#1
Get your solicitor to negotiate a snagging survey pre-completion. Assuming you have instructed an independent solicitor, they should negotiate a clause to ensure we attend between the point of exchange and completion. 

#2
Speak to the Site Manager about booking a survey. The Site Manager should realise it is far easier for the trades to carry out work before completion using 1 comprehensive list. The Sales staff will simply try and put you off.

#3
The first 2 months is crucial.  A survey from the HBF asks you to rate your builder 8 weeks after completion. It is why the site will go above and beyond within this period, but afterwards will only rectify issues out of tolerance.

#4
Study the working drawings carefully. We commonly come across poor design. Ensure the house is correctly handed (read a blog about this here) and that there are enough sockets and space for white goods etc.

#5
Make sure you get a home demo. ​It is vital to check your house is ready before you sign the completion paperwork especially in June/Dec. Sales may confirm extras have been fitted (flooring, wardrobes etc) when in fact they haven't.

#6
Concentrate on the choices during the Demo.  A home demo occurs normally around 1 week before you move in. Assuming you have booked us to snag the house, make sure that your choices are correct as we will not know.

#7
Hold off moving in until after the snagging survey. If you can hold off moving in for a week after collecting the keys, it allows us to prove liability and also makes life easier for the site manager to get the trades in with an empty house.

#8
Get Timescales in a face-to-face meeting. Once you have the snag report, it is time to organise access for the trades. Ask for a meeting with the Site Manger to agree timescales, which ensures accountability.

#9
Need measurements of walls and windows? We often see customers struggle to take accurate measurements for blinds and furniture. We use a digital laser measure to pinpoint measurements which you get on a separate report.

#10
Do not base your decision on internal quality! This is the most common mistake homeowners make. ​The worst house we have ever inspected externally actually had very good paintwork inside. It is a common mistake for customers to assume when the internal finish is good the rest will be, so they don't end up book a snagging inspection. You need a qualified professional who has 'the eye', knowledge and equipment to see beyond the obvious aesthetics.