What to include in your snagging list?

So, you’re down to counting the last few weeks until the big move-in? It won’t be long until you finally settle in so give yourself a good pat on the back for us. Way to go!

No home is fundamentally perfect. Yes, even brand new ones. There is always room or a possibility for human error. While the majority of homes for sale in Dubai are usually built with high standards of quality, safety and design in mind, a lot of things can be overlooked during the construction process. 

If you are like us, you would not want any unpleasant surprises on the actual move-in day. To make sure to be sure there are no setbacks at the last minute, you’ll need a final quality check.

You might have heard of the word ‘snagging’ before. And you’re probably hearing it more often now that the property handover is just around the corner. If you paid little or no attention to it then, it’s time you do so today.

What is snagging?

An informal term in the construction and property management industry, snagging, or a snagging survey, is a final inspection to check flaws, omissions or shoddy workmanship, called snags, before the final sign-off of a newly built home, especially off-plan properties. As a last-step inspection to ensure your home is flawless, it is done to flag defective, broken, or unfinished items to the developer for rectification. 

Snags can be related to air-conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems of the property or any civil or structural defect. They can range from minor and cosmetic to significant and structural issues. Flaked or uneven painting and ill-fitting doors and windows to defective appliances and fixtures are just some examples.

Is snagging necessary?

Buying a home is a major expense. Most likely, you purchased the property through a mortgage with monthly payments to meet. That in and of itself is reason enough to avoid added expenditures, especially if it is something you can prevent. 

This is the case for snagging. While they may seem like minor faults, they can create more serious problems and become larger repair bills down the line. 

Some snags are easy to spot, others are inconspicuous. This is especially true for homeowners who are not planning on occupying the property right away. This is because some issues only surface after the move-in day. By this point, developers may no longer accept rectifications. As a result, new homeowners are left with no choice but to shoulder the expense themselves.   

So before signing off, the onus is on you to cast a critical eye and ensure that your home is not only well built as per the agreed standards but safe and structurally sound as well. Snagging is well worth the investment and it is crucial to place it on your priority list. 

What to include in your snagging list?

Knowing as much as you can about what to inspect can make the process easier and more efficient. This is where a snagging list comes in handy to ensure you are not forgetting key items and areas to check methodically. Below are the essential items that should be a part of your snagging list:

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components
Air-conditioning
Lighting systems including all the sockets and switches 
Taps, pumps and water heaters

Carpentry
Doors and windows
Cabinets
Locks and hinges

Civil and structural
Painting
Tiling
Sloping in bathrooms
External and internal walls

Appliances (if applicable)
White goods including the refrigerator, washing machine, dishwashers, etc.

Your new home is an investment, one you should be proud of instead of the one you end up regretting. When doing the final inspection of your home, make sure your snagging list is thorough so that the inspection goes without a hitch and you are pleased with the final outcome.

While you may have the ability to conduct a snagging survey yourself, many homeowners do not have the experience or are not fully qualified to carry it out on their own. A comprehensive inspection requires a trained eye and a wide range of hi-tech tools and equipment to cover all areas of the property. 

This is why we always advise getting professionals to check your new home and ensure you are getting what you paid for. Find out how our Property Management can help with the snagging process of your brand-new home.