Dashpivot article page – Snag list vs punch list
Snag list vs punch list
What's a snag list?
The main purpose of a snag list is to ensure the project build meets the contract expectations.
A snag, or snagging list, is typically created as part of a snagging survey. A common use case for a snag list is for a new build.
Like defect lists but more detailed snag list management can be very time consuming to records, communicate and manage closeout especially with paper records and photo attachments to organise.
A snag list details what work or defects need to be fixed before a project can be considered completed. It's usually needed near the end of a project once the main part of the work needed to be done has finished.
The snag list is usually recorded by a surveyor, or the project owner when they've surveyed the project and found any incomplete or defective work.
What is the difference between a snag list and a punch list?
For all intents and purposes, snag lists and punch lists are the same thing. They are both for detailing items that need to be fixed or resolved before a completion certificate can be awarded.
Punch list is a more common term used by construction companies in the United States, and snag list is the more commonly used term in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, although both terms are still used in all regions.
What makes up a snag list?
A good snag list is made up of a few key features:
- Item description: what is the issue or defect is. Make it easy for someone reading the document to understand what the item is without being in front of it. This can be coupled with photos to give clear context what the issue is.
- Location: make it easy to find the item that needs to be addressed on site. Geotagging photos is a good way to navigate multiple snag list items.
- Priority: prioritisation simplifies categorisation of snag list items, whether they're urgent or severe and need attention ASAP.
- Defect description: describe what is defect or how it differs from what was expected. Make it clear what needs to be rectified for the work to be deemed satisfactory.
- Photos: supporting proof is vital to show what you're referring to and to create a full, bulletproof audit trail.
- Deadline: create a time frame for when you need the defects to be rectified by.
- Responsibility: who is responsible for the defect and it's management - it can be a document-wide responsibility or per defect/issue.
Below is an example of a snag list to see one in action.
Use and customise the free snag list template
What happens after you've completed your snag list?
Snag lists are designed to identify what work still needs to be done for a project to be completed.
Once the construction team rectifies all the items in the snag list, you can attach the snag list to a completion certificate for a complete quality audit trail.
How to manage your snag lists more effectively
The best way to run your snag list management is to use a digital snag list template to empower your team to quickly and easily fill out detailed snag lists even while on site.
You can customise your snag list to your team or project needs and distribute it to your team to complete it on mobile or tablet, so they can take photos and attach them directly to the snag list with timestamps, geotagging and photo markup.
How other companies are taking snag list management to the next level
You can move beyond just using a template and using a fully integrated snag list app to manage your templates and snag list management.
Automated workflows make it easy to get signoff approval on submitted snag lists with notifications that a snag list has been completed and is ready for review.
Register and timeline views ensure you keep track of snag lists and avoid double handling of your punch lists.
Share completed snag lists to clients, subcontractors or other third parties and get detailed analytics on your snag list management to find actionable insights to improve performance.
Snag List template
Don't let snags get in the way of project completion.
New Build Snag List template
Use this new build snag list to ensure all of your new builds are in tip-top shape, and properly documented and captured to resolve later disputes.
Electrical Snag List template
Ensure your electrical works are carried out up to requirements.
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