At a glance
- Snag before the final deed or final payment, while you still have leverage
- Take photos and a written list, and get it signed off
- Snag in daylight with power and water on
- The perit and contractor are liable for 15 years if a building collapses or is in danger of collapse because of defects (Civil Code art. 1638)
- Ordinary defects have much shorter time limits, so act quickly
When to snag
Do it before the final deed of sale, or before the final payment to your contractor. Once you've paid in full, getting things fixed is much harder. Go in daylight, with the electricity and water connected, and give yourself a couple of hours.
Bring: a torch, a spirit level, a phone charger (to test sockets), a tape measure, masking tape to mark defects, and your plans and specification.
The checklist
Walls, ceilings and floors
- Cracks, uneven plaster, patchy paint, damp marks
- Tiles: chipped, hollow-sounding (tap them), uneven lips, poor grout lines
- Floors level and skirting fitted tight
Doors and windows
- Open and close every one; check locks, handles and seals
- Gaps around frames, scratched glass, missing keys
- Balcony doors and shutters work smoothly
Bathrooms
- Run every tap and shower for a few minutes; check the drains run fast and nothing leaks underneath
- Flush every toilet; check silicone seals and that the shower floor falls to the drain
- Extractor fans work
Kitchen
- Doors and drawers aligned and closing properly; worktop joints sealed
- Appliances working; extractor ducted as agreed
- No leaks under the sink
Electrics and services
- Every socket and switch works; the light fittings match the plan
- Consumer unit labelled
- Air-conditioning units cool and heat; hot water heats up
- Intercom, data points and TV points work
Outside and common parts
- Terraces and balconies drain properly, with no standing water
- Railings secure; outside tiles and membranes intact
- Lift, common lights and entrance as promised
After the snag list
Send the list in writing, with photos, and agree a date for the fixes. Check them again before you sign off. For new apartments, a professional post-construction clean helps you see the defects that dust hides.
Your legal protection
Under the Civil Code (art. 1638), the perit and the contractor are jointly liable for 15 years if a building collapses, or is in danger of collapse, because of a defect in construction or the ground. That's for serious structural failure, not ordinary snags. For other hidden defects, the time limits are much shorter, so raise problems as soon as you find them and get legal advice quickly.
How we help
We can do the snagging inspection for you, deal with the contractor to get the list fixed, and finish with a full post-construction clean.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For a defect dispute, speak to your perit or lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
When should I do snagging on a new apartment?
Before the final deed of sale or the final payment, while you still have leverage to get defects fixed.
Is the contractor liable for defects in Malta?
Under Civil Code article 1638, the perit and contractor are liable for 15 years if the building collapses or is in danger of collapse due to a construction defect. Other defects have shorter time limits.
Should I hire someone to do snagging?
It helps, especially if you're not used to checking finishes. A professional knows where defects hide and can deal with the contractor for you.
