The short answer
Snagging is the systematic inspection of the finished works against the drawings and specification, recording every defect for the contractor to fix before handover. Check every room, every finish and every system, and make sure you receive the as-built drawings, manuals, warranties and the approval paperwork at handover.
What snagging is
Snagging is the inspection of completed works to find defects and incomplete items. Each one is recorded, described, located and photographed, then given to the contractor to close. The list is re-inspected until every item is resolved or agreed.
Snagging is done against the approved drawings and specification. "Looks fine" is not the test; "matches what was specified" is.
When it happens
Snagging works best in stages: rooms or zones as they finish, then a full inspection before handover. Catching a defect before furniture arrives is far easier than after. Quality should also be checked throughout the build, especially before finishes conceal what sits behind them. Snagging is the last check, not the only one.
What to check, room by room
- Finishes: flooring levels and joints, stone matching and veining, paint coverage, grout and silicone lines.
- Joinery: alignment, gaps, door and drawer operation, hardware, finish consistency.
- Doors and windows: operation, seals, locks and alignment.
- Wet areas: falls to drains, waterproofing, sealant, taps and showers running without leaks.
- Electrical: every switch, socket and light fitting working, labelled and in the drawn position.
- Air conditioning: each zone cooling, controls working, no noise or leaks.
- Outdoor areas: paving falls, drainage, pool and garden systems, external lighting.
- Protection: no damage to existing or finished surfaces.
Systems need testing, not just looking
Services are tested and commissioned by the contractor: air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, fire-safety and any home systems. Ask for the test and commissioning records, and see each system working before you accept it.
What you should receive at handover
- As-built drawings showing what was actually built.
- Operation and maintenance manuals for systems and equipment.
- Warranties and guarantees for equipment and materials.
- The approval and completion paperwork from the authority, where the works needed a permit.
- Keys, access cards and codes.
- Contact details for any warranty or maintenance follow-up.
After handover
Defects that appear after handover are raised with the contractor under the terms of the contract. What those terms are, and for how long they run, is set in the contract, so read it and keep a copy with your handover file. Your legal adviser can explain your position if a dispute arises.
Who should snag
The contractor should snag its own work first, but the owner needs an independent check. When the studio that designed the villa supervises the site, the people who know the design intent check the finished work against it. At Ganggaan, project management and site supervision run through to snagging and handover, and the Architect of Record supports the completion certificate. Ganggaan tenders and supervises the contractor; it does not build.