🏠Introduction: Every Property Has Defects — Even in Dubai
Dubai is known for luxury real estate and iconic architecture—but behind the glamour, construction quality can vary greatly. Many new apartments and villas, even in high-end communities, are handed over with serious hidden defects.
This blog reveals the most common issues found during property inspections in Dubai and why a snagging report is critical before final payment or handover.
🔍 Why Are Defects So Common in Dubai?
- Fast-paced project delivery timelines
- Subcontractor-based execution with inconsistent quality control
- Poor supervision during final finishing stages
- Limited awareness among first-time buyers about DLP or snagging rights
Even if a property looks flawless, what you don’t see could cost you thousands later.
⚠️ Top 10 Common Defects Found During Property Inspection in Dubai
1. Paint Imperfections and Surface Scratches
- Peeling, bubbling, uneven roller marks
- Overspray on ceilings or skirtings
- Wall scratches caused during fit-out
Risk: Aesthetic downgrade, repainting needed post-handover at your cost.
2. Tile Level Differences and Lippage
- Uneven tile heights
- Misaligned grout lines
- Cracked or chipped floor tiles
Risk: Safety hazard, especially for children or elderly, and poor resale value.
3. Water Pressure and Plumbing Leaks
- Low flow from taps/showers
- Leaks under sinks or in WC cisterns
- Improper drainage slopes in balconies
Risk: Mold growth, long-term water damage, increased utility bills.
4. HVAC & Air Conditioning Faults
- Weak airflow or non-functioning ducts
- Dirty filters or poor insulation
- Thermostat not synced properly
Risk: Poor indoor comfort, high DEWA bills, potential compressor failure.
5. Electrical Socket and DB Board Issues
- Loose or non-functional sockets
- MCBs mislabeled or improperly configured
- High ground-to-neutral voltage issues
Risk: Fire hazard, appliance damage, safety risks for children.
6. Sealant and Silicone Failures
- Gaps around windows, bathtubs, kitchen counters
- Dried or poorly applied sealant
- No silicone in wet zones
Risk: Water seepage into cabinets, mold, structural damage.
7. Improper Door and Window Alignment
- Difficulty opening/closing
- Gaps causing noise or air leakage
- Locks and hinges misaligned
Risk: Security risk, energy inefficiency, Dewa loss due to AC leakage.
8. Waterproofing Failures in Wet Areas
- Water pooling in showers or balconies
- Wet ceiling spots in lower floors
- Mold on skirting tiles
Risk: Serious damage to structure and costly repairs outside DLP period.
9. External Drainage and Roof Slope Issues (Villas)
- Blocked or misaligned drain outlets
- Negative slope causing water pooling
- Roofs without proper scupper/drain detailing
Risk: Roof damage, leakage into bedrooms or ceiling cracks.
10. Missing Fixtures or Poor Installation
- Loose towel bars, kitchen cabinets, mirrors
- Missing stoppers, handles, or knobs
- Wardrobe doors improperly installed
Risk: Frequent maintenance, visual dissatisfaction, wear & tear.
🛠️ Tools Used to Identify These Issues
At PropertyInspectionDubai.ae, we use the following tools:
- 🧰 Moisture meters
- 🌡️ Thermal imaging cameras
- đź“Ź Laser slope meters
- 🔌 Socket testers
- đź“ą X-BOT inspection robot (for hard-to-reach areas)
🏗️ Where These Defects Are Commonly Found
| Area | Frequent Defects |
|---|---|
| Bathrooms | Sealant issues, leaks, slope faults, low water pressure |
| Kitchen | Cabinet misalignment, sink leaks, missing silicone |
| Bedrooms | Paint drips, scratches, door alignment |
| Living Room | AC duct faults, poor finishing, cracked tiles |
| Balcony/Terrace | Water pooling, drainage issues, missing drain traps |
| Roof (Villas) | Poor slope, blocked drain outlets, hairline cracks |
📢 What Happens If You Ignore These Issues?
- ❌ Developer may refuse to fix issues after handover
- ❌ DLP period might expire without repairs
- ❌ Property value decreases
- ❌ Costly repairs fall on your shoulders
- ❌ Your DEWA bills may spike due to inefficiencies
🧠Case Study: Hidden AC Faults Discovered in Dubai Hills
Client: Mr. Arjun – 3BR apartment in Dubai Hills
Developer’s Report: “Everything is perfect.”
Our Findings:
- 1 blocked AC duct
- Loose window seals
- 17 minor cosmetic defects
Result: AED 11,200 worth of repairs completed by developer after submitting our report.
đź“ž Book a Professional Property Inspection in Dubai
- đź’° From AED 499 only
- đź“© 500+ checkpoints, photo-snapped PDF report
- 🧾 Delivered within 24 hours
- đź’ł Tabby Pay Later Available
- 📲 Book via WhatsApp: +971 56 378 7002
âś… Final Thoughts
Property handovers in Dubai may appear flawless—but our inspections prove otherwise. These common defects can lead to massive financial, comfort, and safety issues if left unchecked.
If you’re buying, renting, or receiving handover soon—don’t skip the inspection. Let us protect your investment before it’s too late
