New-Build Snagging Checklist: What to Check Before You Accept the Keys
By Manuel R.2 min read
A new home is not necessarily a finished one. “Snags” are the defects and unfinished jobs a builder leaves behind: a window that does not close, a bathroom that is not properly waterproofed, a socket that is not earthed. Finding them before you accept the keys is far easier than after.
Why it matters in Portugal
Developers are liable for construction defects for five years. That protection works best when the defects are documented from day one. A dated, photographed list sent to the developer is a much stronger starting point than a complaint months later.
Room-by-room checklist
Entrance, doors and windows
- Open and close every door and window, and check locks and handles
- Look for gaps, draughts and misaligned frames
- Check seals and sealant lines for gaps or poor finish
Walls, ceilings and floors
- Look along walls with the light behind you for uneven plaster and paint lines
- Check for stains on ceilings, especially below balconies and bathrooms
- Walk every room: tiles should be level and unbroken, with no hollow sounds
- Check skirting boards and floor junctions
Bathrooms and kitchen
- Run every tap and flush every toilet. Check pressure and drainage
- Look for leaks under sinks and around tiles
- Check silicone and grout lines
- Test kitchen fittings: doors, drawers, hob, extractor
Electrics
- Test every socket and switch
- Check the board is labelled and accessible
- Confirm sockets in wet rooms are properly earthed
Balconies, terraces and ventilation
- Look for falls towards drains and any ponding water
- Check waterproofing at door thresholds
- Make sure bathrooms and kitchens have working ventilation
How to record defects
- Photograph every issue with a wide shot and a close-up
- List each defect by room and describe it in one clear sentence
- Send the list to the developer in writing and keep the date
- Agree a deadline for repairs before you accept the keys, where you can
Documents to ask for
- The licence or equivalent evidence the building may be used as a home
- The energy certificate
- Manuals and warranties for appliances and systems
- Any developer guarantees in writing
At Oporto Home Inspections we inspect homes across Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and the North for buyers who want the truth about a property, not the sales version. Inspect with confidence.