

  • Check gutters and downpipes are securely fixed

  • Ensure joints are sealed and aligned

  • Confirm water flows freely (no leaks or blockages)

  • Check external drains are clear and properly fitted

Driveway, Paths & Patio

  • Ensure surfaces are level and evenly laid

  • Check for loose slabs or poor finishing

  • Confirm proper drainage (no pooling water)

Garden, Fences & Gates

  • Check fences are sturdy and upright

  • Ensure gates open/close smoothly and locks work

  • Confirm boundary lines match site plans

Garage (if applicable)

  • Test garage door operation and locking

  • Inspect walls, roof, and flooring

  • Check power supply and lighting

External Pipes & Taps

  • Test outdoor taps for pressure and leaks

  • Ensure external pipework is secure and insulated where required

Walls & Ceilings

  • Look for cracks, dents, nail pops, or uneven plaster

  • Check paint coverage and finish quality

  • Inspect corners and joints

  • Ensure coving/cornices are secure and aligned

Floors

  • Check floors are level (no bouncing or dips)

  • Ensure tiles are evenly spaced and securely fitted

  • Check carpets are properly stretched and secured

  • Inspect laminate/wood flooring for gaps or lifting

Skirting Boards & Architraves

  • Ensure they are straight, securely fixed, and properly painted

  • Check joints and corners are neat

Doors (Internal & External)

  • Open and close each door fully

  • Check smooth operation and alignment

  • Ensure hinges are secure

  • Check gaps are even (no excessive draught gaps)

  • Test locks and handles

  • Confirm doorstops are fitted

Windows

  • Open, close, and lock each window

  • Check seals and sealant around frames

  • Inspect glass for scratches or cracks

  • Confirm trickle vents operate properly

Stairs

  • Walk up and down to check stability

  • Listen for excessive creaking

  • Ensure handrails and balustrades are secure

  • Check spindles are evenly spaced

Cabinets & Drawers

  • Check alignment and finish

  • Ensure doors close properly (soft-close works if fitted)

  • Inspect inside and underneath units for damage

Worktops

  • Look for chips, scratches, or uneven joins

  • Check sealant around sinks and edges

Sink & Taps

  • Test hot and cold water pressure

  • Check drainage speed

  • Inspect for leaks under sink

Appliances

  • Confirm all appliances are installed correctly

  • Turn each appliance on to test functionality

  • Test extractor fan and check airflow

Tiling & Splashbacks

  • Check grout is consistent and clean

  • Ensure tiles are level and not cracked

Sanitaryware

  • Flush toilets and check refill speed

  • Ensure toilets are securely fitted

  • Check bath and shower installation

Taps & Shower

  • Test water pressure and temperature

  • Check for leaks around fittings

  • Inspect silicone sealant for neatness and completeness

Tiling

  • Ensure tiles are aligned and secure

  • Check grout consistency

  • Look for cracks or chips

Ventilation

  • Test extractor fans

  • Check windows open properly (if applicable)

Radiators

  • Turn heating on and check even heat distribution

  • Inspect for leaks at valves

  • Ensure thermostatic valves function

Underfloor Heating (if applicable)

  • Test all zones

  • Confirm thermostat operation

Boiler or Heat Pump

  • Check pressure gauge reading

  • Confirm system powers on correctly

  • Ensure you’ve received manuals and warranty documents

Water & Drainage

  • Run all taps (including outside)

  • Check drainage speed

  • Look for leaks under sinks and behind toilets

Loft Insulation

  • Check insulation is evenly laid

  • Ensure no gaps

  • Confirm water tank (if present) is secure and insulated

Sockets & Switches

  • Test every plug socket

  • Check switches operate correctly

  • Ensure faceplates are secure and level

Lighting

  • Turn all lights on/off

  • Check fittings are secure

  • Inspect for flickering

Consumer Unit (Fuse Board)

  • Ensure circuits are clearly labelled

  • Check RCD test button works

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Press test buttons

  • Confirm correct positioning

Doorbell & External Lighting

  • Test doorbell functionality

  • Check outdoor lights operate properly

Your Warranty and Our Commitment

Your new home benefits from a 10-year structural warranty. For the first two years following legal completion, Hopkins Homes is responsible for resolving snags and defects that arise as a result of workmanship or materials.

After this initial period, cover continues under your structural warranty provider for major structural elements of the property.

Our Customer Services team is here to guide you through the process and provide clear advice should you ever be unsure whether something is covered.

We are proud to be a registered developer with the New Homes Quality Board and to comply with the New Homes Quality Code, providing additional reassurance and independent protection for our homeowners.

At Hopkins Homes, our commitment continues long after completion. Our aim is to ensure you feel confident, supported and truly at home from day one.

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