Work-to-complete list
A work-to-complete list is a list compiled by a contractor and issued to each subcontractor and their crews at, or near, completion. It is a list of the remaining items and any defective work that subcontractors required to complete before leaving the site.
The work-to-complete list, enables the contractor to formalise remaining work and ensure that subcontractors properly complete their contractual requirements before final payment is made and they move on to the next job. It can prove difficult to get subcontractors to return to a project once they have left.
The work-to-complete list is similar to the ‘snagging list’ or ‘punch list’, which is a list of faults identified by the appropriate certifying authority (typically the architect, contract administrator, or employer’s agent) which must be rectified before a certificate of practical completion can be issued.
Many contractors will wait for the the snagging list to be prepared before issuing their work-to-complete list. However, the earlier the subcontractors receive the list of remaining items, the sooner the problems are likely to be resolved.
The list should be clear, and very specific so there is no ambiguity about what needs to be done and where.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.