There are 3 different classifications of defects namely minor defect, major defect, and critical defect. It is important to note that identified defects discovered during snagging are points in your contract that demand complete delivery from the developers. In this article, we are going to discuss snag classifications divided into the following categories:
1. Minor Snags
It is a discrepancy from contract specifications and standards and does not affect the usability of a newly completed apartment unit. It also does not require long rectification work duration as a consequence of the visual defect itself. Hence, the newly completed apartment units, in this case, can be handed over to the beneficiaries.
Minor defects can be classified as the following:
- any defect that does not pose unsafe or hazardous conditions and requires only a short or limited period of rectification, and will not delay the handover of the unit to the beneficiaries;
- any defect that does not affect the general satisfaction of the apartment unit beneficiary;
- any defect that does not affect the usability of the new apartment unit, even during its rectification at any time immediately after handing over of keys to the beneficiary; and
- any defect that has no known physical constraints to carry out any maintenance operations on the new apartment unit.
Examples of Minor Defects
Minor defects will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- uneven tile grout;
- limited surface stain;
- faded paint;
- limited hairline cracks;
- limited unevenness of surface;
- few numbers of loose door hinges screws;
- any pair of hinges lacking in oil lubrication;
- door lock cylinder/keyway that needs only cleaning and oil lubrication;
- few slightly loose screws of the door closer;
- speed control of door closer is out of adjustment to make the door close too fast or cannot be shut by its own;
- slightly loose screws of door weatherstrip;
- slightly loose screws of door stopper;
- the door handle moving parts not working smoothly and needs oil lubrication;
- sliding parts of aluminum door or window are stuck up due to collected dust, lack of cleaning or no oil lubrication; and
- uneven sealant;
2. Major Snags
Is one that is likely to create failure of the newly completed apartment unit for its usability and affects the general satisfaction of the apartment applicants or beneficiaries. It has no relation to any hazardous or unsafe conditions. It is also defined as a visual defect that requires long rectification work duration as a consequence of the defect itself. In this kind of defect, the newly completed apartment units are not recommended for handing over to the beneficiaries.
Major defects can be classified as the following:
- any defect that does not pose unsafe or hazardous conditions, but requires a long period of rectification to severely delay the handover of the newly competed apartment units to beneficiaries;
- any defect that can affect the general satisfaction of the apartment unit beneficiary;
- any defect at the same time is a contractual issue in which the rectification of the same defect will delay or is delaying the handing over of the newly competed apartment units to the beneficiaries;
- any defect that affects the usability of the new apartment unit on or before its rectification at any given time immediately after the handing over of keys to the beneficiary;
- any missing item to indicate incompleteness of the apartment unit;
- any defect that is identified as a physical constraint (e.g No access ) to carry out any relevant maintenance operations on the new apartment unit; and
- a combination of 2 or more of the above.
Examples of Major Defects
Major defects will include, but not limited to, the following:
- waterproofing leaks from roofs and wet areas;
- other leaks from sanitary / plumbing/drainage/waterline and relevant fixtures;
- water ponding due to failed surface drainage slope;
- blockage in the drainage line;
- no water / low pressure in the waterline;
- cracked/damaged window glass;
- all masonry and structural cracks (note: water can penetrate all cracks including hairline cracks resulting in water leaks)
- missing/damaged door stopper;
- door and window sliding /rolling mechanism not working properly;
- hard to lock mechanism (even after repeated oil lubrication);
- a total failure of the door lock mechanism;
- a total failure of the window lock mechanism;
- a total failure of sliding / rolling mechanism for sliding aluminum door and windows;
- a total failure of door hinges;
- poor sealant application which causes water leaks;
- failed joint filling for hollow core slabs;
- the tile joint not properly aligned;
- missing insect screen, if applicable; and
- poor interior finish.
3. Critical Snags
It is deemed to be hazardous or unsafe to the environment and occupants in particular. This kind of visual defect is considered as urgent and requires immediate appropriate action by the concerned party. This also means that the prevailing hazardous or unsafe conditions have to be removed and/or rectified first before the new apartment units can be handed over to the beneficiaries.
Critical defects may be classified by the following:
- Any defect that poses unsafe or hazardous conditions to the beneficiaries, environment and the building properties respectively; and
- Any defect that could pose a security risk to the apartment unit beneficiaries, and the building properties respectively.
Example of Critical Defects
Critical defects will include, but are not limited, to the following:
- gas leaks and other fire hazards;
- no power / faulty electrical works resulting in electrical hazard;
- detector failure;
- fire alarm failure;
- structural cracks;
- foundation settlement;
- the exposed electrical point, which may cause electrocution; and
- unsafe or hazardous access, platform and any other provisions to carry out commissioning and maintenance operations in a particular housing unit.
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