Snagging in construction is a process carried out before practical completion of a project, i.e. when it is considered complete and ready for inspection.
A snag, in the simplest terms, is a small defect that remains on the property after the contractor has completed a construction project.
It is a slang expression that is defined during the inspection process to list out the minor defects or omissions in building work for the contractor to rectify. This list is called a snagging list.
The importance and the process of preparation of snagging list in construction projects is discussed in this article.
Snags in Construction
Different problems might come up during the completion of a building project. These problems cannot be specifically listed out as they vary with the nature of the construction projects.
In general, the possible categories of snags expected in a construction project can be of five types:
- Flaws that emerge with the passage of time like plaster cracks, paint blisters, etc.
- Poor craftsmanship issues
- Issues due to improper design and material installation
- Work aspects that were skipped or forgotten.
- Latent effects caused due to the issues as mentioned above.
Snagging Lists in Construction
- Snagging list is mostly prepared by the appropriate certifying authority architect or contract administrator during inspection for practical completion of a building project.
- All the snags mentioned in the snagging lists should be rectified before issuing a certificate of practical completion.
- All the items that make into the snagging lists must be documented diligently and related information must be communicated to the concerned people. The communication must be recorded in writing , along with the photograph of the issues as an evidence.
- The general format of a snagging list is:
• Snagging item number
• Location of snag
• The type of issue
• Details
• The date of the problem
• Person responsible for fixing the item
• Status of the snag
A contractor should prepare their own snagging list along with project progress in order to log and rectify every issue without keeping it for last minute rectification. The status of the snag must be updated either as outstanding or as completed.
Snagging in Construction Projects
- In the case of small building projects, snagging inspection is performed only after having a clean building i.e. prepared for full operation.
- In case of large projects, the snagging inspection process is carried out in sections, where inspection of areas is progressively completed and closed off. The checked and closed-off areas are locked to prevent deterioration and undergo final inspection before handover to the client. Hence, this process starts months before the overall completion of the project.
- The judgement of snagging inspection is assisted by using contract drawings, specifications, standards, and building regulations.
- Snagging can also be done when a client is planning to buy a completed project. In such cases, the homeowner pays for snagging survey that is conducted by a snagging inspector. The inspector checks every aspect of the finished building (interior and exterior of the building).
- A buyer is always advised to conduct a snagging survey before exchanging the contract.
- The prepared snagging survey report is given back to the contractor or housebuilder for rectification. If the homeowner does not respond to this in a satisfactory way, then the client may complain to the National House Building Council (NHBC).
FAQs
Snagging in construction is a process carried out before practical completion of a project, i.e. when it is considered complete and ready for inspection.
During snagging inspection process to minor defects or omissions in building work are listed out for the contractor to rectify. This list is called a snagging list.
Snagging list is mostly prepared by the appropriate certifying authority architect or contract administrator during inspection for practical completion of a building project.
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