New Roof Snagging Checklist | Independent Roof Survey

By Independent Roof Survey · Updated 27 October 2026

A new or replacement roof is a big spend. Once the scaffold comes down, much of the work is hard to see again. That makes the time just before final payment, or before the end of a new-build defects period, the best time to check it.

This guide gives a snagging checklist you can use from the ground and the loft, and explains what an independent inspection adds.

Before the scaffold comes down

If you can, ask your roofer to walk you round the finished work while access is still in place, or to send clear photos of each part of the roof. Ask for any paperwork about the materials used and any warranty. A new roof is much easier to inspect closely while scaffold is up. Never climb the scaffold yourself unless the contractor says it’s safe and goes with you.

Keep a copy of the original quote or specification to hand. Snagging is easier when you can compare what was agreed with what was done, for example the type of underlay, the ventilation, the ridge system and whether lead was renewed or reused.

Coverings, ridges and hips

Slates or tiles in straight, even lines, with no cracked, chipped or loose pieces.
Consistent overlaps and no gaps.
Ridge and hip tiles fully bedded or properly fixed with a dry-fix system, with no gaps at the ends.
Verges at the gable ends neat and secure.
No debris, offcuts or old nails left on the roof.

Flashings, valleys and chimneys

Flashings tucked into mortar joints and secured, not just stuck on with sealant.
Lead dressed neatly to the shape of the roof, with no splits.
Valleys clear, with coverings cut neatly along each side.
Chimney flashings and back gutters complete.
Any reused lead in good condition.

Our guide to lead flashing problems shows what failing flashings look like.

Want a roof surveyed? We cover London and the South East, with written reports and photos from £150 including VAT. Book a survey or call 07833 053749.

Underlay, ventilation and the loft

From inside the loft, with care:

Underlay continuous, with no tears and no daylight showing through.
Underlay laid as the manufacturer intends, without sagging where it shouldn’t.
Ventilation provided as specified, for example at the eaves or ridge, and not blocked by insulation.
No damp or water marks after rain.
Old debris cleared from the loft and insulation put back.

Gutters, flat roofs and tidy-up

Gutters cleaned out, aligned and draining, with no debris from the job.
Downpipes clear and connected.
On flat roofs: no ponding, neat upstands and edges, and outlets clear.
Fascias and soffits undamaged.
Garden, paths and neighbouring roofs left clean and undamaged.

For flat roof faults, see flat roof problems.

What an independent inspection adds

A new roof snagging inspection checks the work against good practice and records snags with photographs. You can pass the report to your roofer or, on a new-build, to the developer during the defects period. Where applicable, a drone gives close-up views of parts you can’t see from the ground once the scaffold is gone. Surveys start from £150, including VAT. See pricing.

Quick answers

When should I book a snagging inspection?

Ideally before the final payment, or well before a new-build defects period ends, so there’s time for snags to be put right.

Can you check a new-build home’s roof?

Yes. We inspect what can be seen safely and record snags for you to pass to the developer.

What if the roofer disagrees with the snags?

The report gives you photographs and a clear description of each point. It’s a factual record you can discuss with the roofer, rather than a matter of opinion between you.

Can I check the roof myself?

You can do the checks in this list from the ground, from windows and from the loft with care. Don’t climb onto the roof or the scaffold.

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More advice

This guide is general information about roofs and roof surveys. It isn’t legal, insurance or structural engineering advice; for those, speak to a suitably qualified professional.