Snagging

This usually happens to retirees. You look forward to moving to a new country with a warmer climate where your joints would not hurt because of winter.

You eagerly await the moment of your departure. You anticipate the time you will actually live in the house you have seen in the catalogue and purchased through an agent. It is when you arrive that reality knocks you down your horse.

You find that there are burst pipes in your new house, a wall where should have been a patio, and the water seeps in your walls when it rains. You should have done your research. You should not have complacently sipped your coffee while waiting for your house overseas to be built. You should have not entrusted your agent to finalize the payment of a newly-built home abroad. The answer to all your problems is snagging.

Snagging -- What It Is

You may now have thoughts on what "snagging" means. It is still not a well-known term but the act itself is gaining popularity. Everyone would benefit from it especially expats.

Snagging is the act of checking every nook and cranny of your newly built abode and making sure that everything is in tip-top condition. You would not be present every single day during the construction of your new house. You will not be present if you are buying an already built house.

Think of how many defects your new house might have. Not all people are born honest and you would never know if the contractors had used sub-par materials for your house. You want to ensure the safety of your family. It does not make sense for anyone to let his or her family live in a house that could collapse any time of day.

To Snag or Not To Snag?

This may be costly. It may add to all the hassle moving is causing you but there should be no question. You need to have your newly-built homes snagged.

You should not be cheated out of the money you paid. You should be getting your dues and then some. This is how you can get your house snagged:

Hire a professional. Qualified "snaggers" include sales agents, builders, and promoters. The rate for snagging is usually between USD$400 to USD$1,000. Some might try to go higher than that if they are well-known in their fields. It is worth the added cost but if not, be wary because they might just be trying to rip you off.

You can expect this when you get your house snagged. Do not get dismayed in case your official "snagger" comes with an extensive list of faults in your newly-built home. That is only normal.

Dealing with Contractors

Contractors may be cheating on the materials and methods used to build your house while you rejoice about the building of your new house. You might find your toilet not aligned with pipes, the plumbing clogged, metals rusted, closet doors do not fit, leaks on your roofs, cracked tiling, faulty heating systems, garage doors aligned with walls, among others. These are just very few of the faults you might encounter.

Get right to action once your "snagger" gets back to you with the list. Inspect everything yourself and take pictures to provide proof of your complaints. List all expenses caused by the faults. List even your transportation or gasoline fees as you go around asking for help on what to do.

You can then file a complaint once you have arranged everything. The contractor can give in and pay their dues because you are still protected by law under warranty. They can also put up a fight and you would have to file a case in small claims court.

Expect the legal battle to go for a few years and cost you a hefty amount of money. It is then always better to settle things peacefully and hope for the best.