Snagging Advice

As block 271 seems to be nearing completion at last, we've started thinking about snagging. We are aware you can get someone to do it for you, but as its over 6 months since we were there we really wanted to do it ourselves. In addition we can use the trip to find furniture, etc. The aim is to use the time between completion of the building work and the issuing of the habitation certificate, ie ahead of completion. 

So,  as many others must have gone through the snagging process some advice would be appreciated. It would be great to know likely areas to check, who should be present, what can be done without either power or water, etc. We have drawn up a list of things we feel need checking, but if anyone has a checklist(s) we could see/use that would be a great help.

Thanks in advance 

Jim and Pat  

Hi , part of my job has involved snagging as iv'e been in the construction industry for far to long , like you have said as this is spain there is only so much you can do due to the electric and water being switched off until a couple of weeks after completion .

Things you can't check, but need to as soon as you get water and power 

1) The single biggest issue we had was water leaks , problem was most of the leakes came from pipes or waste behind walls and out of sight , this resulted in a few apartments underneath getiing flooded, one was very bad and required extensive reapirs , not what anyone want to go through, this point alone is enough that i stress you get a key holder as they inspect on a weekly basis and can see any signs of damage from leaks above or in your apartment early , think about  if you dont go for few months it will be far worse .

2) light switches and wiring , a few in my block  have lights/switches which don't work , it has been just a wire not connected in the switch on some occasions.

Things you can ckeck 

1) All the pipes under the sinks , check the waste on both sink both of mine were loose.

2) Cables in the ceiling for lights , they have a tendancy to push them up into the ceiling and dry line over the hole so you lose the cable , there 2 lights in the bedrooms ,bathroom{one over the sink] 1 outside the bathroom , 3 in the livingroom area 1 in the kitcken , 1 cables above each pation door.

3) Check all windows close propery 

4) Roller shutters , had a few problems with them where they stick and you have to open the window/doors and give them a tug to unstick them

5) Built in wardrobe doors close true and square 

6) The doors on the balcony to the washing machine cupboard , mine had been put in so far out of square it didn't latch i ended up fixing it myself .

7) As above same with thr front door .

8)Kitchen Worktop , the breakfast bar in mine was like a banana .

9) The hob/cooker are fitted and sitting correctly, obviously you cant check if there working until you get power.

10) The apartments are sprayed internally so check all the walls and ceiling  for finish , if you try to paint a section of the wall or ceiling  with a brush it will look awful so any repairs need to be done before you move in , the balcony is rollered i got mine repainted as it was not great .

11) Floor/skirting  tiles check for broken ones and ones that have been layed bad, they won't be perfectly level but look for obvious steps , quite a few got changed in our block both internal and external , same with the bathroom walls and shower area.

12) Not really a snag but i may have mentioned it before but seal the shower tray with silicone ,as they only run a bead of grout around which won't last long.

I have to go nowi'm sure i will remember more late but this should get you started , just a note don't expext to go in and find the spotless, here in the uk we have a builders clean and then get  professional cleaners in before we hand over , over there they sweep your apartment out and thats it , you need to get in cleaners or allow a full day for cleaning , the floor tiles are a pain to clean up , about 100 euros for cleaners to do it for you .

I hope this helps , i'll add more as i remember .

Thanks 

Richard 

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Richard, Thanks for that really useful info. I'll add it to our list. 

Jim

There has been lots of problems with water pipes not being connected correctly in the last 2 blocks finished, this has resulted in major damage normally to the apartment below.  Problem is you will not know until the apartment above has been sold and water connected.  Hidrgea (water co.) Fitt the meter but do not turn the water on, when you arrive security will open up the meter cupboard and turn it on so checks can be made.  In phase 1 have come across a few ovens not working due to the element but this should not effect you as the ovens havent been stood in empty ptoperties for a long time.  When completed get contents insurance asap even if not furnishing straight away.

Cleaning floors found the only way on the new blocks is to use diluted amonia and green back sponge with pleanty of elbow grease!,,,

Just be sure not to go near the cat after using that mixture Carol!!!

Oh forgot that!,,,,

We snagged and cleaned ouselves, hard work but very rewarding, start with one room at a time and finish before you go on to the next, should you find any problems that need to be addressed photograph them with your phone so that you have proof and please take heed of Richards advice.

We wish you well in your new apartment