The day building work finishes is not really the end of a renovation, it is the start of making sure everything settles in properly. A good builder treats handover as a process, not a single event where keys are handed back and the relationship ends.
What a Proper Snagging Process Looks Like
Before we consider a project complete, we walk the finished space with the client and note anything that needs adjusting, however minor. This typically includes:
- Small decoration touch-ups where a wall or ceiling needs a final coat
- Doors and windows adjusted so they close smoothly, particularly after a house settles slightly following structural work
- Sealant and grout checks in wet areas
- Testing every socket, switch and fitting with the client present, rather than assuming everything works
A snagging list is not an admission that the work was done badly. It is a normal, expected part of finishing a project properly, and any builder who resists doing one is worth being cautious of.
Settling Period
New building work, particularly extensions and structural alterations, can take several months to fully settle. Minor hairline cracks in plaster, especially at junctions between old and new construction, are common and usually cosmetic rather than structural. We explain to clients what to expect during this period so a normal settling crack does not cause unnecessary worry, and what would actually be a cause for concern if it appeared instead.
Certificates and Paperwork You Should Receive
- Building control completion certificate, confirming the work meets building regulations
- Structural engineer sign-off, where structural work was involved
- Electrical installation certificate, for any new or altered electrical work
- Gas safety certificate, where gas appliances were installed or altered
- Manufacturer warranties for kitchens, bathrooms, boilers, windows and any other major fittings
- Workmanship guarantee from the builder, in writing
Keep all of this together. It matters for future maintenance, for any warranty claims, and significantly when you come to sell the property.
Ongoing Aftercare
We remain a point of contact after a project finishes, not just during it. If something genuinely goes wrong with our work within the guarantee period, we come back and fix it. That approach is a large part of why so much of our work comes from repeat clients and word of mouth across Leicester, Rutland and the East Midlands.
If you are nearing the end of a project with us, or thinking about starting one, get in touch. We would rather you judge us on how a renovation feels a year after handover than just on the day the trades leave site.