Introduction
Acquiring a home in the UAE is a major investment. With the rapid pace of construction and hand-overs, many properties may look finished on the surface but harbour hidden defects. A proper snagging inspection helps identify these issues before they become costly. Below you’ll find the ten most common issues uncovered during snagging inspections in UAE homes — along with reasons they matter and what to do about them.
1. Paint, Plaster & Finishing Imperfections
One of the most visible categories of defects: uneven paint, patches, cracks in plaster, visible brush strokes or bubbles. These may appear purely cosmetic but often indicate rushed work or poor surface preparation.
Why it matters: Aesthetic value drops, resale value is affected, and the defect may worsen (e.g., paint peeling due to moisture).
What to check: Walls and ceilings should be smooth, consistent in colour, no “hairline” cracks, no visible patches.
2. Flooring & Tiling Issues
This includes uneven floors, hollow sounding tiles (meaning poor adhesion), cracked or chipped tiles, inconsistent grout lines or misaligned patterns.
Why it matters: Flooring defects are hazardous (tripping risk), costly to fix later, and reveal workmanship issues.
What to check: Walk across floor, tap tiles to check for hollowness, inspect grout/joints, check for level differences.
3. Plumbing Leaks, Drainage & Water Pressure Problems
Leaks under sinks or behind walls, improperly sloped wet-areas, slow drains, low water pressure or inconsistent temperature in taps/showers.
Why it matters: Water damage in the UAE climate is serious — mould, structural degradation, hidden repair costs.
What to check: Run taps/showers, check under sinks, look for stains or damp marks, check bathroom drainage slope.
4. Electrical Faults & Safety Hazards
Common issues: loose or non-functional sockets/switches, exposed wiring, improper earthing/grounding, flickering lights.
Why it matters: Electrical faults are dangerous (fire risk) and often expensive to remediate once handover is done.
What to check: Test all sockets & switches, check distribution board labeling, ensure safety covers in place.
5. Doors, Windows & Seal/Gaps Problems
Mis-alignment, poor sealing, visible gaps around frames, doors that don’t close properly, windows that stick or leak air/water.
Why it matters: Affects security, insulation (important in UAE climate), energy efficiency and comfort.
What to check: Open/close doors/windows, inspect frames for gaps, check for drafts or visible water infiltration.
6. HVAC / Air Conditioning & Ventilation Defects
Especially critical in the UAE: issues such as insufficient cooling, blocked vents, noisy units, poor ductwork or lack of proper insulation/ventilation.
Why it matters: Comfort and operational cost hinge on this. A failing HVAC system in a hot climate is a major liability.
What to check: Run AC fully, check every room for airflow and cooling, listen for unusual noises, inspect vents and ductwork access.
7. Waterproofing Failures & Sealant Issues
Wet-areas like bathrooms, balconies, kitchens often have gaps, inadequate waterproof membranes, poor sealant application, mould or water staining.
Why it matters: Once water ingress starts, damage spreads (tiles lift, mould appears, structure weakens).
What to check: Inspect around showers, balconies, bathrooms; look for water stains, check silicone/caulking, test for leaks.
8. Cabinetry, Joinery & Fixture Installations
Defects include misaligned wardrobes or cabinets, missing/damaged handles, uneven woodwork, broken or missing fixtures and fittings.
Why it matters: Interior quality matters for living experience and resale. Fixing cabinetry is more cost‐intensive later.
What to check: Open/close all doors/drawers, inspect finishes, check for missing items as per specification.
9. Structural Cracks, Settlement or Exterior Defects
More serious category: hairline or wider cracks in walls/ceilings, uneven settling of floors, exterior facade issues, poor drainage outdoors.
Why it matters: Indicates major underlying problems, not just superficial defects—may affect safety and value.
What to check: Inspect wall and ceiling corners and joints for cracks, examine outdoor areas (driveway, garden) for unevenness, look for water pooling.
10. Missing or Incomplete Fittings, Unfinished Work
Sometimes the snag list comes down to what isn’t done: missing light fittings, missing appliances, uninstalled rails, incomplete balconies, etc.
Why it matters: If these items are not completed before handover, you may be liable for them or unable to claim under warranty.
What to check: Compare the unit to the specification and contract. Check each promised item is installed and functioning.
Conclusion
In the UAE’s fast-moving real-estate market, snagging is your last line of defence before handover. The ten issues above recur so often that any serious buyer should build a snag-check strategy around them. Investing a little time and professional help before you accept your keys can save significant costs, stress and value loss down the line.
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Sources / Citation Links
Top common defects found in UAE properties during snagging: https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/top-common-defects-found-in-uae-properties-during-snagging
Top snagging issues buyers face and how to catch them early: https://www.propertysnagging.ae/post/top-snagging-issues-buyers-face-and-how-to-catch-them-early
Common snagging issues found in Dubai properties: https://ubaasset.ae/common-snagging-issues-found-in-dubai-properties/
The 10 most common issues found during a snagging inspection in the UAE: https://propertycheck.me/blogs/common-snagging-issues-dubai
Top 10 common snagging issues found in UAE apartments & villas: https://www.thesnagmaster.ae/top-10-common-issues-found-snag-report-by-property-inspection-companies-uae
Top 10 most common snagging issues found in Dubai properties (Prime Inspections): https://primeinspections.ae/top-10-common-snagging-issues-found-in-dubai-properties/
