The team analysed 50 TikTok videos, from viral snagging inspectors New Home Quality Control, to reveal the top most common faults to watch out for in new build properties.
1 – Fake weep vents
Fake weep vents were found to be the most common snag in new build properties.
Weep vents play a vital role in providing ventilation and draining any excess water that may enter the internal wall cavity. Fake weep vents are often a way to cut corners in construction, and if left undiscovered, can leave a property with the more costly and disruptive issue of dampness.
2 – Brick wall out-of-plumb
The third most common TikTok snag is the exterior brick wall of a home being out-of-plumb. Similar to an interior wall being out-of-plumb, this is where the exterior wall of the home is not completely vertical.
The brick walls of a new build property should be at a 90-degree angle to the ground on all sides, in order to be classed as ‘plumb’. An out-of-plumb wall can lead to the weight of the home being off centre, again, putting additional stress on the overall structure.
3 – Interior wall out-of-plumb
The second most common snag found in new build properties is an out-of-plumb wall.
The interior walls of a new build property should be positioned vertical on all sides, in order to be ‘plumb’. An out-of-plumb interior wall can put additional stress on the structure of a property.
4 – Fence out-of-plumb
The fourth most common snag found in new build properties is an out-of-plumb fence.
If the fence of a new build property is leaning to one side, or is off level, with challenging weather conditions and pressure overtime, this can result in the entire fence needing to be replaced.
5 – Window frame not sealed
The fifth most common snag is the window frame not being sealed properly.
Failure to properly seal a window frame can allow moisture to enter the window panes resulting in condensation and poor insulation, increasing the amount of energy needed to heat your home.
6 – Missing insulation
Sixth is insulation missing in the new build property. Insulation helps to regulate the temperature, keeping in heated or cooled air.
Without insulation, it can be extremely uncomfortable in your home. Missing insulation also increases energy bills, as more energy is needed to heat or cool the home.
7 – Poor radiator insulation
The seventh most common snag found was poor radiator insulation.
Poor radiator insulation can increase the amount of heat lost in the home, leading to higher energy bills and an increase in the amount of time spent heating up the home.
8 – Flue pipe not fitted correctly
Eighth is the flue pipe not being fitted correctly. This is extremely dangerous and one of the most important snags to look out for.
The flue pipe is designed to dispose of any harmful gases produced by your boiler. If the flue pipe is fitted incorrectly, these gases can find their way back into your home which can lead to exposure to carbon monoxide.
9 – Damaged bricks
Damaged bricks is the ninth most common snag found in new build properties.
Cracks in external walls can be a sign of an underlying structural problem. Overtime, even minor cracks can lead to water ingress and damp, which can be costly to rectify.
10 – Weep vents covered in mortar
Finally, the tenth most common snag is weep vents covered in mortar.
Weep vents should not be sealed with mortar as they are a necessary component in your home for ventilating the space and draining out any water.
Joe Trivett, Damp Expert at Allerton Damp Proofing, said: “When looking to purchase a new property, it is extremely important 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 have a major impact on 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 properly disposed of, this will enter the wall cavity and lead to dampness and mould, which can result in 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 of the tasks 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.”
About Allerton Damp
Allerton Damp are damp proofing specialists operating across Yorkshire, including Leeds, York, Hull and Sheffield. With over 40 years experience, they specialise in property surveys, basement conversion proofing, timber joinery and preservation, and mould and damp proofing.
Allerton Damp are certified by the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, Trustmark and Which? Trusted Traders, ensuring your damp and wood treatments are in the safest of hands.
