New build homes should arrive in perfect condition, but the reality is that most properties have dozens of defects waiting to be found. From hairline cracks in plasterwork to faulty electrics and poorly fitted doors, knowing what to look for before your snagging window closes can save you thousands.
This guide covers the 50 most common defects found across UK new-build homes, organised by area so you can work through your property room by room.
Why new builds have so many defects
Modern new-build homes are built at pace, often by multiple subcontractors working under pressure to meet completion deadlines. The result is that finishing touches, including plasterwork, paintwork, joinery and sealing, are frequently rushed. Developers expect a snagging period precisely because defects are common, not exceptional.
The good news is that almost all defects found within the first two years are the developer's responsibility to fix under your NHBC or Premier Guarantee warranty. The key is finding them, documenting them, and reporting them formally before the warranty window closes.
Structural & external defects
Cracks in external brickwork
Settlement cracks in mortar joints or bricks. Minor hairline cracks are common but stepped or wide cracks can indicate structural movement.
Roof tile misalignment
Tiles out of line or improperly bedded. Can lead to water ingress if left unaddressed. Always check from ground level and ask for a roof inspection.
Poorly sealed windows & doors
Gaps in silicone sealing around frames allow drafts and moisture. Check every window and external door frame carefully.
Uneven or sunken paving
Driveways and paths that don't drain correctly or have settled unevenly. A trip hazard and a sign of poor base preparation.
Fascia & soffit gaps
Gaps at the roofline where fascia boards meet can allow birds and moisture in. Check the roofline from outside with binoculars.
Missing or cracked render
Render that is cracked, hollow-sounding or missing exposes the substrate to water. Tap render lightly to check for hollow spots.
Internal walls & ceilings
Hairline cracks in plaster
The most common defect in any new build. Shrinkage cracks are normal in the first year but should be documented for the builder to fill and redecorate.
Gaps at coving & skirting
Gaps where coving meets ceiling or skirting meets wall are very common and should be filled and painted by the builder.
Uneven plasterwork
Walls that are visibly bowed or rippled when viewed with a raking light. Use your torch at a low angle to reveal imperfections.
Poor paint finish
Thin coverage, drips, brush marks, or mismatched sheen levels. Check under natural daylight, as defects invisible under artificial light can become obvious in sunlight.
Ceiling tape joints showing
Tape used at plasterboard joints can telegraph through paint if not properly feathered. Look for ridges or shadows across ceilings.
Damp patches or staining
Yellow or brown staining on ceilings or walls can indicate a leak from above or penetrating damp. Report immediately, as these can worsen quickly if left.
Doors & windows
Doors not hanging straight
Doors that don't close flush, rub on the frame, or have uneven gaps around the edges. Test every door open, closed, and latched.
Stiff or loose door handles
Handles that are over-tight, wobbly, or don't operate the latch cleanly. A simple fix but worth logging.
Window mechanisms not working
Windows that don't open fully, restrict, or don't lock correctly. Check trickle vents are installed and unobstructed.
Scratches on glazing
Scratches visible on glass panes, often from protective film removed carelessly. Mark with a sticky note so the builder can identify which pane needs replacing.
Floors
Creaking floorboards
Boards or floating floors that creak underfoot are very common. Walk every room systematically and mark problem spots.
Gaps between floor planks
Gaps in engineered wood or laminate flooring, usually caused by poor acclimatisation before fitting.
Uneven or lippage in tiles
Tiles that aren't flush with adjacent tiles create a trip hazard and look poor. Run your hand across tiled floors to feel for lippage.
Missing or cracked grout
Grout that is cracked, missing, or poorly pointed in wet areas can lead to water ingress behind tiles.
Kitchen
Cabinet doors misaligned
Doors that aren't level, don't close flush, or have uneven gaps. Check every unit and drawer front.
Worktop joins not flush
Joints between worktop sections that aren't perfectly flush or have visible gaps. Check around the sink cutout especially.
Appliances not functioning correctly
Test every built-in appliance: oven, hob, extractor, dishwasher, and fridge, before or on completion day.
Poor silicone sealing
Silicone around the sink or where worktop meets wall that is poorly applied, cracked, or mouldy before you've even moved in.
Bathrooms & wet rooms
Shower tray not draining properly
Trays that pool water indicate incorrect fall. Pour a jug of water and watch it drain before signing off.
Toilet not flushing correctly
Slow-filling cisterns, weak flushes, or running toilets all indicate faults that should be remedied before handover.
Bath or basin not level
Sanitary ware that isn't level or plumb. Check bath sides and basin rims with a spirit level.
Extractor fan not working
Check bathroom extractor fans operate and are ducted externally, not just into the loft.
Electrics & plumbing
Sockets not flush with wall
Faceplates that protrude, are crooked, or have visible gaps at the wall. A sign of poor first-fix work.
Light switches misaligned
Switches that aren't plumb or centred on the backbox, common in properties where plastering happened before electrical finishing.
Radiators with poor heat output
Radiators that don't get fully hot, often due to trapped air. Check every radiator gets fully warm from top to bottom.
Boiler pressure issues
Boilers on new builds are often not fully commissioned. Confirm the pressure is correct and the developer has provided a demonstration.
Loft & utility spaces
Insufficient loft insulation
Building regulations specify minimum insulation depths. Check that insulation is laid correctly and isn't compressed or missing in areas.
Loft hatch not sealing properly
Draughty or difficult-to-open loft hatches waste heat and indicate poor installation.
Garden & boundary
Fencing not straight or secure
Panels that aren't vertical, posts that are loose, or gaps that breach the boundary. Compare against the developer's specification.
Turf not establishing
Poorly laid turf that isn't rooting. Check the soil beneath, as turf laid on rubble or without adequate topsoil will fail.
Outdoor tap not connected
An outdoor tap specified in the sales material that hasn't been fitted is a common omission.
Poor drainage in garden
Gardens that pool water after rain indicate inadequate grading or missing drainage channels.
Additional defects to look out for
- Stair handrail loose or not fixed at the correct height
- Understairs cupboard door not fitting properly
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors not tested or positioned correctly
- Missing or incorrect consumer unit labelling
- Cold water tank not insulated (where applicable)
- TV aerial or broadband not connected or terminated correctly
- Snagging debris left in cavities or loft space
- Incomplete painting around reveals, windowsills or behind radiators
- Damaged or missing key fobs, window restrictors, or security hardware
- Incorrect address on the completion certificate or building control documentation
- Missing instructions or warranties for boiler, appliances, and alarm system
- Garage door not operating correctly or remote not programmed
You don't need to find every defect yourself. A professional snagging inspector will check hundreds of items across your property. Whatever you do find, make sure every defect is recorded with a photo, a description, and a location before you report it to your developer.
How to report defects effectively
Finding defects is only half the job. To get them fixed, you need to report them in writing to your developer with enough detail that they can identify, prioritise, and allocate each issue. A verbal snag list won't cut it. You need a written record with photos that both parties can refer to.
Group defects by area (room by room), include a clear photo for each, and give each item a simple description: what the defect is, where exactly it is, and how significant it appears. Send your list via email so you have a timestamped record of when you raised each item.
Final thoughts
Most new build owners find between 20 and 150 snags when they move in. If you're finding defects, you're not unlucky, you're normal. The important thing is that you find them, document them clearly, and raise them with your developer within the two-year defect liability period.
SnagNote is designed to make this process straightforward. Log each defect with a photo and description as you walk through your property, organise them by room, and generate a professional report to send directly to your builder.
Track snags with photos, organise by room, and send professional reports to your builder with SnagNote.
