What’s Inside a Snagging Report: Tools, Inspections & What You'll See

The Property Marketing
Oct 9
5 min read

Why Understanding What’s Inside a Snagging Report Matters

Buying a new property in Dubai is exciting but also risky if you skip the final quality check. That’s where a snagging report comes in.

A snagging report is a detailed document prepared by professional inspectors, outlining all visible and hidden defects in your home before or after handover. Whether it’s cracked tiles, faulty AC systems, or water leakage behind walls, a snagging inspection ensures your dream home is delivered exactly as promised.

In this article, we’ll explore what’s inside a snagging report, what tools are used during the inspection, and what kind of details you can expect to see so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

What’s Inside a Snagging Report: Detailed Breakdown

A snagging report is not just a checklist — it’s a technical and visual audit of your entire property. Here’s what’s usually included inside a snagging report:

Property Overview:Includes unit number, project name, developer, location, and inspection date.
Room-by-Room Findings:Each room is inspected for finishing quality, alignment, and functionality. Expect details like:
- Cracked tiles or grout gaps
- Poor paint finish or wall damage
- Window sealant and door alignment issues
- Uneven flooring or broken skirting
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Checks:
- Light switches, sockets, and breakers
- Water pressure and drainage
- AC cooling performance and duct leaks
- Water heater and exhaust fan functionality
Photographic Evidence:Every defect is supported by high-resolution photos for clarity.
Severity Levels:Issues are classified as minor, moderate, or critical to help prioritize repairs.
Rectification Recommendations:The report includes developer-facing notes suggesting how to fix each issue.

Tools Used to Prepare What’s Inside a Snagging Report

Professional snagging companies in Dubai use specialized tools to ensure no hidden defect goes unnoticed. Some of the most common tools include:

Thermal Cameras to detect air leaks, insulation gaps, or overheating electrical systems.
Moisture Meters - to detect water leaks inside walls or ceilings.
Spirit Levels & Laser Levels – for checking floor or wall alignment.
Socket Testers & Multimeters – to test voltage and electrical grounding.
Airflow & Temperature Meters – to test HVAC system efficiency.

These tools are what make a professional snagging report much more reliable than any DIY checklist.

👉 If you’re curious about how professionals avoid errors during inspections, check out our detailed post:🔗 Top 10 Snagging Mistakes Buyers Make in Dubai.

Inside a Snagging Report: Section-by-Section Inspection Overview

To help you understand what you’ll see in your report, let’s break it down by major property components.

1. Interior Finishes

This section covers:

Walls and ceilings – cracks, uneven plaster, paint defects.
Flooring – chipped tiles, poor leveling, or gaps between planks.
Doors and windows – misalignment, loose hinges, or sealant gaps.

Every item will be marked with photos, precise room location, and severity rating.

2. Electrical Systems

Your snagging report includes a full assessment of all electrical fittings. Expect to see:

Power socket testing results
Light switch and circuit verification
DB board labeling accuracy
Loose or unsafe wiring notes

These tests ensure your unit is safe and ready for occupancy.

For more insights into why skipping these checks can have legal consequences, explore:🔗 Legal Implications of Skipping Property Inspections in Dubai.

3. Plumbing & Bathrooms

Water issues are the most expensive to fix later. Inside a snagging report, you’ll find:

Tap pressure and temperature test results
Drainage flow test outcomes
Shower and toilet sealing checks
Evidence of hidden moisture or leaks

Professional snagging teams use moisture meters to detect early-stage leaks invisible to the naked eye.

4. HVAC & Ventilation

Dubai’s heat makes HVAC inspection crucial. A complete snagging report includes:

AC temperature readings per room
Airflow rate checks
Thermostat accuracy
Filter cleanliness and duct condition

If the report identifies issues, the developer is obligated to fix them before handover.

5. Exterior & Balcony Areas

Outside areas are also covered inside your snagging report. Expect inspection details on:

Balcony tiling and slope for water drainage
Glass railing safety and sealing
Paint cracks or exterior leakage marks

6. Common Areas (if applicable)

For apartments, your snagging report might also include shared facilities such as:

Corridor lighting and wall finishes
Fire exits and stairwell conditions
Parking and storage area inspections

Learn how landlords benefit from thorough inspections here:🔗 The Ultimate Property Snagging Guide for Landlords & Homeowners in Dubai.

Why You Should Review What’s Inside a Snagging Report Carefully

A snagging report isn’t just for reference — it’s your negotiation document with the developer.

If you identify major defects, you can request rectification before signing the final handover. Developers are legally obligated under UAE property laws to fix construction defects prior to transfer.

Pro Tip: Never rush to sign your handover papers without thoroughly reviewing your snagging report with your inspection team.

To understand how to pick the most reliable inspectors, read:🔗 How to Choose the Right Property Snagging Company in Dubai.

Sample Layout of a Professional Snagging Report

While every company has its format, a well-structured snagging report typically includes:

Cover page with project and client details
Summary of total snags found
Table of contents for navigation
Category-wise findings (structure, finishes, MEP)
High-resolution defect photos with remarks
Professional sign-off by certified inspector

This ensures full transparency and credibility when communicating with the developer.

For a complete checklist of what questions to ask your snagging company, see:🔗 Top 20 Property Snagging Questions for Dubai Homeowners.

Developer Obligations & Legal Importance

According to Dubai’s RERA regulations, developers are responsible for addressing genuine construction or finishing defects identified before handover.

When you present a professional snagging report, it acts as documented evidence making your claims legally valid and enforceable.

Skipping this stage can lead to long-term costs, as many issues only appear after moving in. Read more on the legal side here:🔗 Legal Implications of Skipping Property Inspections in Dubai.

Inside a Snagging Report vs DIY Checklists

While some buyers try to do their own inspection, nothing compares to what’s included inside a professional snagging report.

Feature	DIY Check	Professional Snagging Report
Tools Used	Basic visual check	Thermal cameras, laser levels, moisture meters
Defect Photos	Few phone snaps	100+ labeled professional photos
Coverage	Limited	Full structure, MEP, and finishes
Legal Validity	Low	High, developer-approved report format

👉 Visit PropertySnagging.ae to learn how certified inspectors provide comprehensive snagging solutions for both villas and apartments across Dubai.

Final Thoughts: What You’ll Really See Inside a Snagging Report

When you receive your snagging report, expect a clear, structured, and photo-rich document that gives you peace of mind. It’s your property’s health check revealing every imperfection before you move in.

Understanding what’s inside a snagging report helps you hold your developer accountable and ensures your investment is truly worth it.

Before taking possession, always:

✅ Review every page of your snagging report.

✅ Confirm that listed snags are rectified by the developer.

✅ Request a reinspection if major fixes were made.

This small step can save you thousands of dirhams in post-handover repairs.