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
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”