Loading...
Handover Snagging Inspection

How Can You Tell If Your Property Needs a Post Handover Inspection?

How Can You Tell If Your Property Needs a Post Handover Inspection?

Anas Chamieh CEO of Desality Snagging
Anas Chamieh

Jul 14, 2025

How Can You Tell If Your Property Needs a Post Handover Inspection? Thumbnail

Buying a new home or investment property is a moment of pride—but it’s also a time for caution. Many homeowners in Dubai assume that once the keys are handed over, the property is ready to move in. However, the reality often tells a different story. Construction defects, incomplete work, or substandard finishes can hide beneath the surface, unnoticed until they turn into expensive problems. That’s where post handover inspection services in Dubai come in.

But how can you tell if your property actually needs one? Here’s how to find out.

Your Property Is Brand New or Recently Constructed

1.Your Property Is Brand New or Recently Constructed

Just because your property is brand new doesn’t mean it’s flawless. In fact, newly constructed homes are often the ones with the most hidden defects. Developers work under tight deadlines, and construction crews may rush through tasks to meet handover schedules. This can result in:

  • Incomplete finishes
  • Misaligned tiles or floors
  • Poor-quality paint jobs
  • Plumbing or electrical issues

If your property was recently handed over, a professional inspection can help identify these problems before they escalate.

2.You’ve Noticed Cosmetic Flaws or Functional Issues

Have you spotted hairline cracks in the walls? Is the paint peeling off, or do the doors not close properly? These are early warning signs of deeper issues.

Other red flags include:

  • Leaky faucets or running toilets
  • Loose electrical sockets or flickering lights
  • Doors and windows that don’t align
  • Gaps in tile grouting or warped flooring

Even if these seem like small issues, they often point to larger underlying problems. A post handover inspection helps you catch them all in one go.

3.The Developer Hasn’t Provided a Detailed Snagging Report

Many developers offer their own snagging or inspection reports, but these are often not detailed or completely unbiased. If your handover documentation lacks specifics or you weren’t given access to a full defect report, it’s a strong indicator that a third-party inspection is necessary.

Professional post handover inspection services provide independent, transparent, and comprehensive reports that hold the developer accountable.

4.You're Scheduling to Rent or Sell the Property Soon

If your aim is to rent out or sell your property, its condition plays a vital role in its market value. Any defects—no matter how minor—can turn off potential tenants or buyers.

Getting an inspection done:

  • Highlights the areas that need fixing
  • Increases your property’s appeal
  • Helps you avoid last-minute repair costs during negotiations

It also gives you the confidence that your property is legally and structurally sound.

5.You Missed the Pre-Handover Inspection or Did It Yourself

Some buyers skip the pre-handover inspection or rely solely on their own observations, especially when excited to move in quickly. But without professional tools and training, many issues can go unnoticed.

Post handover inspections act as a safety net. Qualified inspectors use tools like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and laser levels to detect problems you can’t see with the naked eye.

6.The Property Has Been Unoccupied for a While

If your property has been sitting vacant since construction, there’s a good chance that environmental factors or neglect may have caused damage. For instance:

  • Dust accumulation in HVAC systems
  • Water seepage or mold in bathrooms
  • Rusting fixtures or inactive plumbing

A post handover inspection ensures that the home is still in optimal condition despite the delay in occupation.

7.You're Unsure About the Workmanship Quality

Have you walked through your new home and thought, “Something doesn’t feel quite right”? It might be uneven tiles, misaligned doors, or inconsistent paint finishes. Poor workmanship is common in rushed construction projects.

Professional inspectors evaluate not just functionality but also the quality of workmanship. They’ll help you compile a snag list that you can present to the developer for rectification.

8.You're Still Within the Defects Liability Period

In Dubai, most developers provide a 12-month defects liability period post-handover, during which they are obligated to address any issues. If you're within this period, now is the best time to get a comprehensive inspection done and report all concerns while you're still covered.

Delaying could mean shouldering repair costs that could’ve been handled by the developer at no cost to you.

The Property Has Been Unoccupied for a While of post handover inspection

Final Thoughts

A property may look flawless on the surface but still hide numerous defects that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. If you’ve noticed any signs mentioned above—or simply want the assurance of a professional review—it’s time to act.

Desality Snagging offers expert post handover inspection services in Dubai, helping property owners uncover hidden issues and safeguard their investment with confidence.


 

Article Tags

Post Handover Inspection