Introduction: Make Your New House Perfect from Day One
Buying a new house in Dubai? Congratulations — but before you move in or release the final payment, there’s one step that guarantees your peace of mind: snagging.
Snagging a newly built house doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can catch every defect, hold the developer accountable, and avoid costly post-handover repairs.
In this guide, we walk you through 10 easy steps for new build house snagging in Dubai — used by professionals and smart buyers alike.
✅ Step 1: Understand What Snagging Is
Snagging is the process of inspecting your newly built house for defects, unfinished work, or poor craftsmanship before handover.
A professional snag report ensures your property is:
- Structurally sound
- MEP systems are working (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
- Finished according to promised quality
- Free from safety or usability issues
🗓 Step 2: Time It Right
Schedule your inspection:
- After receiving the handover notice
- Before releasing your final payment or escrow
- Before moving any furniture
- Ideally within the DLP (Defects Liability Period)
Timing is critical — developers are far more responsive before full settlement.
🧑🔧 Step 3: Hire a Certified Snagging Company
Don’t attempt to inspect the house yourself. Instead, hire a RERA-approved, InterNACHI-certified snagger with experience in villas or new builds.
They’ll bring tools like:
- Moisture meters
- Socket testers
- Thermal cameras
- AC airflow testers
- Megger and voltage analyzers
This ensures even hidden or technical defects are uncovered.
📋 Step 4: Get a Full Property Inspection
Your inspector should check over 500+ items including:
- Cracks in paint or plaster
- Faulty electrical switches or exposed wiring
- Water pressure, leaks, and drain slopes
- AC drainage and thermostat calibration
- Window seals and door alignment
- Flooring, tiling, skirting, and grouting
- Cabinet installation and soft-close function
- Roof and balcony waterproofing (for villas)
📷 Step 5: Review the Snag Report
Expect a 24–48 hour turnaround on your snagging report, which should include:
- Itemized defect list
- High-resolution photos
- Severity ratings (Cosmetic / Minor / Major)
- Clear, actionable repair recommendations
- PDF format sharable with your developer
📣 Step 6: Share the Report with the Developer
Submit the snag list via email or developer portal, and:
- Highlight urgent or safety issues
- Request estimated timelines for each fix
- Set follow-up dates
- Save all communication for record
🔁 Step 7: Allow Time for Repairs
Most developers in Dubai respond within 5–15 business days. Be patient, but proactive.
Track completed vs pending items and keep your snagger updated for re-inspection if needed.
🧾 Step 8: Request Re-Inspection (Optional but Recommended)
After repairs are completed, book a follow-up snagging visit to confirm everything has been addressed correctly — especially hidden defects like:
- AC condensation or low airflow
- Minor leaks that take time to surface
- Electrical grounding or socket overloads
🔐 Step 9: Only Then — Finalize Handover or Payment
Once everything is resolved, you can safely:
- Accept the handover
- Release the final payment
- Begin your move-in with full confidence
Without this step, you take responsibility for all remaining defects — even if they were builder-caused.
🧰 Step 10: Keep Your Report for Future Claims
Your snag report can be used for:
- DLP warranty claims (within 12 months)
- Tenant handovers (if you rent the home)
- Legal proof if repairs are delayed
- Resale disclosure documents
Your snag report is as important as your title deed. Don’t discard it.
Real Case: A 10-Step Snagging Saved a Buyer AED 38,000
A client in Dubai Hills Estate followed all 10 steps. Their report revealed:
- 71 issues including misaligned AC ducting, poor bathroom waterproofing, and incorrect DB labels
- The developer fixed everything before key handover
- The client saved over AED 38,000 in post-handover repair costs and moved in with zero hassle
Conclusion: Snag Smart. Move in Stress-Free.
Snagging isn’t just a technical process — it’s a protection plan for your future. With these 10 steps, you’ll ensure your new house in Dubai is everything you paid for — no defects, no surprises, just perfection.
✅ Ready to Snag Your New Build House?
📱 WhatsApp: +971 56 378 7002
🌐 Visit: dubaipropertysnagging.ae
📝 Get a certified snagging report in 12 hours | Starting from AED 499 | Dubai-wide service
We are certified by DED, approved by RERA, and proudly InterNACHI-accredited — delivering trusted, precise, and professional snagging inspections across Dubai.
