Snagging vs Claims

WHAT IS A SNAG?

It is not uncommon for new homes to have small snagging inspection issues. At Global, we recommend discussing snagging problems with your Developer as soon as possible in order to have these rectified. But what is a snag and how does this differ from what is covered in your structural warranty policy?

A snag is a minor defect, problem or issue in a property after completion of building works. It is typically something that is not fitted properly, damaged, broken or unfinished.  

Some of the most common snagging issues reported by new homeowners include:

• Faulty installation of doors and/or windows
• Plastering which is considered not up to standard
• Leaks in pipes
• Substandard paintwork
• Damaged or chipped tiles and grouting issues
• Issues with guttering e.g. blocked or damaged
• Poorly installed or missing insulation
• External pointing/brickwork

WHAT IS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT?

A Structural defect is a fault or deviation from the intended structural performance of a building element. Structural defects are described as minor or major, usually caused by poor design, materials or workmanship. The Structure is defined as:
• Foundations
• Load-bearing parts of floors, staircases and associated guard rails
• Walls
• Load bearing basement and/or retaining walls necessary for stability
• Roof structure and Roof Covering
• Any external finishing surface necessary for the water-tightness of the structure
• Floor deck and screeds

 If a defect has caused major damage to the property and is structural in nature, this could be an eligible claim. Major damage is defined as:

•  Destruction of or physical damage to a load-bearing element of the residential property caused by a defect in the design, workmanship, material or components of the structure which adversely affects the residential property’s structural stability, resistance to damp and/or water penetration.

• A condition requires immediate remedial action to prevent damage to a load bearing element of the residential property which adversely affects its structural stability, and resistance to damp and/or water penetration.

• A condition requiring immediate remedial action to prevent imminent danger to the health and safety of the occupants caused by a defect in the design, workmanship, material or components of the structure or failure of the Developer to comply with building regulations in respect of chimneys or flues.

• The costs incurred in repairing, replacing or rectifying any part of the Waterproof Envelope within each Residential Property as a result of ingress of water solely attributable to and caused by a Defect in the design, workmanship, materials or components of the waterproofing elements of the Waterproof Envelope within each residential property.

HOW POTENTIAL STRUCTURAL WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE ASSESSED FOR ELIGIBILITY:

Potential claims are assessed on an individual basis. If a defect has caused major damage to the residential property and its structural in nature, it will be assessed for claim eligibility under the following definitions:

• Has major damage occurred to the structure?
• Is the defect structural in nature?

Does the defect fall within the definition of structure?

• Is the defect likely to be due to workmanship, material, or design?
• Is the defect likely to affect structural stability, resistance to damp or water penetration?
• Is the defect likely to present an imminent danger to the health and safety of the occupants?

STRUCTURAL WARRANTY CLAIMS EXCLUSIONS:

There are a number of possible exclusions that are considered when assessing a claim. Common exclusions include:

EXISTING WORKS: Loss or damage caused by a defect from any pre-existing structures are excluded. If the new works cause major damage to existing structures, they may be considered eligible for a claim, should they fit the definitions of the    policy wording.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE: Anything that the customer was aware of or should have been aware of prior to purchasing the residential property is excluded.

SPECIAL PERILS: Loss or damage caused by a peril that can be insured under household buildings or property owners’ insurance is excluded. Common examples of this are the escape of water from plumbing installations and subsidence not caused by a defect in the design, workmanship, materials, or components of the structure.

WEAR AND TEAR: Loss or damage caused by wear and tear is excluded. This includes normal dampness, condensation, or shrinkage. Claims due to deterioration from neglect or lack of maintenance are also excluded