How to Manage Snag Lists on Construction Sites Efficiently
Every construction project has snags. The question is whether you manage them properly or lose them in WhatsApp messages and scrappy emails.
What is a Snag?
A snag (or defect) is any piece of work that doesn't meet the required standard. This could be a crack in plaster, a door that doesn't close properly, a paint defect, a missing fire stop, or misaligned steelwork. Snags range from cosmetic issues to serious structural defects.
The Problem with WhatsApp Snagging
Most construction teams still manage snags through WhatsApp groups. Site manager takes a photo, sends it to the group, tags the subcontractor. Sound familiar?
The problems with this approach:
- No record of what's been raised vs what's been fixed
- Photos get buried in chat history
- No link to location on drawings
- No formal close-out process
- No reporting — how many snags are open? What's the close-out rate?
- Try finding a specific snag from 3 months ago in a WhatsApp group
What Proper Snag Management Looks Like
A good snag management system should let you:
- Pin defects on drawings — click the drawing where the snag is, colour-coded by status
- Attach photos — before and after evidence
- Assign to a trade — who needs to fix it
- Track status — Open → In Progress → Fixed → Verified → Closed
- Set deadlines — when does it need fixing by
- Generate reports — PDF snag schedules for the client
Linking Snags to QA
The real power comes when your snag system connects to your QA inspections. When a QA inspection item fails, it should automatically create a snag with the right trade, location, and photos already attached. This closes the loop between inspection and remediation.
SiteLynx Snags
SiteLynx Snags gives you drawing-based defect tracking with colour-coded pins, photo evidence, full status workflow, and PDF reports. Upload your project drawings, click to place snags, and track them through to close-out. When a QA inspection fails, create a snag directly from the NCR.