What to check in a new-build home, from the first viewing to year two.

Five stages, from the first viewing to year two

1. 1

   Before you buy

   The show home, and what a late build does to your mortgage.

   • Questions to askAsk about the long-stop date, tenure, charges, inclusions and warranty.
   • Delayed mortgageOffers usually last about six months, so ask for an extension early.
2. 2

   Completion day

   The inspection, and the full checklist.

   • Pre-completion inspectionYour walk-round before completion, leaving with the list agreed in writing.14 checks
   • 39checksThe full checklistThe whole house in one list, for your inspection or your first weeks.Open the checklist
3. 3

   Room by room

   Tap a room.

   • 1Every roomWhat to check in every room, from walls and ceilings to floors.17 checks
   • 2Garden and driveA soft, wet new garden isn't a snag, but water still pooling a day later is.14 checks
   • 3Roof, walls and guttersSnag the roof, brickwork and gutters from the ground, without a ladder.15 checks
   • 4Hall and stairsA little creaking isn't a snag, but treads that move or loud creaks are.12 checks
   • 5KitchenCheck the doors and drawers line up, the sink drains and appliances work.21 checks
   • 6BathroomsFill the bath, run the shower, flush every toilet, then check seals and tiles.19 checks
   • 7Loft and garageCheck the loft insulation and hatch, and the garage door, floor and walls.13 checks
   • Windows and doorsOpen, close and lock every window and door, then check the glass and vents.17 checks
   • Heating and hot waterCheck every radiator warms up, and learn where the pressure gauge is.12 checks
   • Electrics and socketsTest every light, socket and alarm, and ask for the right certificate.13 checks
4. 4

   First weeks

   Settling in, and knowing what's in the walls.

   • Your first weekMeters, insurance, the council, the stop tap and alarms in your first week.
   • FurnishingBuy what you need to live first, and measure every door before you order.
   • Before you drillWhere cables should run, why to use a detector, and what to find first.
5. 5

   Year one and two

   What's normal, and how snagging really goes.

   • Year oneMost first-year cracks are shrinkage; report one wider than 5mm.
   • How long snagging takesMost snags should be settled within 30 days, with monthly updates if not.
   • Two-year warrantyFor two years the builder must fix defects; report each one in writing.