Snag list agreed in writing before the final payment
Why — act while you have leverage
The final payment is the last leverage you have. A snag list agreed after it is a list of favours; agreed before it, it is a condition.
What to look at
- A signed, dated list with both parties holding a copy
- Each item tied to a payment consequence
- A re-inspection date fixed in the same document
How to check it yourself
Walk every room with the contractor and write the list together, dated and signed by both. Agree which items are held against the final payment and which against the retention period. A verbal list is not a list.
Where this comes from: Standard contract practice; NBC 2016 Part 6 for completion requirements (established trade practice)
More handover checks before the final payment
- Snag list closed
- Warranty documents collected
- As-built drawings received
- Occupancy certificate obtained
- As-built drawings and warranties handed over