Chris Greenwood, a professional new-build house inspector, warns homeowners to thoroughly check their new properties for unusual debris and defects, including hidden bottles of urine, highlighting the importance of snagging in addressing post-completion issues.
Chris Greenwood, a professional new-build house inspector commonly known as a snagger, is advising homeowners to conduct thorough checks of their properties once they receive the keys. Greenwood has encountered a range of unusual and concerning items left behind in some new homes during his inspections.
Speaking to the BBC, Greenwood revealed that it is not uncommon to find unexpected debris such as sandwiches, food waste, and bottles left by builders. More shockingly, he has also discovered bottles of urine hidden in places like under baths or shower trays. “It makes you wonder what else has been missed,” he said, highlighting the potential for overlooked issues in new builds.
The role of snagging is to identify any defects, damage, poor installations, or unfinished work after the construction is complete. New homeowners typically have a two-year window to report these problems to the builder for rectification.
In response to concerns surrounding the reputation of builders linked to snagging problems, the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has emphasised that such issues do not reflect a lack of care among tradespeople. The organisation pointed out that some snagging is inevitable in new builds and that builders generally strive to achieve high standards in their work.
The BBC is reporting that while snagging helps in ensuring homes meet expected quality and finish standards, both homeowners and builders play a part in managing and addressing any defects that surface in the post-completion period.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.cgnewbuildsnagging.co.uk/about-new-build-snagging.html – This page introduces Chris Greenwood as the founder of CG New Build Snagging, confirming his role as a professional new-build house inspector (snagger) with nearly 20 years of industry experience, supporting the article’s identification of him as a key expert in snagging inspections.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-62071694 – This BBC article discusses unusual items found left behind by builders in new homes, including food waste and bottles of urine hidden in showers or under baths, corroborating Greenwood’s claims about unexpected and concerning debris in new builds.
- https://www.napsi.co.uk/who-we-are – The National Association of Professional Snagging Inspectors (NAPSI) outlines their role in maintaining high snagging standards and supports builders’ efforts to achieve quality, aligning with the article’s mention of the National Federation of Builders emphasizing that snagging issues do not reflect a lack of care among tradespeople.
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/buying-or-selling-a-home/check-new-builds-for-snags/ – This Citizens Advice guide explains the purpose of snagging inspections to find defects and unfinished work in new homes and notes the two-year period for homeowners to report issues, supporting the article’s description of snagging’s role and homeowner rights.
- https://www.gov.uk/new-build-home-warranty – The UK government’s information on new build home warranties details the common two-year period during which homeowners can report defects for repairs, backing the article’s statement about the typical reporting window for snagging issues.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative discusses current standard practices around snagging in new-build homes and includes direct reference to a recent BBC report, indicating contemporaneity. There are no indications of outdated references or recycled news. The involvement of the National Federation of Builders aligns with ongoing industry standards, supporting freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The primary quote from Chris Greenwood about finding bottles of urine and other debris appears to originate from a BBC interview, which is a reputable and traceable source. Earliest known reference online is consistent with the BBC report referenced. Lack of multiple earlier citations suggests the quote is original to this reporting.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the BBC, a globally recognized and reputable broadcaster known for rigorous editorial standards. The inclusion of statements from the National Federation of Builders further enhances reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Claims about common snagging issues, including unexpected debris and defects in new-build homes, are plausible and consistent with industry knowledge. The two-year window to report problems is standard practice. No extraordinary claims are made that challenge credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current and credible, grounded in a BBC report featuring direct quotes from a professional inspector. The information aligns with known industry practices regarding snagging in new builds. The reputable origin and plausible content justify a high confidence level and a passing assessment.
