New-Build Inspection in Southampton

Our client instructed Kenny Relf Surveyors to inspect a newly built three-storey townhouse in Southampton before completing their purchase. The aim was to identify visible defects, incomplete work and poor finishes so that these could be raised with the developer before the client moved into the property.

The inspection

We completed a detailed visual inspection of the accessible grounds, exterior and interior of the property. The inspection included the external walls, rainwater fittings, doors, windows, garage, garden boundaries, internal finishes, kitchen, bathrooms, heating fittings and accessible services.

The report grouped the findings into grounds, exterior and interior defects. Each snag was recorded with a clear description, photograph and the type of contractor best placed to complete the remedial work.

What we found

Although many of the items concerned finishing and presentation, the inspection also identified defects that required more careful attention.

External drainage and unfinished surfaces

Problems included debris within a drainage inspection chamber, a loose inspection chamber cover and incomplete surfacing to the driveway and entrance road. Site fencing also remained in the front garden at the time of inspection.

Brickwork and external finishes

The surveyor recorded efflorescence and mortar staining in several locations, together with localised pointing defects, variations in mortar colour and unfinished detailing around openings. Packaging and construction residue also remained around some window and door components.

Rainwater disposal

Water staining indicated leakage from a rainwater downpipe, and a lower downpipe bracket was misaligned. These items required adjustment and checking to help ensure rainwater was discharged correctly.

Doors, windows and external fittings

Several doors and windows required adjustment, cleaning or finishing. The front door was catching slightly against its frame, its handle was loose, and there were damaged or incomplete components around the door. The French doors could not be tested because keys were unavailable during the inspection.

Further defects included loose fittings, damaged seals, scratches, paint marks, debris within operating mechanisms and incomplete sealant.

Garden and boundary work

The rear garden contained missing and deteriorated areas of turf. A fence post had not been installed vertically, a timber component was split, and the garden gate was unevenly hung, leaving the upper bolt with limited engagement.

Internal workmanship and presentation

Internally, the inspection found widespread decorative blemishes, paint marks, incomplete sealant, dirty flooring and areas requiring final cleaning. There were also loose or poorly fitted light fittings, uneven radiators and towel rails, incomplete kitchen fittings, damaged joinery and localised defects around doors, skirtings and electrical fittings.

Some doors required adjustment, while several cupboards contained unfinished decoration, construction debris or incomplete detailing.

An important service-area defect

One of the more significant findings concerned the external tap and the isolation switches serving the air-source heat pump. There was no drainage gully below the tap, and it was positioned directly above the switches. Water staining, missing sealant and openings in the masonry around the cables were also recorded.

We recommended that the developer arrange appropriate remedial work and confirm that the installation was safe, properly sealed and suitably protected from water.

The outcome

Our client received a structured snagging report that could be sent directly to the developer and relevant contractors. The findings were divided into practical work areas, including:

• Masonry repairs
• Drainage
• Landscaping and fencing
• Door and window adjustment
• Plumbing
• Electrical work
• Kitchen and bathroom fitting
• Flooring
• Cleaning and decoration

This gave the client a clear record of the property’s condition and a practical schedule for requesting remedial work before completion or handover.

Why arrange an independent snagging inspection?

A newly built home may still contain incomplete work, damaged finishes or components requiring adjustment. Some issues are immediately visible, while others can be easily missed during a short viewing or handover appointment.

An independent snagging inspection provides:

• A room-by-room and element-by-element inspection
• Photographic evidence of identified defects
• Clear descriptions suitable for sending to the developer
• Identification of the appropriate remedial trade
• A record of inaccessible or untested areas
• Greater clarity before accepting the finished property

Need a new-build snagging inspection?

Kenny Relf Surveyors provides independent new-build snagging inspections for buyers across Hampshire, West Sussex and the surrounding areas.

Arrange your inspection before completion or as early as possible after receiving the keys, giving you a clear opportunity to raise defects with the developer.