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Defect library

Floors defects in new builds

Floor defects range from a creaking board to a level change at a doorway that someone could trip on. Walk every room slowly and listen, then check the edges where flooring meets thresholds, skirting and kitchen units.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 16 entries under floors, and 1 of them are marked as safety or critical items. 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 12 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 16 entries

  1. Level change at threshold (trip hazard)

    Safety

    Uneven level change between floor finishes creates a trip hazard. Fit suitable threshold.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    None listed

  2. Uneven floor

    Moderate

    Floor is noticeably uneven. Investigate and level.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  3. Damaged floor covering

    Moderate

    Floor covering is scratched, chipped or torn. Repair or replace.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  4. Floor bounce / deflection

    Moderate

    Floor deflects noticeably underfoot. Investigate joists/fixings and stiffen.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 6.4

  5. Screed cracked / hollow

    Moderate

    Screed cracked or sounds hollow. Investigate and repair.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  6. Squeaking floor

    Minor

    Floor squeaks when walked on. Re-fix boards/joists.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 6.4

  7. Threshold strip loose / missing

    Minor

    Threshold strip is loose or missing. Fit/secure threshold.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  8. Gaps in laminate / timber flooring

    Minor

    Gaps opening between boards. Re-lay or repair.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  9. Carpet seam visible / lifting

    Minor

    Carpet seam visible or edge lifting from gripper. Re-stretch or re-seam.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    None listed

  10. Vinyl lifting / bubbling

    Minor

    Vinyl/LVT lifting or bubbling. Re-bond or replace.

    Trade
    Flooring
    Reference
    None listed

  11. Floorboards loose / creaking

    Minor

    Floorboards move or creak underfoot. Re-fix with screws.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 6.4

  12. Floor not level at doorway

    Minor

    Floor level changes at doorway. Make good and fit threshold.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  13. Engineered / timber floor damaged

    Minor

    Timber floor scratched, dented or lifting. Repair or replace boards.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  14. Laminate expansion gap missing

    Minor

    No expansion gap at edges so laminate is lifting. Trim and refit.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  15. Carpet gripper exposed / carpet loose

    Minor

    Carpet loose or gripper exposed. Re-stretch and refit.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  16. Flooring not under appliances / units

    Minor

    Floor covering stops short or not continued under appliances. Make good.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    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

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