The short answer
Timing is everything
- Before handover acceptance. The ideal moment. Defects are on record before you take the keys.
- After the developer's fixes: the de-snag. Check the list was actually completed before you close it.
- Before your warranty period ends. New homes usually come with defect cover for a period after handover. Check your sale agreement for the exact terms, and inspect before it ends.
Room by room
- Walls, ceilings and floors: cracks, uneven paint, damaged or uneven tiles, gaps in grout and skirting, scratches on wood or stone.
- Doors and windows: alignment, locks and handles, seals, sliding doors and their tracks, window glass for scratches.
- Kitchen: cabinet doors and drawers, worktop finish and joints, sealant around the sink, appliances switched on and tested.
- Bathrooms: water pressure and drainage, sealant and grout, signs of leaks under basins, toilet flush and fixings, ventilation.
- Electrical: every socket, switch and light working, the distribution board labelled.
- AC: each unit running and cooling, drainage working, no dripping.
- Balconies: drainage, railings, tiles and waterproofing around the door.
What comes up most often
- AC: units that don't cool every room evenly, or drainage that drips.
- Water: slow drains, weak pressure, and leaks under basins and around showers.
- Sealant and grout: gaps around baths, showers, sinks and worktops.
- Finishing: paint touch-ups, scratched glass, chipped tiles, misaligned doors.
- Balcony doors: seals and drainage that let water in when it rains.
Taking handover of a home you haven't seen
Many Dubai buyers bought off-plan from outside the country. The steps are the same; someone has to be there for you.
- Get your handover date from the developer.
- Arrange access for your inspector through the developer or your agent.
- Receive your report and send the defect list to the developer.
- Book a de-snag check to confirm the fixes before you accept.
An honest comparison
| Do it yourself | Professional inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Quoted per property |
| Time | Several hours on site | Our engineer's time, not yours |
| What gets caught | What's visible to you | A trained eye, systematic, room by room |
| The record | Your own photos | A signed, dated, photo-documented report |
| Abroad? | Not possible | Report in your portal |
If you're in Dubai and confident, use the checklist above. If you're abroad, short on time, or want a signed report to send the developer, book an inspection.
FAQ
What is snagging?
A detailed inspection of a new home to find defects before you accept it from the developer.
Who pays to fix the snags?
Defects in a new build are usually the developer's responsibility under your sale agreement. Check your contract for the exact terms.
How long does a snagging inspection take?
It depends on the size of the home. Your quote confirms it.
Can I move in before the snags are fixed?
That depends on the developer and your agreement. Getting the list on record before handover is what matters most.
Is a de-snag check necessary?
It's the only way to know the list was actually completed, not just signed off.