Extension harvesting: Understanding the process, optimal timing, and accountability
Building a home or an extension is an exciting journey, but it's essential to be aware of the steps involved in ensuring the project is completed to a high standard. One crucial aspect of this process is the identification and resolution of snags and defects.
What are Snags and Defects?
Snags are minor issues that may appear during or after the construction process. They can include unfinished work, cosmetic damage, or poorly fitted fixtures. On the other hand, defects are more serious faults that affect the functionality, safety, or compliance of the build. Examples of defects include leaks, cracks, or faulty installations that may breach building regulations.
The Snagging Process
The snagging process begins once the build is offered up as complete. At this point, the contract administrator, usually the architect, issues Practical Completion when the works are deemed complete. However, it's important to note that the contractor is responsible for snagging the project.
During the snagging stage, homeowners and their hired project managers should inspect the property thoroughly. Additional areas where you will need to check for snags include paintwork, windows and doors, driveways, central heating systems, face plates, switches, sockets, tiles, sanitary ware, kitchen units, and appliances.
Common snags include missing trims, unfinished painting, final sealant to sanitary installations, and mastic to the outside of windows. If an architect comes to do the completion inspection and finds a long list of snags, they should stop the project and get the builder to properly complete the works.
The Importance of Prompt Action
It's recommended to address snags promptly, ideally immediately after the practical completion of the construction but before handing over the keys to the resident. This gives the contractor enough time to rectify any issues before the final certificate can be issued, releasing the final retention money for payment.
Homeowners have up to two years from the completion date to report defects to the builder, who is legally obligated to fix them as part of the property’s warranty, especially if covered by warranties like NHBC Buildmark.
Tips for Effective Snagging
- Use brightly colored, low tack masking tape to mark snags for easy identification, as suggested by Charlie Avara, founder of Build by Charlie.
- Establish the level of quality expected early on in the project and don't sign off works as complete until that level of quality has been achieved, advises Paul Testa, director at HEM Architects.
- Noting things throughout the build can help identify issues early and determine at what stage the problem started and who the fault ultimately lies with.
- It's important to be able to identify the difference between what is a snag and what is simply work in progress. Snagging items are those things that should be finished before the works can be signed off as complete.
- David Nossiter, a chartered RIBA architect, states that it is the builder's responsibility to snag a project. However, homeowners should also take responsibility for identifying snags.
Managing Subcontractors
Employing a series of subcontractors such as electricians, plumbers, and decorators can lead to a blame culture if snags are not addressed promptly. To avoid this, it's crucial to maintain open communication with all parties involved and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.
Responsibility for Supplied Fixtures and Fittings
If you have supplied some of the fixtures and fittings, you will also need to take responsibility for any issues with them. For instance, if a tap supplied by the homeowner tends to drip despite being fitted correctly, it is not the plumber/contractor's responsibility to fix it.
Final Thoughts
In summary, it's essential to be aware of the difference between snags and defects and to understand the snagging process. Snags are minor issues that should be addressed promptly, while defects are more serious faults that may affect the functionality, safety, or compliance of the build. Builders must address reported defects during the warranty period, typically up to two years post-completion. Homeowners play a crucial role in the snagging process, as they are responsible for identifying snags and ensuring that the works meet the agreed-upon quality standards.
- Building a home or an extension may involve various minor issues known as snags, which can include unfinished work, cosmetic damage, or poorly fitted fixtures.
- In contrast, defects are more serious faults that affect the functionality, safety, or compliance of the build, such as leaks, cracks, or faulty installations that breach building regulations.
- The snagging process begins after the construction is deemed complete, and it is the contractor's responsibility to rectify identified snags.
- During the snagging stage, homeowners should inspect various aspects of the property, including paintwork, windows and doors, driveways, central heating systems, face plates, switches, sockets, tiles, sanitary ware, kitchen units, and appliances.
- Homeowners have up to two years from the completion date to report defects to the builder, who is legally obligated to fix them as part of the property’s warranty.
- To make snags easier to identify, it's helpful to use brightly colored, low tack masking tape.
- Maintaining open communication with all parties involved, including subcontractors, is essential to avoid a blame culture.
- Homeowners should take responsibility for identifying snags, but be aware that they may need to address any issues with supplied fixtures and fittings themselves.
- Builders must address reported defects during the warranty period, ensuring a high-quality standard for the home improvement project in the realm of home-and-garden and home-improvement lifestyle.
