A snagging list can be highly comprehensive — but only if it’s carried out methodically and written up properly. At its best, a snagging list is a room-by-room and outside-in review that captures cosmetic defects, functional issues, incomplete items, and the small details that can lead to bigger problems (especially around water, sealing, and external weathering).
At its weakest, it’s just a quick walk-around noting paint scuffs and the odd door that sticks.
So the real answer is: a snagging list is as comprehensive as the inspection method, time on site, and reporting standard allow. Below is what you should expect from a thorough snagging list, what it usually won’t include, and how to judge whether you’re getting a truly comprehensive service.
1) What a comprehensive snagging list should cover
A robust snagging inspection typically looks at the property in a structured way:
A) Internal inspection: room-by-room, element-by-element
A comprehensive snagging list doesn’t just “spot issues”, it systematically checks each element:
Ceilings and walls
- paint and plaster quality (coverage, blemishes, cracking, uneven finishes)
- junctions and corners (poor caulking, rough edges)
- stains or marks indicating moisture or leaks
- finish around sockets, switches and services
Floors and skirtings
- scratches, lifting edges, gaps, uneven transitions
- thresholds and trims
- squeaks or excessive movement (noting symptoms)
- skirting fit and finishing
Doors and joinery
- alignment, latch function, hinges and handles
- gaps, rubbing, sticking
- frame finishing and damage
- ironmongery security and smooth operation
Windows
- opening/closing and locking
- sealing and draught indicators
- frame damage and glazing scratches
- vents and restrictors (where fitted)
Kitchens and bathrooms
- unit alignment and door/drawer operation
- worktop joins and sealing
- tile/grout and silicone quality
- sanitaryware stability and finishing
- basic checks for visible leaks under sinks/basins (where accessible)
Ventilation and basic service function
- extractor fan operation (basic function)
- visible issues with sockets/switch plates (loose/misaligned)
- heating “symptoms” (e.g., obvious imbalance, loose valves, leaks)
A comprehensive snagging list will also note any limitations—for example, if a cupboard is locked or access panels are sealed shut—so you know what couldn’t be checked.
B) External inspection: the “weathering and water” check
A lot of the most important snags are outside. A thorough snagging list should cover:
Walls and finishes
- brickwork/render defects, cracks, pointing issues
- staining and poor finishing around penetrations
- mastic/sealant lines around windows and doors
Rainwater goods
- gutters and downpipes for leaks, alignment, and discharge points
- signs of overflow staining
- fixings and general completeness
Ground levels and falls
- paving falls (water should generally fall away from the building)
- ponding risk near walls
- ground levels too high against the property (damp risk)
External fittings and site completion
- external taps, air bricks/vents visibility, covers/grilles
- fences, gates, paths, steps, retaining elements
- garage/outbuilding finishes (where included and accessible)
This “outside” component is where many buyer-created snag lists are least comprehensive—yet it’s where defects can become expensive.
2) How detailed is it in practice?
A well-executed snagging list is usually:
- hundreds of checks across finishes, function, and external details
- written as numbered items with clear location references
- backed up with photos, often several per room for clarity
- organised so a contractor can action it without guesswork
That doesn’t mean it’s pedantic or unreasonable—it means it’s usable.
3) What a snagging list usually doesn’t include (important limitations)
Even a comprehensive snagging list is still non-intrusive and is not the same as a full structural or diagnostic investigation. Typically it will not:
- lift fitted carpets or floorboards
- open up walls or ceilings
- dismantle fittings to “see behind”
- provide structural calculations
- carry out invasive damp testing
- perform full electrical testing (EICR) or gas testing
- run CCTV drainage surveys
Instead, it records observable symptoms and may recommend specialist checks where something suggests a deeper problem.
So it’s comprehensive within the scope of a safe, visual inspection—focused on defects and workmanship, not hidden structural diagnosis.
4) What makes one snagging list more comprehensive than another?
Here’s what separates a basic snagging service from a genuinely comprehensive one:
A) Time on site
Rushed snagging = missed items. A thorough inspection takes time, especially in larger homes.
B) A repeatable method
The inspector uses a consistent system (room-by-room, element-by-element) so nothing is overlooked.
C) External focus
Comprehensive snagging pays serious attention to:
- rainwater goods
- sealing around openings
- paving falls and ground levels
because these are common causes of later damp and staining.
D) Functional checks
A good snagging list tests operation:
- doors, windows, locks
- basic plumbing performance (where possible)
- extractor fans and ventilation basics
E) Clear reporting
If your contractor can’t understand it, it’s not comprehensive in the way that matters.
5) A quick checklist: how to tell if your snagging list is “good enough”
A comprehensive snagging list should answer:
- Where exactly is the defect? (room + precise location)
- What exactly is wrong? (clear description)
- What evidence supports it? (photo reference)
- Is it urgent or minor? (priority guidance)
- What couldn’t be checked? (limitations)
If your snagging list is missing those elements, it’s likely not as comprehensive as it could be.
The takeaway
A snagging list can be very comprehensive—covering internal finishes, functionality, incomplete items, and external details that protect the building from water and deterioration. The best snagging lists are systematic, evidence-led, and written in a way that gets defects fixed quickly with minimal dispute.
Want a truly comprehensive snagging list you can use to get results?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us whether it’s a new build, conversion, or post-construction project, and your stage (pre-handover or post-completion). We’ll explain what a comprehensive snagging inspection should include and how to use it to get defects resolved quickly and properly.