How to Brief a Handyman on a Snagging List
How to turn a new-build or renovation snagging list into clear instructions for a handyman, separating what they can fix from what the builder must handle.
A snagging list is the inventory of small defects you find after a new build, a refurbishment or a tenant move-out: chipped paint, doors that rub, loose sealant, a socket plate that is not flush. It is exactly the kind of mixed bag a handyman is good at, but only if you brief them properly and sort out who is responsible for each item first.
Step 1: Decide who is responsible
Before you hand anything to a handyman, check whether the builder, developer or contractor should fix it. New-build homes usually come with a defects period, and warranty terms vary, so check your paperwork. If you pay a handyman to fix something that the builder was obliged to correct, you may complicate a claim or lose the right to ask for it to be fixed free.
Split the list into three columns:
- Builder or contractor's responsibility (keep with them and report in writing).
- Handyman jobs that you will handle or that are not covered.
- Specialist jobs for registered trades, such as anything gas or notifiable electrical work.
Read jobs a handyman should not do before you finalise the third column.
Step 2: Document each snag
For every item, record:
- Location, such as "bedroom 1, window wall, 30 cm above skirting"
- Description, such as "3 cm chip in paint, bare plaster showing"
- A photo with a ruler or coin for scale
- A category: cosmetic, functional or safety
Number them. This is the difference between a list that can be worked through and a vague complaint.
Step 3: Prioritise
Safety and function come first, then water and weather-tightness, then cosmetic. A loose handrail or a bathroom seal is more urgent than a scuff. The ordering helps if the budget or time is limited. It also fits well with the structure in how to write a job list for a handyman.
Step 4: Group by skill
Group the snags that need similar tools and materials:
- Sealing: baths, showers, worktops, window frames
- Joinery: doors, hinges, skirting, architrave, cupboards
- Plaster and paint: cracks, nail pops, chips, touch-ups
- Fittings: handles, towel rails, shelves, curtain poles
- Tiles and grout: gaps, cracks, loose tiles
Then decide whether one generalist can cover them. If the list includes serious tiling or a lot of carpentry, a specialist for part of it may produce a better finish.
Step 5: Match the finish to expectations
Cosmetic work is where expectations and reality often clash. Matching existing paint is tricky because it ages and fades. Ask the handyman how they will blend the repair, and whether it is better to repaint a whole wall rather than touching up a spot. Agree what "good enough" means and who supplies the paint, using who pays for materials as a guide.
Step 6: Choose the pricing method
Snagging is a classic case for an hourly or day rate, because the real time per item varies. Some handymen will price per snag. Compare options in hourly rate vs fixed price, and keep a cap and checkpoint.
Step 7: Walk the list together
At the start of the visit, walk through each room and point at each item. Agree what will be fixed, what will not, and anything that needs a return visit (for example, sealant curing or paint drying). At the end, walk again with the list and tick off each item, with photos.
Common snagging traps
- Treating cracks as cosmetic when they may be structural or caused by movement. A hairline crack along a plasterboard joint is common in new builds; a wide, growing crack needs professional assessment.
- Fixing damp or leaks with sealant rather than finding the cause.
- Painting over defects before the builder has inspected them.
- Not keeping the original paint code or leftover tins.
Using the platform
On Compito, you can paste the numbered snagging list into your request, attach your location through your postcode and ask providers for an offer. Messaging lets you clarify what is included before you accept and pay online, and a review after a completed booking helps the next customer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a handyman to fix new-build snags during the builder's defects period?
You can, but check your paperwork first. If the builder is responsible, using someone else could affect your claim. When in doubt, report the item in writing and ask.
How long does a snagging visit take?
It depends on the list. A typical flat with 20 small items might take a day. Larger houses may take longer, especially if paint needs time to dry.
Should I do a snagging inspection myself?
Yes, a first pass is useful. Check doors, windows, taps, sealant, paint and fittings room by room, and photograph issues before anyone starts work.