How Long Does a Developer Have to Fix Snags?
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
One of the most common frustrations after buying a new build home is identifying defects, reporting them to the developer and then waiting for them to be put right.
So how long does a developer actually have to fix snags?
The answer is that there is not one universal deadline for every defect. The time allowed will depend on the nature of the issue, the warranty or consumer code covering the home, the developer’s own after-sales procedure and whether the problem is urgent.
What matters most is that defects are reported promptly, recorded clearly and followed up properly.
What is a snag?
A snag is generally a defect, incomplete item or workmanship issue within a newly built property.
Examples can include:
poor decorating
damaged doors or windows
uneven finishes
defective sealants
poorly fitted kitchens
plumbing issues
cracked tiles
external brickwork defects
drainage problems
incomplete landscaping
roofing defects
damaged fixtures and fittings
Some snags are cosmetic, while others can affect the performance, durability or safety of the property.
That distinction often influences how quickly the developer should respond.
Is there a fixed legal time limit for fixing every snag?
No.
There is not a single rule saying that every snag must be repaired within, for example, 14 or 30 days.
Developers are expected to provide an effective after-sales service and deal with defects within a reasonable timeframe, but what is reasonable depends on the problem.
A damaged paint finish may not require the same urgency as:
a water leak
an electrical fault
a heating failure
defective drainage
an insecure door or window
another issue affecting safety or habitability
More serious problems should generally be dealt with much more quickly.
What happens during the first two years?
Many new homes are covered by a warranty arrangement where the developer is responsible for rectifying qualifying defects during an initial builder warranty period.
For example, NHBC states that its builder warranty period is usually two years from the policy start date. During that period, the builder is responsible for putting right problems resulting from a failure to meet NHBC requirements. NHBC recommends contacting the builder as soon as reasonably possible and keeping a clear record of correspondence.
The exact terms can vary depending on your warranty provider, so homeowners should check the documentation supplied with their property.
What does the New Homes Quality Code say?
For homes covered by the New Homes Quality Code, the developer’s obligations continue after completion.
The current Code requires registered developers to provide an after-sales service and complaints procedure. For homes reserved from 2 March 2026, customers generally have two years from reservation or completion, whichever is later, to make a complaint under the Code and potentially refer it to the New Homes Ombudsman Service if it is not resolved satisfactorily.
That does not mean the developer has two years to fix an individual snag.
The two-year period is the window in which qualifying complaints can be raised under the Code. Developers are still expected to provide a responsive after-sales service and deal with customer concerns in good time.
How quickly should urgent defects be repaired?
Urgent issues should generally be raised immediately.
These may include problems such as:
major water leaks
loss of heating in appropriate circumstances
dangerous electrical defects
insecure external doors
serious drainage problems
defects presenting an immediate safety concern
If you believe an issue is dangerous, avoid using the affected installation or area where appropriate and contact the developer or relevant emergency service straight away.
Do not wait for it to be included on a general snagging list.
What about normal cosmetic snags?
Less serious defects may take longer.
Developers often group non-urgent remedial work together so that the appropriate trades can return to the property.
For example, your developer may arrange separate visits for:
painters and decorators
carpenters
plumbers
electricians
kitchen installers
external works teams
This can mean some cosmetic issues are not corrected immediately.
However, you should still expect the developer to acknowledge the issue, explain what will happen next and provide reasonable updates.
Should I give the developer a deadline?
It can be useful to ask for a clear timeframe rather than simply reporting the defects and waiting indefinitely.
When submitting your snagging list, ask the developer to confirm:
that the defects have been received
which items they accept responsibility for
which trades will be required
when remedial works are expected to take place
whether any items need further investigation
Keep the communication factual and in writing.
If appointments are repeatedly missed or the same issue remains unresolved, your written record becomes increasingly important.
Why is a photographic snagging report useful?
A good snagging report gives both you and the developer a clear record of what was identified.
Rather than saying:
The bedroom window is badly fitted.
a photographic report can identify:
the exact location
the nature of the defect
supporting photographs
any visible associated damage
That reduces ambiguity and makes it much easier to track which items have and have not been resolved.
Should I report everything at once?
Where possible, yes.
Submitting one organised snagging list shortly after completion can be much easier to manage than repeatedly sending individual defects over several weeks.
That does not mean you cannot report new problems later.
Some defects only become apparent once you begin living in the property, such as:
settlement cracking
leaks
sticking doors
heating problems
drainage issues
problems that only occur during certain weather conditions
Report those when they become apparent.
What records should I keep?
Keep a record of:
your original snagging report
photographs
emails
dates defects were reported
responses from the developer
appointments arranged
missed appointments
work completed
defects that remain outstanding
NHBC specifically advises homeowners to keep a record of what was said, who they contacted and when.
This can become important if the issue later needs to be escalated.
What if the developer keeps delaying?
Start by following the developer’s formal after-sales or complaints procedure.
The New Homes Quality Board advises homeowners to contact the developer first and follow its complaints process. Where a defect remains unresolved, further options may include contacting the warranty provider or, for qualifying homes covered by the New
Homes Quality Code, referring the matter to the New Homes Ombudsman Service.
The route available to you depends on:
the developer
when your home was reserved
which consumer code applies
your warranty provider
the nature of the defect
Can my warranty provider help?
Potentially.
If the developer fails to fulfil its obligations during the builder warranty period, your warranty provider may offer assistance depending on the terms of the policy.
For example, NHBC says its resolution service may be available where a dispute arises during the builder warranty period, although homeowners must first complete the builder's complaints process and obtain a final written response.
Check your own warranty documentation because other providers may operate differently.
Should I wait before having a snagging inspection?
Usually not.
It is generally better to identify and document defects early rather than waiting until the end of the initial warranty period.
Early inspection has several advantages:
the property is still new
defects can be recorded before later wear and tear
trades may still be working on the development
remedial issues can be raised promptly
you have a clear record of the property's condition
A professional inspection does not force a developer to repair something immediately, but it gives you a much stronger and more organised basis for raising the defects.
What if a repair has been completed badly?
A defect should not necessarily be considered resolved simply because someone has attended the property.
If the remedial work is incomplete or has created another defect, document it and raise it again.
Take further photographs and explain clearly why you believe the issue remains outstanding.
So, how long does a developer have to fix snags?
There is no single deadline that applies to every snag.
Urgent defects should generally receive rapid attention, while routine cosmetic items may reasonably take longer to organise.
What you should expect is:
acknowledgement of the reported defect
reasonable communication
an appropriate timeframe for repair
competent remedial work
a clear complaints process if the issue is not resolved
Many warranty and consumer protection arrangements give homeowners an important initial period, commonly around two years, in which the developer remains responsible for certain defects or complaints. That should not, however, be treated as permission for outstanding snags to simply sit unresolved for two years.
CW Architectural Design provides independent new build snagging inspections across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Our inspections provide a clear photographic record of defects and workmanship issues, helping you raise them with your developer and keep track of the remedial work required.
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