"Common snags can incur expensive repair costs further down the line, especially if they are reported after the warranty period. Even minor snags can significantly impact the overall safety of a building."
The team at Allerton Damp Proofing have reviewed 50 TikTok snagging compilations from viral snagging inspector New Home Quality Control, to reveal the top most common faults to watch out for in new build properties.
Fake weep vents are the most common new build property snag, with a total of 19,269,200 views.
Without weep vents, moisture can build up in the internal wall cavity leading to damp issues. 22% of the videos that the Allerton Damp Proofing team reviewed included this snag.
One of the largest snag categories included structures being out-of-plumb, or in other words, wonky. Interior and exterior brick walls are the second and third most frequent issues that new build homeowners experience.
Exterior brick walls were the second most viral snag, with 18,116,200 views in total. To be classed as ‘plumb’ brick walls should be at a 90-degree angle to the ground on all sides.
Interior walls being out-of-plumb were the third most common fault, found in 18% of the 50 most viral videos, totalling 15,458,600 views. An out-of-plumb interior wall can put additional stress on the structure of a property.
The fourth most common snag found in new build properties is an out-of-plumb fence. These videos have 8,046,200 views, and they make up 14% of the snags found in the videos. It may be necessary to add additional supports to your fence if it is out of plumb.
With 5,800,000 views, window frames not being sealed was the fifth most viral new build snag. The improper sealing of a window frame can lead to condensation and poor insulation, which increases the energy needed to heat your home.
Joe Trivett, damp expert at Allerton Damp Proofing, said: “When looking to purchase a new property, it is essential to complete a snagging inspection.
“Common snags can incur expensive repair costs further down the line, especially if they are reported after the warranty period. Even minor snags can significantly impact the overall safety of a building.
“For example, fake weep vents are one of the most common snags found on a new build property. If excess water is not correctly disposed of, this will enter the wall cavity and lead to dampness and mould, resulting in structural problems and health issues such as respiratory problems.
“The best way to avoid a costly snag list is to note down the most common faults found in new builds and take this with you when looking around.
“To avoid costly repairs and other disruptive issues, ensure all aspects of the build are completed to a high standard by choosing a reputable building contractor. If you spot any problems, make sure you report them well ahead of the end of your warranty period.”
