Snag lists or the “snagging” are normally carried out when purchasing a new build home. It is when the purchaser gets the chance to gain entry to their new home to check that all is in order before signing the contracts and handing over the cheque that represents the most expensive item one will ever purchase. Not all developers allow the purchaser gain entry to carry out the snag list, so check with the developer you are purchasing from, the selling agent may have this information. In this case you will have to employ an agent to carry out this check.
As a general rule snagging is normally carried out two to three weeks before the planned closing date of the sale. It is sometimes preferable to have an outside agent carry out the snag list, rather than attend yourself, as the agent is experienced in this type of task. The snaglist is then forwarded to the site foreman, who in turn passes on the remaining work that requires attention to the relevant trade. When these works are made good you will have the opportunity to check over the snag list to verify that all works on the original snag list have been attended to.