What is a snag list and how do I use it?

A snag is any defect: a missed paint stroke, a wobbly handle, a tile that's not quite flush, a door that scrapes. Individually trivial, collectively the difference between a "finished" build and an actually finished one.

Why a snag list matters

In UK construction, the final payment to a contractor is normally held back until snags are resolved (often 5% of the total, sometimes called retention). The snag list is the document you both work from. Without one, "I'll fix that next week" turns into "I'll fix it when I get a chance" and stays unresolved forever.

How to use the snag list in Havnwright

1. Open your project.
2. Click Snags.
3. Walk through every room with the contractor or alone, photo in hand. Every defect you spot:
   • Add a new snag
   • Take a photo (or pick from the gallery)
   • Add the location ("Master bath, ceiling above window")
   • Mark severity (Cosmetic / Functional / Critical)
4. Share the list with the contractor (email/PDF export).
5. As they fix items, mark them as Resolved.
6. Once everything is resolved, the snag list is your sign-off document for final payment.

When to walk the snag list

• First pass: 2-3 days before practical completion (final clean). You catch obvious defects.
• Second pass: 2-4 weeks after handover. You catch the things that show up in daily use (a door that started sticking, a hairline crack as plaster dries).
• Final pass: at the end of the 12-month defect period (most building contracts include one).

Critical vs cosmetic

A cosmetic snag (paint touch-up) can be fixed any time. A critical snag (water leak, electrical fault, structural concern) must be fixed immediately and is not optional for releasing final payment.