This is a great question, currently, there is no qualification or regulation within the house building industry to become professional snaggers. This means anyone with a little knowledge can set up a business and become a snagger.
This is worrying because having the ability to identify snags and advise new build homebuyers is a huge responsibility. You should always choose your snagger with caution. So much so that we’ve written a guide on what to avoid in a professional snagging company.
You must have the knowledge and experience to explain to the new house buyer what snags you have identified and the reasons for them. This only comes through knowledge and experience gained through many years working within the house building industry. Either in site management as a site manager or contracts manager.
Qualifications for professional snaggers
It also helps to have qualifications such as an NVQ in The Built Environment. As well as a professional qualification such as Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, Member Chartered Association of Building Engineers or similar.
Being able to substantiate these qualifications will give assurance to any new homebuyers. It can reassure them that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to carry this out professionally.
Eventually, the industry will have to regulate professional snaggers to ensure they are qualified with the necessary knowledge and experience to identify snags. A professional snagger should also have a full understanding of the building regulations and standards set by warranty providers. For examples, the NHBC and LABC.
As the profession grows and the quality of newly built homes deteriorates, this will become more important. Regulated snaggers would ensure a level of competency and comfort to any new home buyers.
How long this will take to be implemented? Who knows. However, with the possibility of a New Home Ombudsman becoming a reality, it would be encouraging to think this could be the start for it to happen.
Watch this space!
What does this mean for you?
But what does this mean for the new homeowner? As a professional snagger, I strongly believe that is it my responsibility not to put the new homeowner in conflict with the builder. Additionally, to ensure the snags that I identify in my reports will be rectified. That means working within the standards and building regulations.
Housebuilders do not like professional snaggers. Likely because they do not like an outsider telling them how bad their houses are! (Which are demonstrated within our reports). It would be great if professional snaggers could become another necessary body trying to improve the quality of newly built homes for the home buyer.
I hope you have found this informative! For more information or to book a snagging inspection, please contact me, read our FAQs, or explore our services online.
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