What is a snag list?
A snag list (or punch list) records every defect or unfinished item found before handover: what it is, where, who will fix it and by when. For a contractor, a good snag list assigns each snag to a person with a photo and due date, and closes it only after verification, so nothing is left for the buyer or client to find.
Snag list format
| No. | Date | Location | Category | Description | Photo | Priority | Assigned to | Due date | Linked BOQ item | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 Oct | Flat 304, master bath | Plumbing | Slow drain, water ponding near trap | 📷 | High | Plumbing sub | 15 Oct | CP fittings | Pending |
| 2 | 12 Oct | Flat 304, living | Tiling | 3 hollow tiles near balcony door | 📷 | Medium | Tiling gang | 14 Oct | Vitrified flooring | Solved |
Close a snag only after someone other than the person who fixed it has checked it, with an "after" photo.
Snagging checklist before handover
Walls and ceilings
Cracks, dampness, seepage stains, uneven plaster and paint.
Floors and tiles
Hollow-sounding tiles, chips, uneven joints, grout gaps, slope to drains.
Doors and windows
Alignment, closing and locking, hardware, gaps, glass and sealant.
Plumbing
Every tap and flush, drainage speed, leaks under sinks, water pressure.
Electrical
Every switch and socket, earthing, DB labelling, fittings as per agreement.
Waterproofing
Bathrooms, balconies, terrace: run a ponding test where possible.
RERA Section 14(3): the builder's 30-day duty
Under Section 14(3) of RERA, if a buyer reports a structural defect, or any other defect in workmanship, quality or provision of services, within five years of handing over possession, the promoter must rectify it without charge within 30 days. If not, the buyer can claim compensation (TaxGuru). State authorities enforce this: for example, MahaRERA has directed a developer to fix structural defects within 30 days (Free Press Journal).
That makes the pre-handover snag list cheap insurance. Every snag closed before possession is one fewer complaint with a 30-day clock. Keep the closed list with photos as evidence of the flat's condition at handover.
Back-charging subcontractors for their snags
Link each snag to the BOQ item and the subcontractor whose work it is. If the subcontractor doesn't fix it in time and you get another gang to do it, the cost can be deducted from their bill as a quality or short-work deduction, with the snag record as evidence. See subcontractor billing.
स्नैग लिस्ट क्या है? (हिंदी में)
स्नैग लिस्ट हैंडओवर से पहले मिली हर कमी की सूची है: क्या खराबी है, कहाँ है, कौन ठीक करेगा और कब तक। हर स्नैग की फोटो लें, उसे किसी व्यक्ति को सौंपें, तारीख तय करें, और ठीक होने के बाद दूसरी फोटो से जाँच कर ही बंद करें। RERA की धारा 14(3) के तहत कब्ज़े के पाँच साल के भीतर बताई गई खराबी बिल्डर को 30 दिनों में मुफ्त ठीक करनी होती है।
Snag tracking in True Site Sync
Log the snag with a photo
Date, details, location, category, priority and a photo, from the phone on site.
Assign it with a due date
Assign to a team member and link it to the BOQ item or plan task it belongs to.
Watch Pending, Delayed and Solved
Snags past their due date show as Delayed automatically, so nothing slips before handover.
Back-charge if needed
Record a quality or short-work deduction against the subcontractor's payment.
Frequently asked questions
What should a snag list include?
For each snag: date, location, category, description, photo, priority, who it's assigned to, due date, the related BOQ item and status. Close it only after verification with an after photo.
What is the difference between a snag list and a punch list?
They mean the same thing. "Snag list" is more common in India and the UK; "punch list" in the US.
When should a contractor do snagging?
Before the client's or buyer's walkthrough, room by room, and again after fixes. Doing it floor by floor as finishes complete is cheaper than one big round at the end.
What is the defect liability period under RERA?
Under Section 14(3), defects reported within five years of handing over possession must be rectified by the promoter without charge within 30 days; otherwise the buyer can claim compensation.
Can I recover snag rectification costs from a subcontractor?
If the subcontract allows it and you have the snag record, assignment and photos, the cost can be deducted from the subcontractor's bill.
Is there a snag list format in Excel?
You can copy the format on this page into Excel. An app is better for photos, assignment and due dates, which spreadsheets handle poorly on site.
Snag list kya hota hai?
Handover se pehle mili har kami ki list: kya, kahan, kaun theek karega aur kab tak, photo ke saath.
Hand over with zero open snags
Log, assign, photograph and close snags from the site, and see what's delayed before the buyer does.
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