Re: Snag list - legal impl
When I was buying my new place, my solicitor was very clear when explaining that a snag list is not a contractual obligation on the builders, and that an incomplete snag list cannot be used as a reason to hold up completion.
The builder will say that best efforts will be made to complete the items on the list as soon as possible.
It would be best for you to prioritise your list to ensure that you get the major stuff done, and that any smaller non-essential things get a lower priority - in that you won't necessarily mind if they don't get done, or you could do them yourself.
I presume that any items on the snag which make the place unliveable would be covered by Sale of Goods/Supply of Services Act when it comes to the "fit for purpose" criteria. In that case, I guess, completion can be delayed as the contract has not been fulfilled by the builder. I'm open to correction on this.