After two years of construction, most families want one thing: to move in. That urgency is exactly why the handover stage is rushed, and why defects that could have been fixed in a day become problems that last for years.
A snag list is a structured record of defects and incomplete work, prepared before handover and signed off item by item as they are fixed.
When to Start Snagging
Snagging should begin before the contractor declares the work complete. We usually start room by room once finishes are nearly done, so defects are fixed while the relevant trades are still on site. A final inspection then checks that every item has been closed.
What to Check, Room by Room
A good snag list covers every space in the same order. For each room, check:
- Walls and ceilings: Cracks, uneven plaster, patchy paint, damp marks.
- Floors: Hollow tiles (tap them), uneven levels, chipped edges, grout gaps.
- Doors and windows: Smooth operation, locks and handles, gaps, sealant, glass scratches.
- Electrical: Every switch and socket works, the distribution board is labelled, earthing is in place.
- Plumbing: No leaks under basins, good pressure, hot water arrives, drains run freely.
- Bathrooms: Floor slopes to the drain, no standing water, sealant around fixtures, exhaust fan works.
- Kitchen: Cabinet doors aligned, worktop joints sealed, exhaust ducted outside.
Test, Do Not Just Look
Many defects only appear under use. Run every tap for several minutes. Fill a shower tray and watch the drain. Switch on every light and appliance. Check the roof after rain, or test it with water if the season is dry. Waterproofing failures found after handover are among the most expensive defects in Pakistani homes.
Record Every Item Properly
Each snag should have a location, a description, a photo and a responsible trade. When it is fixed, it is checked and closed with another photo. This avoids the familiar argument about whether something was "already like that".
Ofivio's snag list guide covers how professional teams structure these lists, and the architecture project handover checklist lists the documents that should accompany handover.
Documents You Should Receive
Handover is not only keys. You should receive:
- As-built drawings: Especially for electrical and plumbing routes hidden in walls.
- Warranties and manuals: For pumps, water heaters, air conditioners and fittings.
- Supplier details: So you can buy matching tiles or fittings later.
- Final account: The agreed final cost, reconciled against the BOQ.
The Defects Liability Period
Most contracts include a defects liability period after handover, often six to twelve months, during which the contractor must fix defects that appear. Retention money held from interim payments is released only at the end of this period. Keep a list of issues as they appear and send it to the contractor formally.
Conclusion
Do not let the rush to move in cut handover short. Snag early, test everything, record every item and collect every document. If you are building or renovating, our residential and renovation teams run structured handovers on every project.
