Snag lists

Builderfromhell

I have been asked to produce a snag list for a house virtually complete. No problem there.
There was no professional supervising the building but fortunately a lot of photos were taken at all stages of construction.
I went around the house with the client and she seems to be finding the most trivial things to complain about. I however have found more important issues.
I have spoken in a frank and open manner with the builder who it transpires has had 3 other snag lists issued by others already. Two by the client and one by an Engineer. I can only presume that the client was not happy with the Engineer's snag list. I myself can see that it only broached superficial matters.
The builder maintains the client is looking for reasons to hold back money.

If I'm doing a snag list I adopt an objective approach and let others decide why one has been asked for. However, in this case I am not sure if the client can continually issue snag lists. Especially from 3 different people. My experience from working in the UK was that you can only issue the builder one snag list. If you omit something in error then it's too late to add it later.

Moderators, I am seeking opinions based on experience and maybe links to advice. If the question is bordering on legal issues, please delete.

pseudo-tech

There is a gulf in quality and experience out there, which is reflected in service provided. In general i will snag everything because i feel it is the only opportunity to make right any defects. I will also issue a draft copy to the client prior to issuing it formally for their approval. There may be items that you may not have spotted!!

This way there will onlt be one snag list issued.

sinnerboy

BFH - if you wish to proceed - put the blinkers on .
Advise your fee to visit and issue your list . Advise fee for return visits .

If the client accepts - forget all she says and all what the builder says - simply do YOUR list .

Builderfromhell

sinnerboy wrote: »

BFH - if you wish to proceed - put the blinkers on .
Advise your fee to visit and issue your list . Advise fee for return visits .

If the client accepts - forget all she says and all what the builder says - simply do YOUR list .

I agree with you there Sinnerboy.

However, the main question I have is can you (or any professional) keep issuing snag lists after the builder has already rectified the defects listed on the initial snag list (or most of them).
As I said, in the UK you can only issue one snag list.

muffler

Builderfromhell wrote: »

I agree with you there Sinnerboy.

However, the main question I have is can you (or any professional) keep issuing snag lists after the builder has already rectified the defects listed on the initial snag list (or most of them).
As I said, in the UK you can only issue one snag list.

Details of snagging should be contained in the contract between the contractor and the client.

sinnerboy

Of course - which why I say to BFH - "if you wish to proceed"

He does the list or he does not . He is "outside" the contract and does not have to concern himself with that .

Only thing he needs to ask - if the client is some chancer - will HE get paid ?

focus_mad

Do your snag list as though there has been none done before as they were not done by yourself,
Outline your fees and have your clients signature agreeing this, then if she tries to do ya you have back up.

Mellor

sadly, I've been involved in major snag lists,
repeat lists with huge number of items.
while I agree with one and only one snag list generally, this job was in bits,
first list - major snags
seconds list - minor snags plus uncomplete items for first list
third list - incomplete items

My advice, do one major list and move on because its not worth it in the long run