Professional Snagging Checklist
130+ items across 13 trade sections. Work through it room by room at handover, tick off what passes, and use the summary to give your builder a clear punch list of what needs fixing before final payment.
0 / 0 checked
0%
Outstanding items — punch list
1. Plastering & Walls
Walls are flat and plumb — no bulges, hollows or waves visible in raking lightRun a straight edge across the surface; use a torch held at a low angle
No cracks in plasterwork — hairline, map cracking or settlement cracks
No visible joints between plasterboard sheets (taping and jointing complete)
Skim coat is consistent thickness — no thin patches, misses or overworked areas
Corners (internal and external) are straight and crisp — no chipped or bowed beads
No nail pops or screw heads visible through plasterboard or skim
Plaster is fully dry before decoration (no damp patches, dark areas or soft spots)
Services (pipes, cables) properly chased in and made good — no raised ridges
Around window and door openings — plaster returned cleanly, no gaps to frame
Stud walls feel solid — no flex or movement when pushed
2. Ceilings
Ceiling is level — no sag or noticeable dip across the span
No visible plasterboard joints or nail/screw pops
No cracks — particularly at wall/ceiling junction and around ceiling roses
Ceiling-to-wall junction is crisp — no ragged edge or gap
Coving (if present) is mitre-cut cleanly at corners, no gaps or filler blobs
Light fittings and downlighter bezels flush and square to ceiling surface
Loft hatch (if present) is flush, insulated and has a working catch
Extractor fan grilles flush and secured — no overspill plaster around housing
3. Painting & Decorating
Full, even coverage — no thin patches, missed areas or holidays (unpainted spots)
No drips, runs or sags in paint finish
Cut lines straight and clean — ceiling/wall, wall/woodwork, wall/tile junctions
No brush marks visible in flat emulsion in oblique light
Woodwork (skirting, architrave, doors) — smooth finish, no brush marks or nibs
Woodwork painted on all faces including top edges of doors
No paint splashes on floor, sockets, switches, glass or tiles
Minimum two finish coats applied (check specification agreed)
All surfaces prepared — filled holes, cracks and imperfections prior to painting
Radiator paint not discoloured and fully covers brackets and pipe stubs
4. Joinery & Carpentry
All internal doors open and close without binding, catching or rattling
Doors latch cleanly — striker plate aligned, no need to lift or push hard
Door stops fitted and positioned correctly so door doesn't slam into wall
Door frames are plumb and square — consistent gap all round door leaf
Skirting boards are continuous, mitred at corners, no gaps to wall or floor
Architrave is flush to wall, mitred cleanly at corners, no splits or gaps
Window boards (sills) level, tightly fitted, no gaps to wall or window frame
Staircase — all balusters secure, no movement or rattle
Stair nosings secure and not a trip hazard
Handrail continuous, firmly fixed, comfortable height
All ironmongery (handles, hinges, locks) correctly fitted, no stripped screws
Built-in joinery (wardrobes, shelving, storage) level, doors aligned, soft-close working
5. Electrics
All sockets and switches level, plumb and flush to wallUse a spirit level — a wonky socket is one of the most common snags
Socket and switch faceplates undamaged, no cracks or chips
All sockets tested and working (use a socket tester)
All lighting circuits tested — every fitting illuminates
Dimmer switches (if present) operate smoothly through full range
Two-way switching working correctly (where applicable)
Consumer unit labelled — every circuit identified clearly
Electrical Installation Certificate (Part P) provided by the electrician
Smoke detectors and CO alarms installed, tested and working
Extractor fans wired correctly — on when light is on (or separate switch as specified)
External lights and any outdoor sockets working and weatherproof
EV charger (if installed) commissioned and test charge completed
6. Plumbing & Heating
All taps operate correctly — hot and cold, adequate pressure, no drips
No leaks under sinks, basins, baths or from shower trays
All waste outlets drain freely — no slow drainage or gurglingFill the basin/bath fully then drain to check flow rate
WC cistern fills correctly and stops — no continuous running
WC flush is effective — single flush clears pan
Shower — thermostatic control working, hot/cold balanced, no scalding risk
Boiler commissioned — service manual and commissioning certificate provided
All radiators heat up — system balanced, no cold spots at top of rad
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) operating correctly
Underfloor heating (if present) commissioned, all zones tested
Visible pipe runs are neatly clipped, lagged where required, no rattles
No condensation or damp around pipework or under fittings
Gas Safe certificate provided (if any gas work was carried out)
7. Tiling
Tiles are level and flush — no lips between adjacent tiles (lipping)
Grout lines consistent width throughout, no variation in spacing
Grout is fully filled — no voids, pinholes or incomplete joints
Grout colour consistent — no staining or contamination
Cut tiles neat and symmetrical — no slivers less than half a tile at edges
Silicone sealant at movement joints (wall-to-floor, bath/tray junction) — smooth and continuous
No hollow-sounding tiles when tapped (indicates poor adhesion)
No cracked or chipped tiles
Pattern (if applicable) — correctly aligned, layout centred as agreed
Trims and edge profiles fitted flush and continuous
8. Flooring
Floor is level with no high spots, dips or springy areas
No squeaks, creaks or hollow sounds underfoot
Boards or tiles run in the agreed direction, pattern correct
Expansion gap maintained at perimeter (hidden by skirting)
Threshold strips fitted at all doorways and changes of floor covering
No damage — no scratches, dents, staining or chipped edges
Cuts at perimeter neat — no rough or splintered edges visible
Carpet (if present) — taut, no ripples or bubbles, gripper rods hidden
9. Windows & External Doors
All windows open, close and lock smoothly
Window restrictors fitted (required in upper floors where children may be present)
Glazing — no scratches, chips, cracks or broken seals (misting between panes)
Window frames flush to wall, silicone bead complete inside and outside
External door(s) open and close smoothly — weather seals intact all round
Locks and multi-point locking mechanisms engage correctly
All keys provided and tested
Bi-fold or sliding doors (if present) — all panels align, no binding, threshold flush
Rooflights (if present) — open/close mechanism works, no leaks around frame
External rendering/cladding around new openings made good and weathertight
10. Kitchen
All base and wall units level and plumb
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts aligned — consistent gaps throughout
Soft-close hinges and drawer runners functioning on all cabinets
Worktop joints tight and sealed — no gap at wall junctions
Upstand or splashback fixed and silicone-sealed top and bottom
Sink secure, waste and overflow connected, no leaks
Appliances installed, levelled and commissioned — all tested
Extraction hood — working on all speeds, recirculation filter or ducting connected
Plinths fitted and level — no visible gaps
All cabinet handles straight and at consistent height
No visible damage to doors, drawer fronts or worktop surfaces
11. Bathrooms & WCs
Sanitaryware (basin, WC, bath) secure — no movement or rocking
Shower tray level and sealed — no ponding water, silicone complete
Shower enclosure panels flush and plumb, doors open and seal correctly
Bath panel fitted flush, no gaps at floor or wall junction
Basin and bath silicone bead smooth, no gaps or mould staining
Towel rails and accessories level, securely fixed to wall
Shaver socket or heated mirror working correctly
Extractor fan on timer or humidity sensor — adequate ventilation
Mirror cabinet (if fitted) opens and closes smoothly, fixings not visible
No chips, scratches or damage to sanitaryware or brassware
12. External Works
Brickwork / blockwork pointing complete and consistent — no gaps or crumbling mortar
Render (if applicable) — even thickness, no cracks, drip bead at bottom
Roof covering — tiles/slates correctly fixed, no missing or cracked units visible from ground
Flat roof (if applicable) — membrane intact, upstands formed, no ponding after rain
Gutters and downpipes — secure, aligned to falls, joints sealed, tested in rain
Drainage channels and inspection covers at correct level — not proud of finished surface
Paving / patio — laid to falls away from house, no rocking slabs or open joints
DPC level maintained — no render or soil bridging the damp proof course
Site cleared — all rubble, materials and waste removed
Garden / landscaping reinstated as agreed — turf, fencing, gates working
13. Handover Documents & Certificates
Building Regulations Completion Certificate received from the local authority
Electrical Installation Certificate (Part P) provided
Gas Safe certificate provided for all gas work
Boiler / heating system commissioning and service record provided
Structural engineer's sign-off / inspections complete
Party wall surveyor's Schedule of Condition closed out (if applicable)
All manufacturer warranties and installation guarantees provided in writing
Operating and maintenance manuals for all installed equipment
Spare tiles, flooring, paint (with batch numbers) retained and handed over
All keys, fobs and access codes for new locks and gates provided
Final account reconciled and agreed in writing before final payment released
Need a builder you can trust to hand over right first time?
We carry out a thorough pre-handover inspection on every project before the client's snagging walk-through — because a clean handover is part of the job.
Get a Free Quote →More free London building tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is snagging?
Snagging is the process of identifying defects, incomplete items and poor-quality finishes before formally accepting a completed building project. You compile a snagging list and give it to the contractor, who is then responsible for rectifying every item before you release the final payment. It is a normal and expected part of any building project — a good contractor will welcome a thorough snagging inspection.
When should I carry out a snagging inspection?
Carry out snagging before you make the final payment and before you sign off the project as complete. Allow a full day and do it in good natural daylight — artificial lighting alone can hide surface defects in plasterwork and paintwork. Bring a torch, a spirit level and a socket tester. Walk every room methodically and take photographs of every item you identify.
Should I withhold payment until snagging is complete?
Yes — this is standard practice in construction. The final payment (typically 2.5–5% of the contract value) is the main commercial lever you have to ensure defects are corrected. Once you have paid in full and signed off, your position is considerably weaker. Agree at the outset in your contract that the final payment is released only after satisfactory completion of the snagging list.
Can I use a professional snagging surveyor?
Yes — a professional snagging surveyor (typically a chartered building surveyor) will produce a detailed written report with photographs. This is particularly worthwhile on large renovation projects, new builds and high-value works. The report gives you an independent, authoritative document that is difficult for a contractor to dismiss. Costs typically range from £300–£800 depending on property size.
What happens if my contractor refuses to fix snagging items?
First, ensure all items are documented in writing — this checklist, photographs and a dated email to the contractor creates a clear paper trail. If the contractor refuses, you can obtain quotes from other contractors to carry out the remedial work and deduct the cost from any outstanding payment. For serious disputes, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators both offer dispute resolution services. For regulated trades (gas, electrics), you can report sub-standard work to the relevant regulatory body.
By My Local London Builder Team · Last updated May 2026 · This checklist is a guide only — for complex or high-value projects consider engaging a professional snagging surveyor.