Snag Report: How to Deal with Repeated Defects

When purchasing or owning a property, whether it’s a new build or one in the secondary market, property snagging is an essential step in ensuring the quality and safety of your home or investment. The snag report, a detailed list of issues found during property inspections, serves as a critical document for identifying defects. However, some property owners face the challenge of dealing with repeated defects, an issue that can cause frustration and delays in the property handover process. In this blog, we will explore how to handle repeated defects identified in snag reports and what homeowners, apartment owners, and real estate investors should know.

What is a Snag Report?

A snag report is a comprehensive document produced after a property inspection. It lists all the defects, minor and major, that have been identified in a property. These defects can range from faulty wiring, plumbing issues, paint defects, or even structural concerns that need addressing before or after the handover. The snag report is essential for property owners, developers, and snagging engineers to ensure that all issues are addressed before the property is finalized for occupancy or resale.

In Dubai properties, snagging services and snag reports have become a standard part of the buying process. Whether you’re dealing with handover services for a newly constructed home or conducting warranty inspections for a property that’s been lived in, having a snag report is crucial for a thorough inspection of property defects.

Why Do Repeated Defects Happen?

Repeated defects in a snag report can be frustrating, especially when the issues were supposed to have been resolved during previous inspections or repairs. Several factors contribute to repeated defects in properties:

1. Poor Quality Control During Construction

One of the main causes of repeated defects is inadequate quality control during construction. If construction workers or contractors do not adhere to proper standards or make rushed repairs, defects may resurface even after initial fixes.

2. Incomplete or Incorrect Repairs

Sometimes, contractors may conduct superficial repairs that only fix the visible symptoms of a problem rather than addressing the root cause. For example, a faulty plumbing system might have been patched up without being replaced, causing issues to reoccur.

3. Insufficient Snagging Inspections

Another reason for repeated defects is the lack of a thorough snagging inspection. If a property inspection is rushed or not performed thoroughly, it’s easy for some defects to be overlooked. Incomplete snag reports may miss out on issues that only become apparent later.

4. Delayed Response to Previous Snag Reports

Sometimes, developers or contractors may delay or fail to act on previous snag reports. As a result, defects that should have been fixed earlier are left unaddressed and continue to persist.

When Do You Deal with Repeated Defects?

Dealing with repeated defects typically occurs during the following stages:

1. Handover Inspection

A snag report is usually generated during the handover inspection of newly built properties. This is when you should expect to find any construction-related defects. If repeated issues show up during the handover process, it’s essential to address them before finalizing the handover.

2. Warranty Inspections

During the defect liability period (DLP), homeowners can request warranty inspections to address any issues that arise after moving in. If defects from the original snag report continue to appear, this stage becomes crucial for getting them resolved under warranty coverage.

3. Secondary Market Inspections

When purchasing a property in the secondary market, it’s important to have a snag report conducted to identify defects. If repeated issues are identified from previous inspections, the buyer should request further action before finalizing the purchase or consider negotiating for repairs or a price reduction.

How to Deal with Repeated Defects in a Snag Report?

Repeated defects in a snag report can be a significant issue for property owners, but they can be addressed effectively with the right steps. Here’s how to deal with repeated defects and ensure they are resolved:

1. Follow Up with Snagging Engineers

If you notice repeated defects in your snag report, the first step is to reach out to the snagging engineers who performed the initial inspection. They can reassess the property and ensure that the previous defects are fully addressed. Snagging engineers are skilled professionals who know how to pinpoint issues accurately and ensure that repairs are done properly.

2. Work with Developers to Ensure Permanent Fixes

If repeated defects arise from the same issue, it’s crucial to communicate with the developers or contractors responsible for the property. Repeated issues might indicate that the problem wasn’t fully addressed during the initial repairs. Request that they carry out more permanent solutions to resolve the problem once and for all. Ensure that you get a detailed report from the developer on how they intend to fix the defects and what measures they will take to prevent recurrence.

3. Request a Detailed Report and Clear Timeline for Repairs

Ensure that you receive a detailed report for every repair made on the property. This report should outline what work was done when it was completed and how it addresses the issues identified. A clear timeline for repairs helps you track progress and hold the contractor or developer accountable.

4. Document Everything

It’s essential to keep a record of all correspondence, reports, and inspection services related to repeated defects. Documenting everything, including photos and detailed reports, will be valuable if you need to escalate the issue. This documentation will also be helpful for any future warranty inspections.

5. Escalate the Issue if Needed

If repeated defects continue to arise despite multiple inspections and repairs, it may be time to escalate the issue. Reach out to the relevant authorities or legal professionals to help resolve the matter. In some cases, this might involve seeking compensation or legal action for failure to meet quality assurance standards.

6. Understand the Defect Liability Period

The defect liability period (DLP) is an essential aspect of property snagging. This period, typically lasting between 6 months to 2 years after the handover, is the time frame in which the developer is legally responsible for addressing defects. If defects continue to appear during this period, the developer must fix them at no additional cost to the property owner. Understanding the DLP can give you the leverage to ensure that repeated defects are rectified.

Conclusion

Dealing with repeated defects in a snag report can be an overwhelming experience, but it’s important to stay proactive. By following up with snagging engineers, working with developers, and understanding the defect liability period, you can ensure that these issues are resolved and your property is in top condition. A detailed snag report is an invaluable tool that helps you identify problems early, but repeated defects require patience and persistence to address them effectively.

For comprehensive snagging services and expert guidance, contact us today. Our team of experienced snagging engineers is here to help you navigate repeated defects and ensure your property is flawless.