{"id":329,"date":"2026-04-25T21:57:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T20:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/new-build-window-door-snagging-checklist\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T21:57:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T20:57:10","slug":"new-build-window-door-snagging-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/new-build-window-door-snagging-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"New Build Window &#038; Door Snagging Checklist UK 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> You have <strong>2 years from legal completion<\/strong> to report defects to your developer under the NHBC, Premier Guarantee or LABC structural warranty. After that, you&#8217;re on your own. Windows and doors account for around <strong>30% of all new-build snagging items<\/strong> reported in the first year \u2014 and many of them are easy to miss until winter arrives. This guide gives you the full checklist room-by-room, how to test each item, what counts as a snag vs normal wear, and how to push back when the developer says &#8220;that&#8217;s normal&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n<p>Print this off, walk around with a torch, and tick off every item. Most snags take 5 minutes to spot and 30 minutes for the developer to fix.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why snag windows and doors specifically?<\/h2>\n\n<p>New-build construction is a fast process. Windows and doors are usually fitted before the rest of the house is finished, then knocked around by trades for weeks. Common consequences:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frames left out of square because the wall around them moved as it dried<\/li>\n<li>Gaskets damaged by careless trades passing tools through openings<\/li>\n<li>Sealant gaps around the frame because the plasterer worked around them<\/li>\n<li>Trickle vents not fitted (now a Building Regs issue \u2014 see our <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/trickle-vents-explained-building-regs-2022\/\">trickle vents guide<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Glass panes scratched by the sticker residue of the safety sticker<\/li>\n<li>Locks not aligned because the door was hung with packers that loosened<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>None of these are major faults \u2014 but if you don&#8217;t catch them in the first 2 years, you&#8217;ll be paying to fix them yourself. Snagging is your one shot at zero-cost remedies.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your statutory protection (NHBC \/ Premier \/ LABC)<\/h2>\n\n<p>Most UK new builds come with a 10-year structural warranty. The first <strong>2 years<\/strong> are the &#8220;defects insurance period&#8221; where the developer is responsible for correcting any defects in workmanship or materials \u2014 including windows and doors. Years 3\u201310 only cover major structural items.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NHBC Buildmark<\/strong> \u2014 covers ~80% of UK new builds<\/li>\n<li><strong>Premier Guarantee<\/strong> \u2014 second-largest provider<\/li>\n<li><strong>LABC Warranty<\/strong> \u2014 used by some local authorities and developers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Checkmate, BLP Insurance<\/strong> \u2014 smaller providers, similar terms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>All work the same way: report defects in writing during the 2-year window and the developer is obliged to fix them. After 2 years, only major structural items are covered. <strong>Don&#8217;t wait until month 23<\/strong> \u2014 give yourself buffer time.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The window snagging checklist (room by room)<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visual inspection (every window)<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Frame square in the opening \u2014 use a spirit level on all 4 sides<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Even gap between frame and wall (typically 8\u201312mm) all the way round<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Sealant bead continuous, no missed sections, especially at corners<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 No cracked, chipped or scratched glass (look from inside AND outside, in low sun)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 No sticker residue on the glass (the safety markers leave glue if not removed within 30 days)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Gaskets intact, no damaged or loose sections<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 All glazing beads present (the strips holding the glass into the frame)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Drainage holes at the bottom of the frame open and not blocked<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Trickle vents fitted to all habitable-room windows (see <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/trickle-vents-explained-building-regs-2022\/\">trickle vents guide<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 External weatherboards \/ cills don&#8217;t slope back toward the wall (water will sit and rot)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Functional tests (every opening window)<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Opens smoothly without lifting or forcing<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Closes flush \u2014 no daylight visible around the sash when shut<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Locks engage cleanly without forcing the handle<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Friction stays adjusted \u2014 sash doesn&#8217;t drop when opened part-way<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Restrictor stays (child safety on upper-floor windows) work as intended<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Trickle vent slider opens and closes<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 No rattling or movement when closed and locked<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Performance tests (more time-consuming, do once per house)<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 <strong>Draught test<\/strong> \u2014 close window, hold a lit match or thin tissue near the seal on a windy day. No movement = sealing properly. See our <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/draughty-windows-quick-fixes-vs-replacement-costs\/\">draughty windows guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 <strong>Spray test<\/strong> \u2014 gently spray the outside of the window with a hose. No water inside? Good. Water visible inside or wet patch on the wall = serious snag.<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 <strong>Thermal test<\/strong> \u2014 first cold morning, run the back of your hand around the frame edges. Cold spots could indicate poor insulation or a missing thermal break.<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 <strong>Sound test<\/strong> \u2014 close all windows, listen. If a sash isn&#8217;t sealing, you&#8217;ll hear outside noise more clearly than other rooms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The door snagging checklist<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Front door + back door<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Door square in the frame \u2014 gap consistent on all 4 sides (3\u20135mm typical)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Closes flush against the seal all the way round<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Multipoint lock engages all points smoothly without forcing<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Letterbox rebound spring works (front door)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Threshold seal in place and not damaged<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Door swings without scraping the floor or frame<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Glass panel (if fitted) intact, no cracks<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 External handle and lock are smooth, not stiff<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Spy hole \/ number plate fitted as agreed<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 External cill drains away from the door (water shouldn&#8217;t pool against it)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">French \/ patio doors<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Both leaves close and lock smoothly<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Active and passive leaves seal against each other (run a tissue test)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Bolts on the passive leaf engage cleanly<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 No movement when the active leaf is locked and gently shaken<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Drainage holes at the bottom of the frame open<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Threshold doesn&#8217;t allow water in from outside<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bi-fold \/ sliding doors<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Track clean and free of debris<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Doors slide \/ fold without dragging<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Locks engage without lifting the door<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Rollers \/ wheels move smoothly (you may need to adjust on first use)<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 No daylight visible at the joints when fully closed<\/li>\n<li>\u2610 Threshold weather seal intact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snag vs lived-in wear \u2014 what&#8217;s worth pushing on<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead><tr><th>Issue<\/th><th>Snag (push for fix)<\/th><th>Normal wear (live with)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr><td>Visible scratch on glass<\/td><td>Yes \u2014 within 12 months<\/td><td>No after the 2-year window<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Stiff handle<\/td><td>Yes if it&#8217;s stiff from day one<\/td><td>If it develops at year 4+<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Tiny daylight gap at corner<\/td><td>Yes \u2014 sealing fault<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Surface scuff on frame<\/td><td>Yes if obvious + within 6 months<\/td><td>Smaller marks at year 2+<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Door rubs in extreme heat<\/td><td>Yes if it doesn&#8217;t open at all<\/td><td>Slight expansion is normal<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Trickle vent missing in habitable room<\/td><td>Yes \u2014 Building Regs breach<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Misted glass<\/td><td>Yes \u2014 sealed unit failure (covered by warranty)<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Condensation on inside glass in winter<\/td><td>Often a ventilation issue, not a window snag<\/td><td>See our <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/condensation-between-double-glazing-causes-fixes\/\">condensation guide<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common developer pushback (and how to respond)<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>&#8220;That&#8217;s within tolerance.&#8221;<\/strong> Ask which standard. Most quote NHBC tolerances; cross-check against the actual NHBC Standards (publicly downloadable). Window frame plumbness tolerance is typically \u00b13mm over 1m \u2014 anything beyond that is a snag.<\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8220;That&#8217;s a wear-and-tear item.&#8221;<\/strong> If the issue was visible at handover or appeared within the first 12 months, it&#8217;s a defect, not wear. Insist on the 2-year defects period coverage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8220;You&#8217;ll need to use it for it to settle in.&#8221;<\/strong> Sometimes true for door rubs in fresh frames. Give it 30 days. If it persists, raise it again.<\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8220;That&#8217;s the homeowner&#8217;s responsibility.&#8221;<\/strong> Ask for the written reason. Get it in writing on the developer&#8217;s letterhead. Most pushback evaporates when written.<\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8220;We&#8217;ve sent the snagging team and they say it&#8217;s fine.&#8221;<\/strong> Get the inspection report in writing. Compare to the photos you took. Escalate to the warranty provider (NHBC, Premier, LABC) if you disagree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to formally report<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Document everything with photos.<\/strong> Date-stamped. Include the room, the snag, and a wide shot for context.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compile a single snag list<\/strong> rather than reporting items one at a time. Developers respond better to one organised email than 30 separate texts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Email the developer&#8217;s customer care team.<\/strong> Reference your plot number, contract date, and the warranty provider.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set a reasonable response window<\/strong> \u2014 most warranties define this (e.g. 21 days for response, 60 days for repair).<\/li>\n<li><strong>If unresolved after that window:<\/strong> escalate to the warranty provider directly (NHBC dispute resolution, Premier Guarantee complaints, etc.). All have free dispute mechanisms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Last resort:<\/strong> small claims court for amounts under \u00a310,000.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I hire a professional snagger?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Professional snagging surveyors charge \u00a3300\u2013\u00a3600 for a 3-bed semi inspection. Whether it&#8217;s worth it depends on:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Worth it if:<\/strong> Large house (4+ bed), high-spec build, you&#8217;re not confident inspecting yourself, or the developer has a poor snagging reputation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skip it if:<\/strong> Small property, you have construction knowledge, or you&#8217;re using this checklist methodically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Pro snaggers typically find 50\u2013150 items on a typical new-build inspection. Most are minor. The ones worth hiring for are the structural and waterproofing items hard to spot without training \u2014 chimney flashing, roof felt overlap, brickwork mortar joints. Window\/door snags from this checklist you can do yourself.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should I do my snagging inspection?<\/h3>\n<p>Three rounds: <strong>Day 1<\/strong> (handover walk-through with developer), <strong>Month 6<\/strong> (after lived-in faults emerge), and <strong>Month 22<\/strong> (just before the defects period closes). Don&#8217;t leave it all to one inspection \u2014 different snags surface at different times.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if the developer has gone bust?<\/h3>\n<p>Your structural warranty (NHBC, Premier, LABC) takes over. Report the same defects to them via the warranty&#8217;s dispute mechanism. They&#8217;ll arrange repairs from approved contractors at no cost to you.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I withhold the final payment?<\/h3>\n<p>Generally no \u2014 you&#8217;ve completed the purchase. But you can refuse to sign the customer satisfaction certificate that the developer wants for their records. This sometimes accelerates response time.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My windows have condensation on the inside \u2014 is that a snag?<\/h3>\n<p>Usually not. Internal condensation is a humidity \/ ventilation issue, often caused by drying-out of new construction (concrete and plaster releasing moisture for 6+ months). See our <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/condensation-between-double-glazing-causes-fixes\/\">condensation guide<\/a>. Snag it only if it&#8217;s between the panes (sealed unit failure) or persists beyond 6 months with proper ventilation.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I miss the 2-year window?<\/h3>\n<p>You&#8217;re then on Consumer Rights Act 2015 territory \u2014 you can still pursue the developer for defects that were present at handover but were latent (not visible). Harder to prove. The 2-year window is the easy route; don&#8217;t miss it.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you need replacement windows or doors<\/h2>\n<p>If the developer refuses to fix a serious snag and you&#8217;ve exhausted the warranty route, our quote service connects you with up to 4 vetted FENSA-registered local installers in 24 hours for replacement. Free, no obligation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;font-size:1.15em;\"><a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/quote\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2d6a4f;color:#fff;padding:14px 28px;border-radius:10px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700;\">Get my 4 free quotes \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/trickle-vents-explained-building-regs-2022\/\">Trickle Vents Building Regs<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/window-u-values-wer-explained\/\">U-Values &#038; WER<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/insurance-backed-guarantees-installsure-decoded\/\">IBGs Decoded<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;\"><em>Sources: NHBC Buildmark warranty handbook, Premier Guarantee policy documentation, LABC Warranty consumer guide, HomeOwners Alliance snagging list (2026), New Home Quality Code, Consumer Rights Act 2015, Approved Document F (2022 trickle vents update), HBF customer satisfaction survey 2025\u201326. Last reviewed: April 2026.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You have 2 years to snag a new-build under NHBC \/ Premier \/ LABC. Windows and doors account for 30% of all snags. Full room-by-room checklist + how to handle developer pushback + when to escalate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":311,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[36,44,45,43],"class_list":["post-329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-consumer-protection","tag-new-build","tag-nhbc","tag-snagging"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=329"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}