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Defects in new build homes in Ireland are far more common than buyers expect. Some are normal and easily corrected; others are new build warning signs. This guide separates the two.

What's 'Normal' on a New Build

Cosmetic defects, paint imperfections, sealant cleanups, door alignment, minor render cracks. These are expected outputs of a fast-paced build. They're snaggable and the builder fixes them under the defects period, and they make up the bulk of the common snagging issues Ireland inspectors record every week.

Unfilled gap behind a guest-toilet WC exposing the plumbing — a typical snaggable cosmetic defect
Snaggable, not serious: guest toilet — gap behind the WC needs filling and repainting. Exactly the type of detail builders fix under the defects period.

What's a Warning Sign

Daylight visible through a structural gap between brickwork and a timber beam in an attic
Warning sign: daylight visible through a structural gap between brickwork and a timber beam — needs sealing before completion.
Active radiator leak with water pooling on the floor of a guest toilet
Warning sign: active radiator leak pooling on the floor — never sign off until this is resolved and documented.
Tape measure showing an oversized clearance gap under a bedroom door, exceeding fire-regulation tolerances
Warning sign: bedroom door under-clearance too large to seal against fire regulations. Builder must adjust.
Cold-water tank in attic with no insulation underneath, photographed during a snagging inspection
Warning sign: missing insulation under the cold-water tank — can cause frozen pipes and lasting heat loss.

Your Warranty Coverage

Most Irish new builds carry a 10-year HomeBond or Premier Guarantee structural warranty plus a defects period from the builder. Year one covers workmanship; years two to ten cover major structural elements only. The differences between the two schemes are set out in our guide to HomeBond vs Premier Guarantee.

What the Builder Must Fix

Defects identified before final completion are the builder's responsibility to remedy as part of the build contract. Defects identified within the defects period are the builder's responsibility under after-sales obligations. Major structural defects are covered under the 10-year warranty. The items worth pressing hardest on are set out in our builder defects list.

For the leverage that comes with documentation, see why every new build needs a professional snag list.

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