Checking the work!

When your builder has finished, but before you make your final payment (subject to holding 5% retention) you should go round and do an in depth 'snag' of the property. This will enable you to pick up all the small bits and pieces that still need to be done, or have been done but not to a satisfactroy standard. The list should really be done properly and once, then when the builder has done all expected and asked of him, you can pay him the last installment. Just hold 2.5% of the retention for 6 months or a year depending on what you have agreed in the contract.