A: A snag is a defect or unfinished item in a new property, from paint marks and cracked tiles to faulty wiring or plumbing.

A: Walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, joinery, kitchen and bathroom fittings, electrical points, plumbing, air conditioning and balconies, checked room by room.

A: Book it as soon as the developer announces handover, so the inspection takes place before you sign the handover documents.

A: An independent inspector works only for you, uses specialist equipment and knows where defects are commonly found, so issues are less likely to be missed.

A: The developer is responsible for fixing defects identified at handover and during the warranty period.

A: It varies by developer and the number of issues, typically from a few weeks to a few months. We follow up and re-inspect until the work is complete.