What Is It?
A snagging list is a document used at the end of a building project to record every minor defect or incomplete item that needs to be put right before the job is considered finished. Each entry typically notes the location, a description of the defect, the trade responsible, a priority rating, the date it was raised, and the date it was resolved. It is produced during a snagging inspection, usually a walk-through by the builder, client, or an independent inspector, and is signed off once every item has been completed.
About This Template
A snagging list is one of the most important documents in the final stage of any building project. It is the structured record of every defect, unfinished item, and quality issue identified before a job is handed over to the client. Without a clear snagging list, handovers become disorganised, disputes drag on, and final payments stall. A good snagging list protects the builder as much as the client: it proves which items were genuinely outstanding, shows the work was completed methodically, and gives a clear, agreed point at which the project is signed off as finished. Builders who walk the job with a proper snagging list close projects faster and get paid sooner.
When to Use
- At practical completion of a building project, before the client takes occupation or makes the final payment
- During a pre-handover walk-through with the client to agree outstanding items together
- On new build and renovation projects to track finishing defects across multiple trades
- When an independent snagging inspector has been engaged and their findings need recording in one place
- Throughout the final fortnight of a job to capture issues as subcontractors complete their work
- At the end of a defects liability or rectification period to confirm everything has been put right
What to Include
- Project name, site address, client details, and the date of the snagging inspection
- A unique item or reference number for each defect so it can be tracked and discussed clearly
- Location of the defect (room, floor, elevation, or external area)
- A clear, specific description of the defect or incomplete item
- The trade or subcontractor responsible for putting the item right
- A priority or severity rating (for example: critical, high, medium, low, or cosmetic)
- The date the snag was raised and the name of the person who raised it
- The target date for completion of the remedial work
- The date the item was resolved and the name of the person who verified it
- A photograph reference for each significant defect to support the record
- An overall status summary showing how many items are open and how many are closed
- Sign-off section for the builder and the client confirming all snags are complete
Tips
Walk the job with the client rather than handing them a finished list - agreeing snags together prevents new items appearing weeks later and keeps the relationship positive
Be specific in every description - 'paint chip on architrave, left of bedroom 2 door, approximately 20mm' is far more useful at remedial stage than 'paintwork damaged'
Photograph every significant snag at the time it is raised and again once resolved - paired before-and-after photos settle most disputes instantly
Assign each snag to a named trade and a target date - an unassigned list with no deadlines simply does not get cleared
Distinguish genuine defects from change requests - if the client asks for something that was never in the contract, record it as a variation, not a snag, so it can be priced and charged correctly
