Snagging: up to 28 days
When the build is finished, the customer walks through the space and lists any snags. You have up to 28 days from receiving the list to fix them. Once the list is cleared, the customer signs off, the final milestone is released and the 12-month workmanship warranty starts.
When the build is finished, the customer walks through the renovated space and lists anything that isn't quite right. You fix those items, the customer signs off, the final milestone is released and the 12-month workmanship warranty starts. Snagging takes up to 28 days. It's a maximum, not a target: the sooner the list is cleared, the sooner you're paid.
What counts as a snag
A snag is a small finishing item: something that's not quite right but doesn't stop the space from functioning. Common examples: a door that rubs, missing grout in a corner, paint touch-ups, a fitting in the wrong position, a loose handle.
Substantive defects, such as cracking plaster, leaking pipework or electrical issues, aren't snags. They're workmanship issues and may need re-attendance under the warranty rather than the snag list.
How snagging runs
- The customer builds the list. When you tell the customer the work is complete, they walk through the space and record any snags on the platform. Encourage them to do this promptly and in one go, so you can plan a single return visit.
- You fix the snags within 28 days. Under the HIC you must remedy the items on the list within 28 days of receiving it. Most builders do it in one return visit: one mobilisation, one tidy, one set of touch-up materials.
- The customer signs off. Once the list is cleared, the customer approves the final milestone on the platform. Anything spotted after that is handled under the 12-month workmanship warranty.
Where a snag can't wait, such as a leak, a safety issue or anything that affects whether the customer can use the home, handle it straight away.
What happens at Sign Off
Once the snag list is cleared, the customer signs off and the final milestone is released. On the standard milestone structure that's 30% of the construction fee; on a custom structure it's whatever you agreed, and at least 10%. We send the payment to your Stripe account the same day. The 12-month workmanship warranty starts at Sign Off.
Disagreements
If you and the customer disagree on whether a snag is met to spec, the snag-dispute written process applies. The article Snag dispute: the written process covers it.
What this means for you
Plan the return visit as soon as the list lands. Materials prep up front (touch-up paint, grout, spare hardware, fixings) saves a second trip. Don't let snags drag: the longer they hang around, the more friction they create with the customer, and the longer you wait for your final payment.