Snag List Template (Guide & Free Download)

As construction projects reach the home stretch, main contractors (MCs) should begin the tedious but necessary process of ensuring that all the nuts and bolts of the build are ready for handover.

A construction snag list, also known as a punch list in the US, is a document that details all the tasks from a project that need to be addressed before handing it over to the owner. Keeping these items organised and visible across teams working to wrap the project up can expedite the MC’s process in ticking them off the to-do list. Typically, snag lists only include small fixes, because the majority of large issues have already been addressed previously through a variation order.

As each item on the list is resolved, the responsible party should document the date and time of the fix, sign off on it and get approval from the MC to mark the task as completed.

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Construction Snag List Template

Download a free snag list template to stay organised and track responsibilities of finishing touches during closeout.

• Fully customisable template
• Ready-to-use
• Designed specifically for construction

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The Importance of a Snag List Template

A snag list template standardises the snagging process so that all parties can easily locate and get details for snag list items on the project. Templates ensure a clear structure in how information is captured, such as detailing where an imperfection, like broken ceiling tiles, were found. This helps everyone involved with snagging and resolving these items keep track of what’s needed to correct an issue, who is responsible for handling the job, and when the item is resolved.

Some MCs will do a pre-snagging before the actual snag list walkthrough with the architect to take care of as many of these items as possible beforehand. This is in an effort to remove items that could potentially end up on the architect's list.

Although snag list tasks generally don’t prevent the main contractor from receiving the certificate of occupancy, there may be certain snag list items that must be rectified due to terms detailed in the scope of work or specification section of the contract documents. In these cases, snag lists templates are a uniform method of quality control that clearly communicate open tasks to the main contractor, subcontractors and the owner that need to be addressed before the MC requests final payment.

Information to Capture on a Snag List

An effective snag list template is more an itemised list of work to be performed. At a minimum, the snag list should clearly describe the work to be performed, the party responsible, and deadlines for performance. Main Contractors will typically also collect other information to make it easy to prioritise snagging, assign it to the correct cost category, and determine impacts to the budget or programme.

These are some of the fields that are commonly included in a snag list template.

• Project information: Including the project name, address, or other specific project indicators
• Item number: To keep information for each task organised and easy to track
• Description of work: A clear description of the work that needs to be performed and an image to accompany the description
• Location: Where on the site the item is located
• Responsible party: List who is responsible for managing and resolving the issue
• Due date: When the task needs to be completed
• Status: Current progress of the task (e.g., not started, in progress, completed)
• Comments: Provide any clarification or additional details
• Sign-off: Space for the responsible party to acknowledge completion and for the inspector or site lead to confirm that the work has been satisfactorily completed

Using the Snag List Template

Collaborating on a snag list creates opportunities for real-time visibility about the status of items on the list and who is involved in the process of resolving each item. This keeps everyone updated and capable of making sure issues are addressed on time.

• Inspection: The owner or owner’s representative (often an architect or designer) performs a snag list walkthrough to inspect the site as the project nears completion.
• Itemisation: The inspector takes notes of all the issues, damage, mistakes, and other items that are nonconforming, defective, or require testing.
• Description: The rep enters the issues into the snag list template by number, with a brief description and the location of the snag.
• Assignment: The superintendent or project manager assigns the work to the respective specialist contractors responsible for each listed item.
• Completion: Subcontractors address their assigned work items and notify the MC or project manager when they are complete.

The Snag List: A Key Final Checkpoint

Snag lists are one of the final checkpoints that signal the completion of a construction project. Using a snag list template enables efficient tracking of any leftover items that specialist contractors may need to touch up and give a final sign-off before the main contractor and owner approve. Snag list software simplifies the collaboration process by allowing parties to enter and view stored information from anywhere, at any time in one single place.

Clear communication is also made easier with software that allows for notes, photos and location identifiers for snag list items that are visible to all responsible parties. Using snag list templates to get tasks completed provides an additional opportunity for contractors to improve the quality of their work before ticking it off the list.

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