Key Takeaways
- A snagging list records small defects and unfinished items to be fixed before final sign-off.
- Inspect in good daylight, room by room, methodically.
- Hold back a final payment until snags are resolved.
- Common snags include paint finish, uneven tiling, gaps in sealant and doors that stick.
- A reputable builder expects and welcomes a snagging process.
The difference between a good renovation and a great one is in the details, and snagging is how you make sure those details are right. Here is how to inspect the work properly and get every issue fixed before you pay the final bill.
What is snagging?
Snagging is the process of identifying and recording minor defects and unfinished items at the end of a project, then having the builder put them right before final sign-off. It is a normal, expected part of any renovation, and a reputable contractor welcomes it.
How to inspect, room by room
Go through the home methodically in good daylight:
- Walls and ceilings: check for marks, cracks, patchy paint and uneven plaster.
- Floors: look for scratches, lifting, gaps and uneven joints.
- Doors and windows: open and close everything, check alignment and that nothing sticks.
- Tiling and sealant: check grout lines, edges and silicone for gaps or unevenness.
- Fittings and services: test sockets, switches, taps, showers and drainage.
Record each issue with its exact location and a photo, so nothing is missed or disputed.
Hold back a final payment
It is standard to retain a final payment, often around 5%, until the snagging list is fully resolved. Agree this in the contract upfront. It protects you and gives a clear incentive to finish to standard. A follow-up check a few weeks later is wise, as some issues only appear with use.
GS Renovation completes every project with a thorough snagging process so the finish is right before we hand back. For a renovation done properly to the last detail, contact us or call 07472 424 226.