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Short, practical notes for people buying a new-build home in Scotland. No jargon. No scare stories. Just a better sense of what to ask.

The new-build snagging checklist: what to look for on day one

Handover days move quickly. A calm, repeatable checklist helps you notice the detail behind the finish — from seals and sockets to the way doors close. Start with the parts of the home you use most and record anything that is unfinished, damaged, difficult to operate or inconsistent with what you were promised.

Start with the basics

• Walk through each room in daylight and look at walls, ceilings, floors and trim.
• Open and close every accessible window, door, cupboard and drawer.
• Check seals, hinges, handles, sockets, switches and visible pipework.
• Run taps where possible and look for leaks, poor drainage or unfinished sealant.
• Photograph each issue and note its exact location.

Record issues clearly

A useful snagging note says what the issue is, where it is and why it matters. Add a photo, use a simple priority such as urgent or cosmetic, and keep a copy of everything you send. Clear records make follow-up conversations much easier.

When an independent survey helps

If you are short on time, unsure what to look for or want an independent record before the keys change hands, a professional survey can provide a calmer and more systematic second pair of eyes.

Have a question about your new home

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