[August 2025 Update] More homeowners are bundling energy upgrades with general renovation to secure financing. Multi‑trade jobs mean more moving parts at handover. If you don’t tighten your snag process, you wait longer for the final payment.

This is a simple field‑tested plan to finish cleanly, avoid disputes, apply the right French VAT, and get the balance in fast.

Why handovers drag (and cost you)

• Verbal agreements: “We’ll fix that next week” turns into 3 weeks and no payment.
• Mixed VAT: energy items at 5.5%, renovation at 10%, a few supplies at 20%—invoice confusion stalls payment.
• No paper trail: you send photos, client replies on WhatsApp, nobody signs anything.
• Small misses: a silicone bead, a paint touch‑up—enough for the client to hold back the full balance.

The 48‑hour snag plan

Think of it like a mini‑project inside your project. Tight, clear, signed.

Step 1 — Pre‑walk prep (the day before)

• Clean the site. Dust and mess create “fake defects.”
• Test everything: flows, pressure, electric, venting, doors, windows.
• Make a quick self‑snag list so you know what’s left.

Send the appointment message:

Subject: Handover walk‑through – tomorrow at 17:30

Hello [Client],
I propose a 30‑minute walk‑through tomorrow at 17:30 to verify the works and list any minor snags. We’ll agree what’s left, set dates, and confirm acceptance. Ok for you?
[Your Name]

Step 2 — The walk‑through (Day 0)

• Walk clockwise through each room, top to bottom.
• Write snags in one list. Photos help but keep one single list.
• For each snag, note: location, what, how to fix, deadline.

Example line items:

Kitchen – Base unit left – Door slightly misaligned – Adjust hinges – By Thu 05/09
Bathroom – Silicone at tub edge – Add bead – By Wed 04/09

• Agree the list with the client on the spot. No arguing, just facts.

Step 3 — Acceptance + plan (still Day 0)

Get two signatures: 1) acceptance of works with snags listed, 2) agreement on snag deadlines.

Use wording like this:

Acceptance with snags (France):
The client accepts the works on [date], with the following snags to be resolved by the stated deadlines. The balance becomes due upon acceptance, with any retention limited to the value of unresolved snags.

• If you use a 5% retention, write it clearly and state it’s released at snag clearance (levée de réserves).

• Set your invoice due date based on acceptance (common for private homeowners).

Around 10 minutes of admin here saves weeks of chasing later.

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At this point, centralize the list, photos, and acceptance in one place. Create the snag list by voice, get the client to e‑sign, and queue the balance invoice in Donizo. You’ll have one clean record instead of scattered messages.

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Step 4 — 24‑hour fixes (Day 1)

• Do the quick wins first: silicone, hinge tweak, plate, paint touch.
• Update the list as you go. Tick done, add photo proof.
• If something needs a part, message the client with the ETA.

Template update:

Update – snags 03/09
- Kitchen hinge adjusted ✅
- Bathroom silicone done ✅ (photo attached)
- Shower mixer: cartridge ordered, due Fri 06/09

Step 5 — Clearance (Day 2)

• Client can be on site or remote. Show photos for each snag ticked.
• Get a short “snags cleared” sign‑off.

Snags cleared – confirmation
Client confirms all snag items completed on [date]. Retention (if any) is now due.

VAT without headaches at the finish line

• 10%: most renovation on existing dwellings.
• 5.5%: energy improvement works and related items.
• 20%: new build and some standalone supplies/equipment.

Tips to avoid invoice disputes:

• Separate items by VAT rate on the invoice. Don’t mix.
• If you added a last‑minute supply not eligible for reduced VAT, put it on a 20% line.
• Keep the client renovation/energy attestation with your acceptance file.

Invoice note example:

Invoice note:
Lines 1–5 at 10% (existing dwelling renovation)
Line 6 at 5.5% (energy improvement)
Line 7 at 20% (standalone supply)

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Need clean VAT lines and a paper trail that even a banker understands? Generate the invoice with correct French VAT (20%, 10%, 5.5%), attach the signed acceptance, and log payments automatically in Donizo. No more “where’s that document?” on payday.

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Follow‑up that gets money in (without being pushy)

Use a simple, planned schedule. Save it once, reuse forever.

Day 0 (after acceptance):
Invoice sent + short SMS: “Invoice sent. Thank you for your trust. Due on [date].”

Day +5:
Gentle reminder: “Hello, just checking you received the invoice and acceptance docs. All ok?”

Day +10:
Clear ask: “Hello, balance is due on [date]. Here is the payment link/IBAN. Tell me if you need anything.”

Day +15:
Firm but friendly: “Hello, balance now overdue. Please arrange payment today to avoid late fees.”

Track who’s paid, who’s late, and what’s still owed by job.

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You don’t need 5 different apps. Quotes by voice, proposals, invoices with proper VAT, payment tracking, project status, and client notes—do it end‑to‑end in Donizo. Less admin, more work done.

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Quick checklist you can print

• Handover booked 24h ahead
• Site cleaned and self‑snagged
• One written snag list (location, fix, deadline)
• Acceptance signed with snags attached
• VAT lines split (5.5% / 10% / 20%)
• Balance invoice sent same day
• 24‑hour quick fixes done and logged
• Snag clearance signed
• Follow‑up schedule running

Final word

You’ll never get rid of every snag. The goal is simple: one list, one signature, one invoice. Keep it tight, keep it moving, get paid.

Ready to try a faster finish? Create your next snag list, acceptance, and invoice in minutes with Donizo.