THE NEW BEER DOWN THE SHIRT FASHION

Hi Folks.

              Has anybody got any recommendations for snagging companies?

John.

There are a few snagging companies out there and they charge a fair bit.  If I had a 5 bedroom villa I could see the benefit but other properties that have been completed on Polaris resorts have had very little snagging complaints, mainly cosmetic in the rush to complete.  With a 51 or 62 sqm apartment you could easily do it yourself. 

Does anyone out there do this in the UK or have experience in there own UK built new home that you can share some snagging notes and things to look for?

There's a book you can down load on the EBooks on this site although its around 27euro's I think and I'm sure  I have seen a thread on the general comments part of the site about snagging a property.  If its correct that you only have a short window of opportunity to snag your property that might be a problem to us and one reason why we might have to ask  our agents or a another individual to do it for us. Popping over for a weekend involves flight prices/accommodation/car hire and might have to be weighed against the cost of paying someone to do it. Especially if Polaris do release earlier than expected and flights etc are seasonally high. However I'd be really keen to get over and see the apartment so that has to be considered too

I personnely feel that I'd like to be present to do the snagging even if I'd paid for someone to be there as well, that way I would be happy in my own mind about the finishes and the state of the apartment.  There are lots of posts on this forum & others about snagging and recommendations for companies to use although if your not present make sure you get one that will send you photographic evidence of faults and that there costs include for a second visit to sign the snagging off.

We will probably just use our agents aftersales department who have someone to go round with you who's done it all before, this is all part of their package when we bought along with taking you to the notary etc.

As for additional flight costs, will this not just be done at the same time as completion? Usually snag day or so before completion. Although this depends on whether or not your going out to complete or giving your solicitor power of attorney to do it for you.

I plan to snag my own apartment when the time comes. Most people can spot a good job from a bad one, especially if your in an empty room. My background is Shopfitting/Joinery and I don't imagine there will be to many snagging issues to worry about. My only question would be how you check plumbing and electrics if it's possible that these are not connected when you snag it. 

That said, the main things to look out for are any moving parts (doors, shutters, windows,plumbing and general fitting quality). Here's a small list of what I'd be looking out for.

1) Hot water is working ok

2) no leaks from plumbing in kitchen & bathroom 

3) Main door & patio doors work smoothly and lock easily

4) All internal doors open and close smoothly including locating securely into keepers

5) All security shutters, manual & electric, work smoothly

6) All kitchen doors and drawers are hanging level, handles secure

7) Kitchen Sink & Tap secure

8) Kitchen worktop sealed around walls

9) Bathroom bath panel secure

10) Toilet seat secure

11) Bedroom wardrobe doors run smoothly

12) Windows open and secure easily

13)General good quality fitting of all items

Midge

 

If you find a problem is completion held up? Therefore would you have to go back over to confirm changes  are satisfactory then complete? There's a lot to this buying business isnt there?!!

The basic process is that you will snag (for about a 1 hour max appointment) the day before you complete, so as Mike said before most people will be across and present when snagging time comes. If you find a problem you STILL have to complete on the property and Polaris give themselves 30 working days to sort out any issues when you, or someone else goes back into check on the completion of the initial snagging points.

There's good information under the heading 'Articles' on this site; one section in particular is below but there's a range of useful tips and questions and answers. We weren't aware that the property should have a builders clean before the snagging- but once read it seems obvious as you cant see marks or scratches if the property is dirty. Its those little pieces of information that are particularly helpful to 1st time buyers

Q: When should I carry out the snagging inspection?

A: It is important that you inspect the property prior to completion, ideally at least 10 -30 days prior to completion. This may allow you to have more control of the process and you will not pay the balance of money until the snagging is completed.

Most developers will ask that you inspect the day before completion but by using a good lawyer he can negotiate an extended period, between snagging inspection and completion. This inspection can be carried out by an independent inspection company acting as your agent who can save you time and money on flights, hotels and car hire.