What is a snag list?
A snag list (also called a punch list) is a list of defects, incomplete items and non-conformances found when a building or area is inspected near completion. "Snagging" is the common term in the UAE and wider Gulf, and "punch list" is the term you will see in North American documents. Each entry should identify what is wrong, where, who must fix it and when it was verified. The glossary has a short definition of a snag list.
A snag list is different from the site's day-to-day quality records. It is the final sweep that decides whether an area is ready to hand over.
What goes on a snag list?
Typical items include:
- Finishing defects: paint, tiling, joinery, ceiling and flooring faults.
- Incomplete work: missing fixtures, unfinished sealant, absent signage.
- Damage: scratches, cracked glass, dented panels.
- MEP issues: faulty sockets, unlabelled panels, fittings that do not operate.
- Differences from the approved drawings or specifications.
- Cleanliness and protection issues.
Write each item so that someone who has never visited the room can find it and understand it: location (building, floor, unit, room), a precise description, a photo, trade responsible and priority.
How do you run a snagging inspection?
- Agree the scope and rooms. Work area by area, not trade by trade, so each room is looked at once.
- Use a consistent checklist. The same prompts for each room prevent missed items.
- Capture on the spot. Record the item with a photo and location at the moment you see it. Notes written later are less accurate.
- Assign an owner. Every item goes to one responsible company with a due date.
- Review and de-duplicate. Merge duplicates and reject items that are not defects.
- Contractor corrects. The subcontractor fixes and marks the item as ready for re-inspection.
- Re-inspect. An inspector verifies the fix. Only then does the item close.
- Repeat in rounds. Typically more than one round is needed; each round should find fewer and less serious items.
What statuses and priorities should snag items have?
Keep the workflow simple so people use it. A workable set is Draft, Open, In Progress, Resolved and Closed, with Void for items raised in error. Priorities such as Low, Normal, High and Critical let you fix safety hazards and handover blockers first and leave cosmetic items for the final sweep.
Do not allow a contractor to close their own item. The person who raised the snag, or an independent inspector, should verify and close it.
What belongs on a handover checklist?
A handover checklist is broader than the snag list. It confirms that the building can be used and maintained. Typical categories, subject to your contract and the authority requirements:
- Completion status: snag list closed or accepted with an agreed remaining list.
- Testing and commissioning: records and certificates for building systems.
- Authority approvals: the completion and occupancy-related approvals your project requires.
- Documents: as-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, test reports and material approvals.
- Keys, access and spares: keys, access cards, attic stock and spare parts handed over against a signed list.
- Training: operator training for systems that need it.
- Defects liability: the start date of the defects liability period and the contact route for reporting defects.
See our construction closeout checklist for the UAE for the wider closeout picture. Confirm authority-specific requirements with your consultant.
How do you prevent snags in the first place?
Most snags are the late visible result of earlier gaps. Inspect work at each stage rather than at the end, resolve non-conformances while the trade is still on site, and keep photographic evidence. The article on construction inspection software, snags and rework covers how earlier inspection reduces what reaches the final list.
How does Arkan handle snag lists?
Arkan is construction management software. Its Punch List module lets you create punch lists, add items with priority, location, photos and attachments, assign and reassign owners, and move each item through a status workflow with a timeline of changes. Items can be viewed in a list or on a Kanban board, and reports can be filtered and exported. Note that a closed item cannot be reopened in the product, so verify before you close. Learn more about the Punch List module or book a demo.