Quality & Inspections · Mandatory · Completion

Snagging List and Defects Register

A register of defects and incomplete works identified during pre-completion inspections.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. Contract / JCT remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

Legal basis	Contract / JCT / NEC
Legal/contractual basis	JCT practical completion when works complete in all material respects; NEC completion date. Schedule of defects/snagging list issued at PC.
Defects vs Snagging	Snagging is minor outstanding works at PC; Defects during DLP arise after PC (6-12 months).
Retention link	Half released at PC; balance at end of DLP once defects remedied.
Priority levels	Safety critical (immediate); High (5 days); Medium (14 days); Low (before DLP end).

1. The Snagging List — Completing the Handover Package

The snagging list is a systematic walk-through identifying outstanding items, minor defects, and incomplete works ahead of practical completion. It is the final quality check before the project is formally handed over to the client and is fundamental to a professional, well-managed handover process.

A robust snagging and defects register tracks every item from identification through assignment, remediation, and formal sign-off. It distinguishes between snagging items at practical completion and defects notified during the defects liability period, and ensures each item has a named responsible party, a priority level, and a target remedy date. Without this register, items are lost, retention release is delayed, and client confidence is eroded.

Priority classification is critical. Safety-critical items must be remedied immediately before occupation. High-priority items affecting functionality should be resolved within five working days. Medium-priority items within fourteen days. Low-priority cosmetic items must be completed before the end of the defects liability period. Every item must carry a priority level from the moment it is recorded.

Room-by-room structured checklist

Conduct snagging room-by-room with a structured checklist — never do the snag walk in a rush at the last minute. A thorough pre-handover snag by the contractor significantly reduces the architect's snagging list and demonstrates quality management commitment.

2. Snagging / Defects Register — Content

The register must capture the full lifecycle of each snagging or defect item, from initial identification through remediation and client acceptance. Each row represents a single item and the columns track its progress from discovery to formal close-out.

Column	Description
Item no.	Unique sequential identifier for each snagging or defect item
Date identified	Date the item was first recorded during the snag walk or DLP inspection
Location	Specific location within the building — room, floor, elevation, grid reference
Description	Clear description of the defect or outstanding work including relevant specification reference
Responsible trade	The specific subcontractor or trade responsible for remedying the item
Priority	Safety critical (immediate), High (5 days), Medium (14 days), Low (before DLP end)
Target remedy date	Agreed date by which the item must be completed, based on priority level
Actual remedy date	Date the remedial work was actually completed on site
Remedy description	Description of the work carried out to remedy the item
Client sign-off	Formal confirmation by client or CA that the item has been satisfactorily remedied
Status	Current status — Open, In progress, Completed, Awaiting sign-off, Closed
Photo ref	Reference to photographic evidence of the defect and the completed remedy
NCR reference	Cross-reference to any non-conformance report raised for the same issue

3. Common Mistakes

Not conducting a pre-handover snag

The contractor should carry out a full internal snag before the architect or contract administrator conducts their formal snagging inspection. A pre-handover snag catches the majority of items and demonstrates quality management commitment. Presenting an unfinished building for the formal snag reflects poorly on the project team.

Items not assigned to specific subcontractors

Every snagging item must be assigned to a named subcontractor or trade who is responsible for carrying out the remedy. Items recorded without a responsible party are not actioned, accumulate, and delay practical completion or retention release.

Safety-critical defects not treated as immediate

Defects that present a safety risk — missing edge protection, exposed wiring, failed fire stopping — must be treated as immediate priority items and remedied before the building is occupied. Classifying safety-critical items alongside cosmetic defects is dangerous and potentially a regulatory breach.

DLP defects not added to the register

Defects notified during the defects liability period must be formally recorded in the register with the same rigour as snagging items at practical completion. A separate or informal process for DLP defects creates gaps in the audit trail and risks items being missed before the retention balance is released.

Closing items without client sign-off

Snagging items must not be marked as closed until the client or their representative has formally confirmed that the remedy is satisfactory. Self-certifying completion without client inspection and sign-off may result in disputed items at DLP end and delayed retention release.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DLP?▾

The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is the period after practical completion — typically 6-12 months — during which the contractor is responsible for making good any defects that appear. The DLP gives the client a contractual mechanism to have defects remedied before the retention balance is released.

Can a client withhold practical completion because of snagging?▾

Minor snagging items should not prevent practical completion — JCT defines PC as works complete in all material respects. However, significant outstanding works or items affecting safety, functionality, or regulatory compliance may be grounds for withholding practical completion until they are resolved.

Who conducts snagging?▾

Formally, the snagging inspection is carried out by the architect or contract administrator on behalf of the client. Best practice is for the contractor to carry out a thorough pre-snag inspection first, identifying and remedying as many items as possible before the formal inspection takes place.

Is digital snagging acceptable?▾

Yes — digital snagging tools such as PlanGrid, Fieldwire, Snagr, and similar platforms are widely used and accepted. They offer advantages including photo tagging, location pinning, automated notifications to subcontractors, and real-time status tracking. The key requirement is that the digital record is auditable and exportable.

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