Every construction project, whether it’s a headquarters (HQ) or a base operation, needs to undergo a snagging procedure before it can be successfully handed over. This essential step ensures that the project is in its best condition, both in terms of quality and safety, before it is transferred to its end-users. The snagging procedure is a meticulous process designed to identify, address, and rectify any issues or snags that may have arisen during the construction and commissioning stages. In this article, we will outline the key steps involved in the snagging procedure and its significance in the handover process.

1. Initial Inspections

From the early stages of construction, various parties involved conduct inspections to ensure that work is being carried out correctly and up to the specified standards. These inspections are part of the quality control procedures and involve the contractor, clerk of works (CoW), civil engineering (CE), and other relevant personnel. Regular inspections throughout the construction stage are crucial in catching and addressing issues promptly.

2. Contractor’s Own Snagging

Once the contractor deems their work as complete, they will carry out their snagging to identify any deficiencies. This internal quality check is an integral part of their quality control procedures and aims to rectify any issues that may have arisen during construction.

3. Formal Snagging with CoW/PM

The contractor will then present the facility to the project manager (PM) and CoW for a formal snagging inspection. During this step, any remaining issues or snags are documented by the CoW and PM. They will work together with the contractor to agree on a realistic target for clearing these identified snags.

4. Remedial Work

The contractor is responsible for carrying out the remedial work as agreed during the formal snagging process. This includes addressing and rectifying any issues that were identified on the snagging list.

5. Snag List Review

The project team will review the snag list to assess the suitability for formal authority snag. This involves categorizing the snag list into three sections:

(i) Outstanding items that will not prevent handover. (ii) Outstanding items that have life, health, and safety implications and must be completed before handover. (iii) Additional or late works that are to be completed.

6. Combined Authority Snag

A combined authority snag is carried out involving multiple stakeholders, including base representatives from civil engineering (CE) and the maintenance organization (MO), the US project manager (US PM), the base commander (CPM), customer representatives, Defense Fire and Rescue Management Organization (DFRMO) officers, building control, and safety specialists. The aim is to create a final snag list, and it is issued to the contractor.

7. Pre-Handover Meeting

At the pre-handover meeting, the consolidated snag list is reviewed, and a final snag list is agreed upon. The proposed handover meeting date is confirmed, and the project team ensures that the list is comprehensive and well-documented.

8. Snag Resolution

As identified snags are remedied to the satisfaction of the CoW, the snag list is updated to reflect the reduced number of outstanding issues. However, if certain snags remain unresolved, the PM may need to advise on a deferred handover date. A minimum notice period is typically required for revising the handover date.

9. USVF Inspection

Before the official handover, a random selection of the CoW “closed” snags is inspected by USVF representatives. This final check ensures that the contractor has indeed addressed and rectified the previously identified issues.

10. Achieving Zero Snags at Handover

The ultimate objective of the snagging procedure is to achieve zero snags at handover. Minor snags may be accepted if they do not pose life, health, or safety issues, but acceptance depends on the quantity of minor snags. Final acceptance for handover is determined and agreed upon by the project team and the maintenance organization. Once agreed, handover documentation is signed, marking the successful transfer of the facility.

In conclusion, the snagging procedure is a critical part of the project handover process. It ensures that the facility is in its best condition, free of issues that could compromise quality and safety. By following a well-structured snagging procedure, construction projects can be handed over smoothly, providing a safe and high-quality environment for their intended users.