A snagging list covers defects, unfinished items, and workmanship issues in a property—most commonly a new-build, but also after refurbishments, extensions, or conversions. The aim is to document everything that needs putting right, clearly and methodically, so the builder or contractor can fix it.
A good snagging list is typically organised room-by-room (and outside, elevation-by-elevation), and it usually covers five main areas:
1) Internal finishes and workmanship
This is the “what you see and touch” category, and it’s where most snags are found:
- paintwork defects (runs, patchiness, poor cutting-in, missed areas)
- plaster issues (cracks, hollow areas, uneven surfaces, poor sanding)
- gaps and poor finishing around skirting, architraves, coving and trims
- flooring defects (scratches, lifting edges, squeaks, uneven thresholds)
- tiling defects (lipping/uneven tiles, cracked tiles, poor grout lines, missing trims)
- sealant problems (thin/messy silicone, gaps to baths/showers/sinks, incomplete sealing)
- kitchen and joinery finishing (misaligned doors, chipped units, poor edge trims)
Why it matters: small finishing defects can become bigger maintenance issues—especially around wet areas.
2) Doors, windows and joinery operation
A snagging inspection should check not just condition, but how things operate:
- internal doors sticking, rubbing, not latching, loose hinges/handles
- external doors not sealing properly, draughts, poor threshold finishing
- window opening/closing issues, stiff hinges, misalignment
- locking mechanisms and restrictors (where present)
- damaged glazing, scratches, failed seals (where visible)
- missing or poorly fitted trickle vents / seals (where applicable)
Why it matters: operation issues often indicate movement, poor installation, or inadequate sealing.
3) Kitchens, bathrooms and wet areas
Wet areas are the highest risk for future damage, so snagging here needs to be detailed:
- leaks at taps, wastes and traps (visible signs and functional checks)
- poor shower tray/bath sealing, incomplete silicone, loose screens
- cracked grout/tiles around wet zones
- extraction fans not working correctly or not venting effectively
- poor falls to showers/wet room floors (where observable)
- damaged sanitaryware, chips to basins/baths, loose fittings
- water staining in cupboards or behind panels (where accessible)
Why it matters: water-related defects can cause hidden rot, mould, and expensive remedial work.
4) Services “snags” you can check without specialist testing
A snagging list won’t replace an electrician or heating engineer, but it should still record obvious issues and basic functionality:
- lights not working / flickering (where accessible to test)
- loose sockets/switch plates, poor alignment, missing faceplates
- extractor fans not running or very noisy
- radiators not warming evenly, loose brackets, leaking valves
- thermostats/controls not responding as expected (basic checks)
- external taps leaking, stopcock access issues
- poor drainage flow at sinks/baths (slow draining)
Why it matters: these are common handover issues and often easiest to fix early.
5) External workmanship, weathering and site completion
External defects are often overlooked, but they can be the most important—because they affect water ingress and long-term durability:
- brickwork/render defects (cracks, poor pointing, stains, patch repairs)
- seals around openings (gaps around windows/doors, missing mastic)
- gutters/downpipes: leaks, poor joints, incorrect falls, bad discharge points
- external paintwork and timber finishing
- paving and drainage falls (ponding risk, water running toward the building)
- garden levels too high against walls (damp risk)
- fences, gates, boundary finishes and retaining walls
- garage/outbuilding defects (roof, doors, finishes)
Why it matters: rainwater and ground levels are major drivers of damp and deterioration.
6) Safety and compliance-style observations (where visible)
A good snagging inspector will also record visible issues that may affect safety or performance, such as:
- missing smoke/heat alarms (or incorrect locations)
- loose balustrades/handrails, trip hazards on stairs/thresholds
- incomplete fire-stopping around service penetrations (where visible)
- inadequate ventilation provision (where obvious)
This isn’t a full compliance audit, but these “visible red flags” are important to pick up early.
How a snagging list is usually presented
A professional snagging list normally includes:
- location (room / area / elevation)
- defect description (clear and specific)
- photo reference (highly recommended)
- priority notes (urgent vs minor, where appropriate)
Want a professional snagging list done properly?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 and tell us whether it’s a new-build, renovation, or extension. We’ll explain what we check, the best time to inspect, and how to use the snagging list to get defects corrected quickly.