What's the Difference Between a Defect and a Snag?

Sep 18

2 min read

When you're dealing with a new build home or a recently completed construction project, you might come across the terms "defect" and "snag." While these words are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different types of issues. Understanding the distinction is crucial for homeowners, builders, and anyone involved in property transactions.

Let's dive into the differences:

Snags: Minor Imperfections

Snags are generally considered minor issues or imperfections that are easily fixable. They're typically cosmetic in nature and don't affect the structural integrity or functionality of the building. Some common examples of snags include:

Small chips in paintwork
Slight misalignment of tiles
Minor scratches on surfaces
Doors or windows that stick slightly
Small gaps in skirting boards

Snags are usually identified during a "snagging survey" - an inspection carried out before the final handover of a new build property. Most builders expect to deal with a certain number of snags as part of the finishing process.

Defects: Serious Flaws

Defects, on the other hand, are more serious issues that can affect the building's structure, safety, or essential functions. These problems often require significant work to rectify and may have implications for the property's value or habitability. Examples of defects include:

Structural issues like subsidence or unstable foundations
Major plumbing or electrical faults
Inadequate insulation leading to energy inefficiency
Roof leaks or other water ingress problems
Non-compliance with building regulations

Defects may be patent (visible upon inspection) or latent (hidden and only becoming apparent over time).

Key Differences

Severity: Snags are minor and easily fixed, while defects are serious and may require extensive repairs.
Impact: Snags are usually cosmetic, whereas defects affect the functionality or safety of the building.
Cost: Fixing snags is generally inexpensive, but repairing defects can be costly.
Timeframe: Snags are typically addressed immediately after completion or during the initial warranty period. Defects may become apparent and require attention over a longer period.
Legal Implications: Defects often have more significant legal implications and may be covered under longer warranty periods or even lead to legal action.

Why It Matters

Understanding the difference between snags and defects is important for several reasons:

It helps set realistic expectations for new homeowners.
It clarifies responsibilities between builders and buyers.
It affects how issues are reported and addressed under warranties or guarantees.
It can impact property valuations and sales processes.

Conclusion

While both snags and defects represent imperfections in a building, the scale and impact of these issues differ significantly. As a homeowner or property investor, being able to distinguish between the two will help you communicate more effectively with builders, surveyors, and legal professionals. It also ensures that you prioritise addressing serious defects while maintaining perspective on minor snags that are part and parcel of any new build process.

Remember, genuine defects are covered in your 2 year warranty period with the developer. Snags, however, can have a cut off point at the discretion of your developer. It is therefore crucial you understand the developers process for reporting minor cosmetic damage. Examples of policies are: