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Top 50 Snagging Issues Found in Dubai Properties (Real Photos & Fix Cost Guide)

  • The Property Marketing
  • 7 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

Understanding the Importance of Identifying the Top 50 Snagging Issues

Buying a new home or apartment in Dubai should be exciting but too often, owners move in only to find hidden problems: cracks, leaks, misaligned tiles, or electrical hazards. These are snagging issues, and identifying them before handover can save you thousands of dirhams in repair costs.


At PropertySnagging.ae, our certified inspectors conduct comprehensive snagging inspections using advanced tools like moisture meters, laser levels, and thermal cameras to uncover even invisible defects.


Top 50 Snagging Issues

If you’ve ever wondered what professionals look for, here’s the ultimate list of the Top 50 Snagging Issues found in Dubai properties complete with real-world examples and approximate fix cost ranges.

Top 50 Snagging Issues Found in Dubai Properties

🧱 1–10: Structural and Finishing Defects (Visible but Costly)

  1. Cracked wall plaster – Often caused by thermal expansion. (Fix: AED 300–600 per wall)

  2. Uneven ceiling paint – Common in apartments due to poor roller work. (AED 250–400)

  3. Hollow or loose tiles – Indicate improper adhesive use. (AED 100–150 per tile)

  4. Misaligned skirting boards – Breaks the room symmetry. (AED 200–400 per area)

  5. Poor grouting around tiles – Leads to moisture penetration. (AED 20–40 per sqm)

  6. Paint bubbles or peeling – Often due to trapped moisture. (AED 300–700)

  7. Cracks in ceiling joints – A sign of structural movement. (AED 500–800)

  8. Uneven plastering around windows/doors – Affects insulation. (AED 400–600)

  9. Warped doors or frames – Result of humidity exposure. (AED 700–1,000)

  10. Missing silicone sealing – Common in kitchens & bathrooms. (AED 100–250)


👉 Read more about the common buyer mistakes that cause such issues here:🔗 Top 10 Snagging Mistakes Buyers Make in Dubai


💧 11–20: Plumbing & Drainage Problems (Hidden Until It’s Too Late)

  1. Low water pressure – Caused by faulty valve installation. (AED 300–600)

  2. Leaking mixer taps – Poor sealing or inferior quality. (AED 150–350)

  3. Incorrect slope in shower areas – Leads to standing water. (AED 400–800)

  4. Clogged floor drains – Debris left during construction. (AED 150–300)

  5. Toilet flush malfunction – Often due to cheap internal mechanisms. (AED 200–350)

  6. No trap seals – Causes foul smell from drainage. (AED 300–500)

  7. Leaking under-sink pipes – A very frequent snag. (AED 150–250)

  8. Poor waterproofing in bathrooms – Leads to water seepage in ceilings. (AED 800–1,500)

  9. Incorrectly installed water heaters – Safety risk! (AED 500–900)

  10. Dripping ceiling due to AC condensation – Often seen in tower apartments. (AED 600–1,200)


⚡ 21–30: Electrical & Safety Snagging Issues

  1. Uncovered electrical sockets – Non-compliant and unsafe. (AED 50–100 each)

  2. Flickering ceiling lights – Poor wiring or loose connections. (AED 250–400)

  3. Uneven power voltage – Requires circuit balancing. (AED 600–1,200)

  4. Missing earth connection – Serious safety concern. (AED 500–800)

  5. Faulty breakers in DB panel – Often overlooked. (AED 300–600)

  6. Switches not labeled – Confusing and non-compliant. (AED 50–100 each)

  7. Loose ceiling fixtures – Fire risk over time. (AED 200–400)

  8. Poor junction box alignment – Aesthetic and functional flaw. (AED 150–250)

  9. No RCD protection – Mandatory safety feature missing. (AED 500–700)

  10. Inconsistent light color tones – Cheap LED mix from suppliers. (AED 200–400)


👉 Learn how choosing the right snagging company ensures such issues are caught early:🔗 How to Choose the Right Property Snagging Company in Dubai


31–40: HVAC & Ventilation Defects

  1. AC vents misaligned – Uneven airflow. (AED 300–600)

  2. Dirty or damaged filters – Reduces cooling efficiency. (AED 100–200)

  3. Thermostat malfunction – Wrong temperature readings. (AED 250–500)

  4. Air leaks in ducts – Common in high-rise buildings. (AED 600–1,200)

  5. No insulation on ducts – Causes condensation. (AED 400–800)

  6. Fan coil noise – Loose brackets or bearings. (AED 500–900)

  7. Blocked fresh air inlets – Poor indoor air quality. (AED 300–500)

  8. Non-sealed AC drain outlets – Leakage potential. (AED 250–400)

  9. Wrong AC unit size – Overloads the system. (AED 1,000–2,000)

  10. Improper balancing between rooms – Uneven cooling. (AED 400–700)


41–50: Joinery, Fixtures & Finishing Issues (Final Detailing Defects)

  1. Cabinet doors misaligned – Poor hinge fitting. (AED 150–300)

  2. Loose handles or locks – Small but constant annoyance. (AED 100–200)

  3. Uneven countertop joints – Affects kitchen hygiene. (AED 400–700)

  4. Scratched glass panels – Seen in balconies or doors. (AED 300–800)

  5. Balcony railing gaps – Safety issue. (AED 600–1,000)

  6. Loose wardrobe shelves – Poor screw anchoring. (AED 150–300)

  7. Window not sealing properly – Causes AC loss. (AED 300–500)

  8. Misaligned door stoppers – Often ignored snag. (AED 150–250)

  9. Rust around metal fittings – Seen in bathrooms. (AED 250–400)

  10. Missing access panels – Critical for maintenance. (AED 400–600)


👉 Want to know what else landlords should check post-handover?🔗 The Ultimate Property Snagging Guide for Landlords & Homeowners in Dubai


Why Identifying the Top 50 Snagging Issues Before Handover Is Essential

Ignoring snagging issues can lead to legal implications and financial losses, especially when developers deny post-handover claims.Dubai’s RERA regulations protect buyers only if defects are reported within the defect liability period (DLP) — that’s why pre-handover snagging inspections are essential.



Professional snagging ensures your developer fixes every item before you pay the final amount. At PropertySnagging.ae, we document every issue with high-resolution photos, video evidence, and precise cost estimates, so you stay in control.


Real Fix Cost Guide for the Top 50 Snagging Issues

Type of Issue

Average Repair Cost (AED)

Urgency

Structural / Finishing

300–1,000

High

Plumbing & Drainage

200–1,500

Critical

Electrical & Safety

250–1,200

High

HVAC & Ventilation

400–2,000

Moderate

Joinery & Fixtures

100–800

Medium


💡 Pro Tip: The cost of professional snagging (AED 1,000–1,800) is far less than fixing even a few of these issues later.


Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment from the Top 50 Snagging Issues

Every property in Dubai whether a luxury villa or high-rise apartment hides potential defects.Ignoring them before move-in can drain your budget later. A professional snagging inspection ensures peace of mind, stronger resale value, and complete handover satisfaction.

If you want to explore more essential checklists and insights, visit:🔗 Top 20 Property Snagging Questions for Dubai Homeowners


For detailed guides and inspection booking, head to our homepage:🌐 PropertySnagging.ae


📞 Contact the Experts – Property Snagging AE

Ready to uncover the Top 50 Snagging Issues before your handover?Our RERA-certified inspectors in Dubai use advanced tools and provide full photo/video reports within 24 hours.


📞 WhatsApp/Call: +971 56 790 7966

START TODAY

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