In the landscape of new-build homes, professional snagging inspectors such as Chris Greenwood are becoming pivotal partners for homeowners keen to guarantee their properties stand up to high standards. Greenwood’s role as a snagger has enabled him to uncover an array of anomalies, from simple issues like uneven plasterwork to unexpected discoveries including mouldy sandwiches and bottled urine hidden beneath bathtubs. Such findings underline the significance of conducting exhaustive inspections after construction.
Greenwood concedes that not all homes are flawed and some are indeed constructed to impressive standards. Nonetheless, the process of snagging stays vital in bringing forth issues that could otherwise evade observation. His colleague, Kelly Skidmore, shares that she has discovered up to 80 problems in a single property, varying from minor cosmetic defects to grave safety hazards like inadequate fire-stopping.
However, the snagging sector encounters obstacles, significantly from developers who are uncomfortable with the examination from third parties. Nevertheless, bodies within the industry such as the National Federation of Builders (NFB) sustain that while snags are often unavoidable, their focus on upholding high standards remains steadfast.
Reinforcing quality assurance, the New Homes Quality Board recognises the intricate nature of house building. CEO Emma Toms underlines the difficulties posed by construction in diverse environments, underscoring that while homeowners should anticipate quality, they must also comprehend the realities involved in the building process.
The urgency for snaggers increases as the construction sector grapples with a skills gap, amplified by retiring veteran tradesmen and a shortage of newcomers entering the industry. Homeowners like Kate Hatton realise the value of expert snagging, providing reassurance and an enhanced standard of living in their newly constructed homes.
Although this story was adapted from original reporting by www.bbc.com, amendments were made by The Lincoln Post.
