SiteSnagSee how it works

Defect library

Decoration defects in new builds

Decoration snags are the ones a buyer spots first, and most of them come from a final coat that was rushed so the house could be handed over. They are minor on their own, but a home with paint on the sockets and gaps at every skirting adds up to a long list for the decorator to come back to.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 20 entries under decoration. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and 13 carry a reference to the standard or guidance they relate to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 20 entries

  1. Paint splashes on surface

    Minor

    Paint splashes/overspray present. Clean off and make good the finish.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  2. Patchy or uneven paint finish

    Minor

    Paint finish is patchy with visible variation in sheen/colour. Apply further coat to achieve an even finish.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  3. Paint runs / drips

    Minor

    Runs and drips visible in paintwork. Rub down and repaint.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  4. Missed areas of paint

    Minor

    Areas of surface left unpainted. Paint to match.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  5. Gap not filled at skirting

    Minor

    Gap between skirting board and wall not filled. Caulk and repaint.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  6. Gap not filled at architrave

    Minor

    Gap between architrave and wall not filled. Caulk and repaint.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  7. Wallpaper lifting / bubbling

    Minor

    Wallpaper lifting at seams or bubbling. Re-adhere or replace.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

  8. Visible brush / roller marks

    Minor

    Brush or roller marks visible in finish. Rub down and recoat.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

  9. Staining bleeding through paint

    Minor

    Staining showing through decoration. Seal with stain block and redecorate.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

  10. Paint on fittings / glass

    Minor

    Paint on sockets, ironmongery, hinges or glazing. Clean off.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

  11. Woodwork not painted / undercoat only

    Minor

    Joinery left in undercoat or unpainted. Apply finish coats.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

  12. Cutting-in uneven

    Minor

    Paint line at ceiling, wall or woodwork junction is wavy. Re-cut.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  13. Colour mismatch / touch-up visible

    Minor

    Touched-up areas or wrong colour visible. Repaint full wall.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  14. Filler visible / not sanded

    Minor

    Filler patches visible or not sanded before painting. Sand and repaint.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  15. Paint flaking / peeling

    Minor

    Paint flaking or peeling. Prepare and repaint.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  16. Ceiling paint patchy

    Minor

    Ceiling paint patchy or flashing under light. Apply further coat.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  17. Woodwork paint drips / poor finish

    Minor

    Gloss or satin on woodwork has runs, brush marks or bits. Rub down and recoat.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  18. Caulk cracked / missing

    Minor

    Decorator caulk at joints cracked or missing. Re-caulk and paint.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.5

  19. Wallpaper seams visible / mismatched

    Minor

    Wallpaper seams open or pattern does not match. Re-hang.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

  20. External paintwork / stain failing

    Minor

    External paint or wood stain flaking or worn. Prepare and redecorate.

    Trade
    Decorator
    Reference
    None listed

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

Previous: Communal areas (6). Next: Walls & ceilings (19).