A complete guide to the snagging list process

At the end of a renovation project or house build, it’s quite normal to create a snagging list. But if you’re new to this, you may not know what this means exactly or how to go about creating one.

In this post, we’ll guide you through what a snagging list is, how to snag a project with ease, and some top tips to ensure every last detail is covered.

What is a snagging list?

A snagging list is a term used in the construction industry. It refers to the process of inspecting completed building work to identify any minor defects or omissions that need to be fixed before handover to the contractor, developer, or homeowner.

This can include things that are damaged or broken, items that are not properly fitted or installed, or unfinished work.

While it’s not a legal requirement, a construction snag list is a crucial part of a new build project. Problems that are overlooked at this stage can turn out to be expensive to correct further down the line.

If you’re buying a new build property, your house builder should check and fix any snags before you finish the process of buying your house. However, they probably won’t pick up on everything before you move in. In this case, you can usually put together your own snagging list – or hire a professional snagging inspector to undertake a snagging report for you – in order to report any defects to your house builder.

Common snagging list examples

A snag list can include all manner of defects and omissions ranging from small, cosmetic issues to significant structural problems and building regulations concerns.

Minor snags could include scratches to paintwork or a missing fixing. Meanwhile, major snags are more serious, such as damp, leaks, damaged items, or poorly fitted appliances.

Some of the most common snagging list examples include leaking pipes, poor quality paintwork and/or plastering, and unfinished electrical sockets or light switches.

What should be included on a snagging list?

The process of snagging includes both the interior and exterior of a property.

It includes checking everything from the roof, walls, driveway, and front gate, to the windows, kitchen units, bathroom fixings, paintwork, plumbing (and more!).

The key areas of the property to be checked as part of the snagging process are:

Roof

• Check for any loose, cracked, or missing tiles
• Check the flashings are secure

Drainage

• Check the gutters and downpipes are secure and leak-free
• Check the drains are free of debris

Exterior checks

• Check the exterior cosmetics, e.g. brickwork
• Check fences and gates
• Check the driveway and garage

Walls and ceilings

• Check walls are straight and the plaster smooth – from top to bottom
• Check for any unfinished areas
• Check the paintwork has been completed to a high standard – no patchy spots, incomplete areas, or drips

Windows

• Frames: Are they free of damage and are they properly sealed?
• Glass: Are there any scratches or paint on the glazing?
• Functionality: Do they open, close, and lock as expected?

Doors

• Functionality: Do all doors open and close correctly – take note of the handles and hinges
• Security: Do the locks work?
• Aesthetics: Is the spacing between the door and the doorframe even all the way around?

Floors

• Floors should be level and should not creak
• Check tiles to ensure they’re not broken or cracked
• Check carpet or wood flooring has been fixed securely
• Check all edges have been properly sealed and skirting attached

Heating and plumbing

• Turn on the heating system to check it all works properly, including any wet underfloor heating
• Check all zones have been correctly connected to the thermostats
• Check the hot taps deliver hot water
• Fill the sink, check the overflow works, and watch for any leaking pipes around the basin
• Check the toilets flush
• Check the loft and the insulation

Lighting and electrics

• Check all the light switches and electrical sockets work and are neatly fitted
• Check the fuse board is correctly fitted and labelled
• Check smoke alarms have been fitted and that they work

Kitchen and bathrooms

• Check all cupboards and drawers align and open and close as they should
• Check tiles have been neatly grouted and the areas around sinks, baths, and showers have been sealed
• Make sure the extractor fans work

Pipework

• Check soil pipes and vent pipes are fitted securely, properly connected, and free of leaks
• Check entry and exit points around pipework to ensure walls have been made good and any units have been neatly cut

Stairs

• Check the treads are level and that they don’t creak
• Check the handrail is secure

How to snag a new build house

In this section, we’ll cover some of the common questions around a snagging list and some snagging tips to help make the process as straightforward as possible.

Who prepares the snagging list?

It is possible to create a snagging list yourself, accompanied by your project manager, main contractor (or individual trades), and possibly even your architect.

Depending on the size and scope of the project, the process of snagging can take a full day, walking around the house and noting any defects.

Another option is to pay for a surveyor to conduct a new build snagging survey, typically costing between £300-600 depending on the size and value of the property. A surveyor’s experience and knowledge will ensure an efficient but thorough job, delivered in a concise report.

If you’re buying a new build property – rather than completing a self build – then your builder should have attempted to resolve snags already before you complete on your purchase. However, they’ll often miss some defects. You’ll usually be able to report defects to your home builders by creating your own snagging list once you’ve moved in, or you can get a snagging survey completed if you prefer.

How should a snagging list be created?

For a snagging list to be well-executed, it must offer complete clarity to all stakeholders.

For this reason, using a spreadsheet that can be updated by key stakeholders is helpful. This will include:

• An item number for each snag
• The location of the item
• The category that snag falls under, e.g. ‘electrics’
• The date the snag was noted
• The remedial work that’s needed (to fix the snag) and by what date (give a deadline)
• The person responsible for fixing the snag
• The status of the snag: either ‘outstanding’ or ‘complete’

Photographs can often prove helpful during the snagging process to help identify the location of the item, explain the problem, and detail the remedy.

Should snagging be done before or after completion?

In a new build home, it’s recommended to do a snagging survey before you exchange contracts and move in.

However, not all developers will allow snagging before completion. In this instance, prioritise your snagging list as soon as you move in as your warranty period will cover the correction of any defects.

Do builders have to fix snags?

In most cases, your builder or subcontractors are responsible for addressing any snags without delay.

It’s quite typical for the snagging list to be drafted by the main contractor, who will then examine the scope of the work to be done before issuing tasks and responsibilities to individual subcontractors.

It’s common practice in the construction trade to withhold 2.5-5% of the agreed contractor price to cover any snagging work. However, this must be written into your contract from the start.

How long does a builder have to fix snags?

The main contractor will specify a project completion date once the snagging list has been drawn up and tasks communicated to the subcontractors alongside agreed timescales.

The snag list should be completed before the final construction walkthrough.

In a new build home, the contractor has a responsibility to rectify any defects within the first 12 months of the building completion (not from the date when you moved in).

FAQs

What is the process of snagging?

The process of snagging involves a walkthrough of a property to identify any outstanding issues that need to be fixed before final handover. This can include all manner of tasks from patchy paintwork to leaky pipes, poorly fitted units to a broken lock.