Snagging is the systematic inspection of a nearly finished building to identify and clear the remaining defects and outstanding items. It belongs to the phase just before and around handover: the building is essentially complete, but there are still damages, minor faults and details that are not right. These are recorded, allocated to the trades responsible and put right.
What it involves
- Recording — the site manager or clerk of works walks the building room by room and logs each item with location, description and photograph
- Allocating — every item goes to the trade that caused it or must repair it: plasterer, decorator, electrician
- Rectifying — items are cleared, usually against a deadline ahead of the handover date
- Signing off — each item is signed off after rectification; only then is the list closed
Typical snags are scratches on frames and glass, damaged plasterboard corners, missing sealant beads, doors that bind, sockets fitted out of level and paint damage caused by other trades.
Why it pays
The quality of the last five per cent decides how a client judges the whole job. A well-built house with thirty open snags reads as careless; the same work with a clear list reads as craftsmanship. Handover also matters contractually: it usually starts the defects liability period and triggers final payment. Patent defects accepted without reservation at handover are far harder to pursue afterwards, which is exactly why a thorough inspection beforehand is worth the time.
Points to watch
- Protect earlier. Every snag prevented by sheeting, corner protectors and floor protection is one you never have to fix. Snagging is the most expensive way to finish a building
- Use one list. Separate lists held by different parties produce items nobody owns; use a single shared defects list or app
- Sequence. Bring the decorator in last; repair work after painting costs twice
- Distinguish snags from variations. An item that was never ordered is a change, not a defect; record that in writing
- Put a date on every item. Without a deadline a snag list stays open for months
Related terms
- Handover
- Defects liability period
- Clerk of works
- Variation
- Quality control
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