Is It Worth Getting a Snagging Survey? 5 Things Dubai Buyers Need to Know

Walk into any handover appointment in Dubai Marina and you'll hear the same pitch: gleaming towers, premium finishes, Gulf views. What you won't hear about are the paint drips behind the kitchen cabinets or the bathroom tile that's already loose.

Snagging refers to the inspection process that identifies minor flaws and construction oversights after a property is built, everything from missing door hinges to serious problems like wall cracks from poor installation. The inspection happens before you take possession, giving you leverage to demand fixes while the developer still has skin in the game.

In Dubai's market, where construction moves fast and volume is high, these defects slip through more often than anyone wants to admit.

Five reasons to book that inspection

Your leverage expires at handover

The 12-month defect liability period starts once you officially take possession, but here's the thing: the developer will have already moved on to the next sale and is not likely to respond to your pleadings.

Inspections typically cost between AED 999 and AED 2,500, depending on your unit size. Compare that to what you'll spend fixing problems on your own dime.

The Gulf climate hides expensive problems

Thermal imaging cameras can detect concealed water leaks that cause mold and weaken structures, the kind of damage you won't see until it's a five-figure repair bill.

Air conditioning units may look fine but harbor ductwork issues or blocked vents that won't show up until summer hits and your cooling bills double.

MEP systems need verification

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations are where corners get cut. Loose sockets and overloaded circuits create fire risks, while improper waterproofing in kitchens and bathrooms results in seepage and mold.

Run water in every fixture, test every outlet, or hire someone who knows what to look for.

Warranty claims need documentation

That detailed report with photos and timestamps isn't just paperwork. It can serve as legal evidence in disputes with developers, giving you actual leverage when they try to claim that crack was your fault.

Without documentation from day one, you're arguing from memory.

Investment protection matters

Professional inspections help Dubai homeowners avoid an average of AED 5,000 in repairs, with major issues exceeding AED 52,000.

For investors planning to rent immediately, the inspection ensures tenants move into a defect-free property, saving headaches down the line.

Three snagging pitfalls to avoid

Using technicians instead of engineers

All inspections should be performed by licensed engineers, not technicians. Engineers understand structural integrity, load-bearing requirements, and building codes.

Look for RERA-certified inspectors with engineering backgrounds and memberships in professional organizations like InterNACHI. If the company can't produce credentials, keep looking.

Skipping the follow-up inspection

You got the initial report, the developer promised fixes, and then... what? The best companies offer free re-inspections to verify that defects have been properly resolved.

Without that second visit, you have no way to confirm the repairs were done right—or done at all.

Believing the "minor issues" line

Surface issues with tiles often point to underlying problems in the subfloor or improper installation. Developers love to minimize concerns, but cracks around windows can result from material shrinkage or structural movement, problems that will only get worse.

Trust the engineer's assessment, not the sales pitch.

Final word

The question isn't whether snagging surveys are worth it. It's whether you want to find problems while someone else is legally obligated to fix them, or discover them three months later when you're on your own.

GTA Inspectors
City: Dubai
Address: Dubai
Website: https://www.gtainspectors.com/