Moment 6 of 7
Finishing
Finishing well, for both sides.
The end of a project concentrates pressure. The customer has lived with disruption and sees every imperfection. The contractor wants to close the job, release resources and receive the final payment. Small items can become symbols of the whole relationship.
If the project has no clear completion and snagging process:
- preferences are described as defects;
- incomplete work is mixed with new requests;
- the contractor cannot tell what remains;
- the customer feels pressured to approve completion too early;
- the whole final payment becomes leverage;
- completed corrections are not recorded;
- certificates and manuals are forgotten.
Guides for this moment
- For homeownersGuideWhat is snagging, and what is not a snag?The end of a building project concentrates months of pressure into one inspection.Read the guide
- For buildersGuideHow to prepare for a clean project handoverHandover should not be the first time you inspect your own finished work.Read the guide
- Both sidesScenarioA £30,000 final stage and £800 of snagsChris submits a £30,000 completion milestone for a large refurbishment. The customer, Helen, identifies three items: an unpainted reveal, a stiff internal door and a missing kitchen shelf.Read the scenario
What the words mean
- Snagging
- Snagging is the structured identification and resolution of defined minor outstanding, incomplete or defective items around completion. It should not be used to introduce new work, subjective preferences or unrelated leverage over payment.
What each side does
For homeowners
Having the work done
- Review against the accepted scope and criteria.
- Identify specific items and locations.
- Separate defects, incomplete work and new preferences.
- Raise matters promptly.
- Provide reasonable access where appropriate.
- Close items once the agreed correction is complete.
- Review the final account and handover documents.
For builders
Doing the work
- Self-snag before customer review.
- Respond to each defined item.
- Challenge miscategorised new work calmly and with the scope.
- Propose correction dates.
- Record evidence of completion.
- provide required certificates and documents;
- reconcile variations, credits and final sums;
- close the record professionally.
Assurr’s part in this
What Assurr doesn’t do
- define completion independently of the contract;
- decide whether an item is defective;
- determine technical tolerances;
- inspect corrections;
- guarantee that a party will return or pay;
- decide what amount may lawfully be withheld;
- replace professional certification or legal advice.