In Dubai, property buyers often assume that once a building has been approved by Dubai Municipality, it is free of defects and move-in ready. But official approvals focus mainly on safety codes and construction compliance — not the quality of finishes inside your home.
That’s where snagging inspections come in. At Dubai Property Snagging ®, we explain the difference between snagging vs building permit inspections — and why you need both to fully protect your investment.
What are Building Permit Inspections?
Building permit inspections are carried out by Dubai Municipality and regulatory authorities during the construction phase. They ensure:
- Structural safety of foundations, beams, and slabs
- Compliance with fire codes, electrical standards, and plumbing requirements
- Building alignment with approved drawings and land use regulations
- Health and safety compliance before occupancy certificates are issued
Purpose: To ensure the building is structurally safe and compliant with Dubai’s construction laws.
👉 But they do not cover cosmetic finishes, fittings, or quality of workmanship inside individual units.
What is Snagging?
Snagging is a detailed final inspection of an individual unit or villa, usually done at handover or before move-in. It identifies:
- Cracks in walls, poor plastering, and paint defects
- Hollow tiles, scratches, or damaged flooring
- Plumbing leaks, poor water pressure, or faulty drainage
- Misaligned doors, windows, wardrobes, or kitchen cabinets
- Electrical and AC performance issues
- Missing safety features like smoke detectors
Purpose: To create a snagging report that lists all defects for the developer/landlord to rectify before you accept the property.
Key Differences: Snagging vs Building Permit Inspections
Why Snagging is Still Essential After Permit Approvals
Many buyers mistakenly believe that a Dubai Municipality approval means no defects exist. In reality:
- Developers may rush handovers, leaving finishing defects
- Hidden plumbing/electrical issues aren’t covered in permit inspections
- Cosmetic issues (tiles, paint, joinery) are not part of regulatory checks
- Tenants and buyers could face costly repairs if snagging is skipped
👉 Building permit inspections confirm compliance. Snagging inspections confirm quality.
Why Choose Dubai Property Snagging ®
We are DED certified, RERA approved, and InterNACHI accredited, providing independent snagging reports within 12 hours. Our engineers inspect every detail of your property — from structure to finishes — giving you peace of mind before you take handover.
Final Thoughts
Building permit inspections are mandatory in Dubai, but they do not replace the need for snagging. While authorities ensure a building is safe, only snagging protects you from hidden defects inside your property.
Whether you’re buying a villa in Arabian Ranches or an apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Property Snagging ® ensures your home is safe, defect-free, and move-in ready.
📞 Book Your Snagging Inspection Today
✔ Snagging | ✔ De-Snagging | ✔ Rental Condition Reports
📲 WhatsApp or Call us at +971 56 378 7002
👉 Visit: dubaipropertysnagging.ae
