Builders know it well: when concluding a building contract, the signing of the handover report on time largely depends on the number of snags (defects or issues) raised during the inspection of completed works.
Snagging resolution is therefore a crucial stage prior to handover, as it allows defects, poor workmanship, or anomalies in the building to be identified and corrected. Ideally, these remedial works should be carried out as quickly as possible. Any delay costs money and may also damage the reputation of the property developer.
Let’s explore how to streamline snagging resolution, particularly through the digitalisation of construction management.
Snagging Resolution at Handover
At handover, the project manager (contract administrator) checks that the works comply with the specification. They inspect for defects, omissions, and necessary remedial works before presenting the project to the developer. With the specification in hand, the project manager ensures quality so as to avoid later discovery of hidden or visible defects that would otherwise require a formal snagging resolution report.
Furthermore, statutory warranties (such as the defects liability period or two-year guarantee) begin on signing the handover report.
To minimise the number of snags noted at handover, a preliminary phase called Pre-Handover Operations is carried out.
Good to know:
Latent defects insurance is a compulsory policy the client must take out before work begins.
The contractor, in turn, is legally obliged to carry 10-year liability insurance.
Managing Snagging Resolution: Coordination Is Key
To enable the developer to deliver the building on time, without outstanding snags and without resorting to statutory guarantees under a sale in future state of completion (off-plan sale), these operations must be handled with good organisation and proper coordination between all site stakeholders.
Clear communication is critical for passing the right information to the right trade at the right time. If snagging resolution is poorly managed or drags on, it is usually due to a lack of communication.
As project manager, it is essential to set up a centralised communication system, avoiding scattered notes or annotations on drawings, and ensuring information is accessible to all contractors. When a defect is identified, the issue should be reported immediately to the relevant company so they can act quickly. Responsiveness is especially important when defects affect the quality of the finished building.
Ultimately, snagging should be managed throughout the project, not only during handover or final delivery to the purchaser.
Good to know:
Traceability is too often overlooked when recording defects and raising snags prior to handover. By consolidating data into a single tool, tracking becomes automatic, ensuring greater control over the entire project.
Site Supervision for Snag Management: The Ideal Solution!
While the project manager coordinates the works by trade, they are also responsible for recording all snags on site. It falls to them to check for poor workmanship or defects during the handover phase.
We know how tedious this crucial stage can be before project delivery. That’s why Site Supervision has re-examined the ergonomics and organisation of snagging resolution management, to simplify access to technology and ensure its effectiveness for the construction sector. Inspired by Lean Construction, we developed software with multiple modules tailored to the needs of different construction professionals.
Within this system, Site Supervision has created a dedicated snag management module, enabling contractors to generate snagging resolution reports in just a few clicks and distribute them automatically. Simply mark a snag on the plan, then generate a snag report (plan, photos, description) for each trade or contractor. Notifications are then sent by email or via the app (if the contractor has a subcontractor licence).
Key Takeaways
During its construction, a building may face various setbacks (defects, wear, damage, etc.), which means overall site monitoring is required, from the project start until the off-plan sale handover date and key delivery by the developer.
Simplifying snagging resolution (or ideally avoiding the need for snags altogether) is precisely the goal of our fully digitalised site management tool.
To experience the benefits of our snag management module, request your demo today!
FAQ: Snagging Resolution
What are snags on a construction site?
They are defects identified before final handover. The client inspects the works to check completion and note any poor workmanship or faults. If any are found, a snagging resolution report must be drawn up so the relevant contractors can correct them before final delivery.
What is the deadline for resolving snags after handover?
In the UK, the usual timeframe for addressing snags after handover is within the first two years, a period referred to as the defects liability period. Minor cosmetic issues should ideally be reported within the first seven days, but any defects reported during the two-year period must be corrected by the builder at no cost to the homeowner.
