Who should produce it
The contractor, first. A studio that walks its own project with a clipboard before inviting the client is doing what it is paid for; one that waits for the client to find the defects has outsourced its quality control. On our projects the internal snagging happens a week before handover, the client walk happens after those items are closed, and the client's list is usually short as a result — which is the point.
What belongs on it, and what does not
| On the snag list | Not a snag |
|---|---|
| Shutter misaligned or not closing flush | A finish you have changed your mind about |
| Paint holiday, roller marks, uneven edge | Natural variation in a veneer or stone |
| Scratch, dent or chip in a finished surface | Wear from your own move-in |
| Socket, switch or light not working | An extra socket you now want |
| Drawer or runner not operating smoothly | A layout change |
| Silicone line untidy, grout missed | A different grout colour |
How to run the walk
- Walk in daylight, with the artificial lighting also on — different defects show under each.
- Go room by room, clockwise, and photograph every item with the location in the frame.
- Number each entry and record the trade responsible and an agreed date.
- Test everything that operates: every drawer, every shutter, every socket, every tap, every light circuit.
- Re-walk after the work and sign each item closed. A list that is never formally closed is a list that reopens.
Snag list and retention
A retention of 5–10% of the contract value, released after the snag list is closed, is the mechanism that makes snagging happen promptly. Without it, the final items drift for months. Agree the retention in the quotation, agree what “closed” means, and release it properly when the work is done. See handover, our snagging and handover guide and the downloadable snag template.
Frequently asked questions
Who prepares the snag list?+
The contractor should produce and close an internal list before the client ever sees the space. The client then produces a second list at the handover walk. If the contractor's list does not exist, that tells you something about the project.
How long should snags take to close?+
Seven to fourteen days for a residential flat, longer only where a replacement item has a lead time. Anything beyond thirty days without a stated reason usually means the crew has moved to the next project.
Can I withhold payment over snags?+
You can withhold the agreed retention, which is why it exists. Withholding a larger sum than the contract provides for is a dispute rather than a remedy. Set a 5–10% retention at quotation stage and the question never arises.
Is a snag list the same as a defects liability period?+
No. Snags are visible at handover. A defects liability or warranty period covers faults that appear later — a hinge failing in month eight, a joint opening in the monsoon. Both should be in the contract, separately.