Introduction: Buying a New Home? This Snag List Is a Must
Whether you’ve purchased a luxurious villa in Emirates Hills or a modern apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, one thing is true across all properties: new doesn’t mean flawless.
That’s why every homebuyer in Dubai needs a solid, new house snagging list before handover. This list helps you inspect the property in detail, identify defects, and hold the developer accountable during the DLP (Defects Liability Period).
What Is a Snagging List?
A snagging list is a room-by-room checklist used by professional inspectors (or savvy buyers) to document defects, incomplete work, or poor workmanship in a newly built home.
It includes visual, structural, and functional checks — ensuring everything works as intended before you move in or make your final payment.
Why You Need a Snag List in Dubai
- 🏗 Fast-paced construction often results in rushed finishes
- 💸 Developers push for early handovers with unresolved defects
- 🧰 MEP systems (AC, plumbing, electrical) may not be fully tested
- 📋 A snag list gives you legal leverage during the DLP
- 🛡 It protects you from future repair costs
✅ New House Snagging List – Dubai Buyer’s Edition
This checklist covers essential snag points in each part of the home. Use it yourself — or expect your certified property snagger to inspect these areas thoroughly:
🧱 Walls, Ceilings & Paint
- Paint drips, bubbles, or discoloration
- Uneven finishes or visible brush strokes
- Hairline cracks on ceilings or corners
- Gaps between ceiling coving or cornices
- Signs of damp or moisture
🚪 Doors & Windows
- Smooth opening and closing
- Lock alignment and strike plate test
- No air gaps around frame
- Glass panels are scratch- and crack-free
- Balcony sliders are sealed and secure
🔌 Electrical
- All sockets working (use socket tester)
- Switches respond correctly
- DB (Distribution Board) tested
- RCD/GFCI protection working
- Lighting fixtures installed and secure
- No exposed wiring
🚿 Plumbing
- Water pressure strong (hot and cold)
- Taps, faucets, and mixers leak-free
- Toilet flush working without leaks
- Drainage test – fast and gurgle-free
- Water heater tested
- Outdoor water points functioning (for villas)
❄️ AC & Ventilation
- Airflow consistent in all rooms
- Thermostat responds accurately
- No AC leaks from ducts or ceiling
- AC filters in place and clean
- Duct sealing and insulation verified
- Condensation pipes tested
🍽 Kitchen Inspection
- Cabinet doors align and soft-close properly
- Countertops sealed at joints
- Hob, hood, and oven installed correctly
- Sink drain test (no gurgling or backflow)
- Grout and silicone around backsplash intact
- Electrical sockets safe and positioned well
🛁 Bathrooms & Wet Areas
- Tile grouting complete and even
- Silicone sealing around bathtubs, vanities, and shower trays
- Mirror fixed and free from scratches
- Accessories like towel racks, toilet roll holders, robe hooks installed properly
- Floor sloped correctly toward drain
🧼 Utility & Storage
- Washing machine/dishwasher points tested
- Drainage and water supply working
- Utility cabinets installed correctly
- Ventilation functioning
🏡 External (for Villas & Townhouses)
- Roof access secured and sealed
- Garden slope drains water away from the home
- Balcony railings stable
- Boundary wall plaster and paint checked
- Garage door and exterior lights tested
Bonus: Commonly Missed Snags in Dubai Homes
- Skirting board gaps
- Paint behind radiators or AC units
- Faulty or missing silicone around windows
- Unlabeled or mismatched circuits in DB
- Incomplete ceiling paint behind lights
- Cracked thresholds between rooms
Real Case: Using This Snag List Saved AED 42,000
A buyer in Tilal Al Ghaf used our full snagging checklist before final handover. We found:
- 69 issues including improper AC insulation, grout failures in bathrooms, loose DB wiring
- The developer fixed all issues before handover
- The client avoided over AED 42,000 in future repair costs
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
While this checklist helps you get started, we strongly recommend hiring a certified house snagger for new homes in Dubai. They bring:
- ✅ Tools like thermal cameras, megger testers, socket analyzers
- ✅ Training in RERA-compliant inspections
- ✅ Reports with legal value and developer follow-up guidance
Conclusion: Snag Lists Are Your First Line of Defense
Buying a new home in Dubai is exciting, but don’t skip the fine details. This new house snagging list ensures your home is handed over without costly surprises, giving you full control and peace of mind.
Remember: inspect before you invest — not after.
✅ Ready to Snag Your New House in Dubai?
📱 WhatsApp: +971 56 378 7002
🌐 Visit: dubaipropertysnagging.ae
📝 Reports in 24–48 hours | AED 499+ | All Dubai Communities Covered | Pay with Tabby
We are certified by DED, approved by RERA, and proudly InterNACHI-accredited — delivering trusted, precise, and professional snagging inspections across Dubai.
