Common Construction Defects: Building Your Snag List Before Handover
A "snag list" — a documented record of defects and incomplete items found during a pre-handover inspection — is standard practice in many markets but often skipped or done casually in individual house construction. A systematic walkthrough before you formally accept handover gives you real leverage to get issues fixed while the contractor is still engaged, rather than after.
What to systematically check
- ✦Walls and ceilings — cracks, uneven plastering, paint finish quality and consistency
- ✦Flooring — tile alignment, hollow-sounding tiles (tap-test for poor bonding), grouting quality
- ✦Doors and windows — smooth operation, proper sealing, correct hardware fitting
- ✦Electrical — every switch and socket tested, correct fixture placement matching your approved plan
- ✦Plumbing — water pressure and drainage tested at every fixture, checking for leaks under sinks and around fittings
- ✦Waterproofing — visible signs of dampness, especially near bathrooms, terrace access points, and external walls
How to document what you find
Go room by room with a written checklist and take dated photos of every issue found — a documented, itemized snag list is far more effective for getting resolution than a verbal list of complaints, and gives both you and your contractor a clear, shared reference for what needs fixing.
Setting a reasonable timeline for fixes
Agree on a specific timeline for the contractor to address each item, and ideally hold back a reasonable portion of the final payment until the snag list items are actually resolved, not just verbally acknowledged. This is exactly the kind of retention clause our construction contract guide recommends including from the start, not negotiating for the first time at handover.
Bringing in a professional for the final inspection
For anything beyond a very straightforward build, having a structural engineer or independent inspector do the final walkthrough alongside you catches issues an untrained eye might miss, particularly around structural, electrical, and waterproofing concerns that aren't always visually obvious.
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Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I withhold final payment until snag list items are fixed?+
Holding back a reasonable, previously agreed portion of the final payment until snag items are resolved is a common and reasonable practice — this should ideally be a clause agreed in your original contract, not something negotiated for the first time at handover.
How long should a contractor typically take to fix snag list items?+
This depends on the number and complexity of items found, but agreeing on a specific, reasonable timeline at the time the snag list is presented — rather than leaving it open-ended — gives both sides clarity and a way to hold the process accountable.
Is it normal to find some defects even with a good contractor?+
Yes, a degree of minor finishing issues is common even in well-managed projects — the point of a systematic snag list isn't to expect zero defects, but to make sure whatever does need fixing is caught and addressed before you accept handover.
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