Warranty and Snagging on Dubai Construction Projects
A rushed snagging walk misses the defects that matter most. Here's how to run it properly.
11 May 2026 · 5 min read · K4 Fit-Out Studio
Snagging, the pre-handover defects inspection, and the subsequent warranty or defects liability period together determine how completely a Dubai construction project's issues actually get resolved, rather than quietly becoming the owner's problem.
Running a proper snagging inspection
A room-by-room, systematic walk against the original specification, not a general impression tour, check joinery alignment, paint finish, MEP fixture function and stone jointing specifically, since these are where most defects concentrate.
- Room-by-room inspection against the original specification document
- Test every MEP fixture and switch, not just visual inspection
- Check joinery alignment and hardware function under actual use
- Document every item with photos and a written description, dated
How the warranty period works
Items identified during snagging should be resolved before final payment and retention release. Items discovered afterward, within the 12-month defects liability period, remain the contractor's responsibility at no additional cost.
Making retention work for you
See our guide to contractor payment terms in Dubai for how retention should be structured to genuinely protect you through this period, not just on paper.
Frequently asked
When should a snagging inspection happen?
Before final handover and before releasing final payment or retention, items found afterward are harder to enforce contractually.
What happens if defects appear after handover?
Within the defects liability period, typically 12 months, the contractor remains responsible for fixing them at no additional cost.
Should I hire an independent snagging inspector?
For larger or higher-value projects, a professional inspection often catches issues an untrained eye misses, and is well worth the cost.