I am often asked how you become a professional snagger. Firstly, let me start by saying that there are no qualifications currently available to become a professional snagger. That is not to say that you do not need to be qualified.
As a professional snagger, you have a responsibility to your customer to provide a comprehensive and professional defect report of their newly built home, identifying snags (defects), from creaks to cracks, that should be honest and to the current building regulations and standards.
It is important not to inflate your reports with items that the builder is never going to rectify and will certainly put your customer in conflict with their builder and possibly ruin their experience of owning a brand-new house.
Check out some of the snags we have found on our YouTube channel.
So, what do you need to become a professional snagger?
I would start with a trade background, one which allows you to have seen most build sequences on-site from foundation to handover?
I would then expect a minimum of at least ten years in site management or higher with qualifications such as an NVQ in The Built Environment. It would also be advantageous to have professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or similar. This will ensure you carry out your snagging surveys to the highest industry standard.
Having gained the relevant experience and knowledge to fully understand how a new house is built and how the build sequences work, you are on your way to becoming a professional snagger.
Start your business
If you have decided that you would like to become a professional snagger, you will have to register your business name and engage a web designer to build your website. Getting your business advertised and informing people what you do on the internet is a start. There are other ways of advertising your services such as word of mouth, trade publications, etc.
Customer reviews are another great way of securing business from prospective customers, having great reviews will give your business the necessary accreditation.
This all sounds easy, but it will take time for your business to grow, do not expect your diary to be fully booked from the day you start – it will not. Be patient and, above all else, be professional.
Download our brochure to find out more about professional snagging and how we work.
Any job vacancies for snaggers
Hi Karen
Thank you for contacting me, I do not have any vacancies at the moment but if you want to send me your CV I will keep it on file.
Best Regards
Ian
Hi Ian
I am currently working in the building trade as a ceramic tiler and have become hugely frustrated at the quality of most new build properties. I am thinking of maybe a career change and this is something I think I would like to do as I am passionate about quality and have a keen eye for detail. However i have no major qualifications I have g.c.s.es and nvq level 2 in tiling which I’m sure is not enough to do this line of work. Could you please point me at the kind of courses or qualifications I will need to be able to be considered for employment by a company like yours. Thanks
Hi Adam,
I would start by learning the NHBC standards and Building regulations, there are also courses you could do like an HND. I would do as much studying as you can also do courses with the NHBC if you look on their website / Training you should find some useful courses and information.
Best Regards
Ian
Hi Ian
I’ve been working in the building industry for 23 years, 15 of them as a site supervisor/project manager for a drylining company.
I regularly deal with customer care issues and independent snag reports and snagging our own works.
I’m looking at doing a nhbc 1 day course in handover/cml’s. Do you think this would be useful as I’m looking at becoming a new build snagger
Hi Robert,
Yes it is a start, i would also look at doing a thermography course and all the free NHBC webinars. Make yourself conversant with Building Regulations and warranty providers standards such as the NHBC, LABC etc.
Regards
Ian
Hi Ian
Thinking of a change in career i am currently working as a site manager do you have any vacancies
Hi Anthony,
Thank you for contacting me, unfortunately, I have no vacancies at present.
Best Regards
Ian
hi
im a self employed property viewer.
covering photos and videos with mobile phone.
i draw floor plans.
opinion reports for righ to rents etc.
would i be able to be come a property snagger
Hi Sophie,
You don’t mention if you have any house building experience, to be a professional snagger you need to have been a site manager or similar for a number of years to have gained the experience and knowledge to professionally snag houses.
Hello, I am a building snag inspector. I am currently look for a way to start my own business, this month.
Hi
I would like to become a professional snag inspector. What is the regulation that give you the indication to follow during a visit in a property?
Hi Michele,
If you are thinking of becoming a professional snagger, you need to have had some house-building experience and be fully conversant with the current building regulations and warranty providers’ standards.
I hope this helps
Hi Ian,
I currently work in the building industry as a Sales adviser and inspect new homes before completion, i am looking at changing to a new home snagger, do you know of any vacancies in the wiltshire area?
Many thanks
Hi Sarah,
I am sorry I don’t know any companies in Wiltshire who may have any vacancies, you could try Housescan.
Hi Ian
I have over 40 years in the building trade and the last 9 years working in the new build projects…over the last 30 years I have been a carpenter… I have done 1st fix 2nd fix and kitchen fitting… Now I do a load of snagging for the carpentry firm I work for… Recently I done the course for a site manager and passed I know you don’t need qualifications for a snagger but do you think I have enough experience and qualifications to set up my own firm or would I need something else…. Sorry a out the long email
Dave
Hi Dave,
I would suggest getting a few years in site management under your belt to gain the necessary experience in building, building regs, and NHBC standards.
Hope this helps.
Ian
Hi Ian
Thanks for the prompt reply….. Unfortunately a few years in site management would be me retired ho well but thanks for the reply
Dave
Hello I currently work for a company snagging flooring in new builds and inspecting fitting once complete, I’m wanting to become a snagging inspector, what courses would you recommend?
Hi Elliot,
I would have a look at the NHBC website there are some useful webinars and courses on it, I would also consider doing a thermography course as well.
Hope this helps
Ian
Hi Ian I have run my family building business for 30 years, carrying out new builds extensions , term maintenance for council , and nuclear site , from employees of bricklayers, plasterers joiners and ground works and carrying out all works as main contractor , I have no formal qualifications, I have now finished my company, would there be a opportunity to qualify for a snagger
Hi Brian,
There are currently no qualifications for snagging so no need to worry about qualifications, what I would advise is if you are not familiar with the NHBC or LABC standards learn them and possibly apply to some of the more prominent snagging companies to see if they are looking for more snaggers.
Regards
Ian
Hi Ian,
I have HND in Architectural Technologies with wealth of experience in building snags, surveying and inspection. I have conducted various snagging exercises from residential buildings to commercial building properties. I am currently in between jobs and am wondering if you’ve got a vacant space or could recommend me to any of your friends. I am also looking into starting my snagging company in nearest future.
Thank you.
HI,
Thanks for reaching out, I am sorry we do not have any vacancies, good luck with your snagging company.
Regards
Ian