Snagging Checklist: 40 Things to Inspect Before You Accept Your New Building

Snagging is the final inspection of a new building to list every defect, unfinished item and mistake before you accept it from the contractor. Do it room by room with this checklist, take photos, write everything on a single snag list, and agree a date for the contractor to fix each item. Do not take full handover or release the final payment until the important snags are cleared, and make sure you receive the documents: as-built drawings, test certificates, warranties and the occupancy certificate. Snags found later fall under the defects liability period in your contract, usually 6 to 12 months.

What do I need for a snagging inspection?

• A copy of the drawings and the specification or BOQ.
• A notepad or phone for the list, and a camera.
• A torch, a spirit level, a tape measure and a small ball or marble (to check floor falls).
• A phone charger or a plug-in tester for sockets.
• Time: allow half a day for a house, more for larger buildings.
• Ideally, your engineer or an independent inspector, especially if you are building from abroad.

What should I check on the outside?

1. Walls are plumb and plaster is even, with no wide cracks.
2. Paint is complete, without patches, drips or missed areas.
3. Roof sheets or tiles are straight, fixed and undamaged; no light shows through in the roof space.
4. Gutters fall towards downpipes and do not hold water.
5. Downpipes discharge into drains, not against walls.
6. Ground around the house slopes away from the walls.
7. Drains and inspection chambers are clear, with covers fitted.
8. Septic tank and soak pit are complete, covered and match the drawings.
9. Boundary wall, gate and paving are complete and level.
10. External lights and the gate motor (if any) work.

What should I check inside each room?

11. Walls are flat and smooth under a torch held at an angle.
12. No cracks wider than a hairline in plaster or ceilings.
13. Ceilings are level, with no sagging boards or open joints.
14. Floor tiles are level, with no hollow sound when tapped, no cracked tiles and even grout lines.
15. Skirtings are fixed and painted.
16. Doors open and close easily, latch properly and do not rub the floor.
17. Locks work, and you have every key.
18. Windows open, close and lock, with no gaps around frames.
19. Glazing is clean, unscratched and the right type (frosted where specified).
20. Burglar bars and mosquito nets are fitted where specified.

What should I check in kitchens and bathrooms?

21. Every tap runs hot and cold as labelled, with good pressure.
22. No drips at taps, joints or under basins.
23. Toilets flush properly and refill without running continuously.
24. Showers drain quickly, and the floor falls towards the drain (roll a marble).
25. Silicone sealant is neat and complete around basins, baths and worktops.
26. Tiles around wet areas are fully grouted and sealed.
27. Kitchen cabinets are level, doors and drawers align and close properly.
28. Extractor fans and vents work.
29. No smells from drains (traps are fitted and full).

What should I check on the electrical system?

30. Every light switch works the right light.
31. Every socket works (test with a phone charger or a plug-in tester).
32. The distribution board is labelled, circuit by circuit.
33. RCD (earth leakage) protection trips when you press the test button.
34. Outdoor sockets and lights are weatherproof.
35. The electrical installation test certificate is provided. See TANESCO connection for a new house.

What should I check on water and services?

36. Storage tanks are clean, covered and the right size.
37. Pumps start and stop correctly, with dry-run protection.
38. Water meter and borehole equipment (if any) work and are accessible.
39. Solar water heater, if fitted, delivers hot water.
40. Lightning protection and earthing have test results. See lightning protection and earthing.

What documents should I receive at handover?

How should the snag list be managed?

1. Walk through with the contractor present and agree each item.
2. Number every snag, note its location and attach a photo.
3. Agree who fixes what and by when.
4. Re-inspect and sign off each item when fixed.
5. Keep the retention money (often 5 to 10 per cent) until the defects liability period ends and all defects are fixed.

These terms should already be in your contract. See our construction contract checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What is snagging in construction?

The final inspection of a finished building to find and list defects and incomplete work, so the contractor can fix them before handover.

What is the defects liability period?

A period after completion, usually 6 to 12 months, during which the contractor must fix defects that appear, at their own cost.

Should I move in before snags are fixed?

You can if the building is safe and the main services work, but keep a written list of outstanding snags and hold back the retention until they are cleared.

Can I snag my house from abroad?

Yes, with an engineer or trusted representative on site doing a video walkthrough and sending photos. See building a house from abroad.

Want a handover with no surprises?

Vika Construction carries out joint snagging inspections and provides full handover documents on every project. See our project management services or contact us.