Is there a best moment to inspect?
For most new homes, the most useful moment is when three things are true at once:
- the developer confirms the property is complete and safe to enter;
- water, power and cooling are running, so fittings can be checked in use;
- the handover process is still open, so findings can be raised within it.
That window is usually around the developer's inspection or handover appointment. Developers organise it differently, so check your sale and purchase agreement (SPA) and ask the developer how and when independent inspections can take place.
Which inspection fits your property stage?
- What you may see Different stages suit different checks: pre-handover of a new home, a resale purchase, the defects-liability period, after a renovation, and a recheck of earlier items.
- Why it may matter Matching the check to your stage helps you ask for the right scope, rather than a generic one.
- What this does not establish This is an educational comparison, not automated professional advice. The provider confirms the right scope in your written quote.
- A sensible next step Use it to narrow down a starting point, then confirm the scope that fits your property in your quote.
Illustrative guidance — technical review pending. An educational comparison, not a professional recommendation for your property.
What should you do at each stage?
| Stage | What to do | Inspection that usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| Construction under way | Read your SPA for the handover and defects process. No inspection yet. | None yet |
| Handover notice received | Enquire now. Ask the developer about access, utilities and how to report defects. | Pre-Handover Snagging |
| Property complete, services on | Inspect, before signing where the process allows. | Pre-Handover Snagging, or an apartment, townhouse or villa inspection |
| Keys collected, not yet moved in | Inspect while the property is still empty. | Scope confirmed in your quote |
| Living in, defects period ending | Inspect well before the end date, leaving time to submit. | DLP / Warranty Inspection |
| Told repairs are complete | Check the work against each reference number. | Reinspection (sometimes called de-snagging) |
| Buying from an existing owner | Inspect before completion, with the seller's agreement for access. | Resale Property Inspection |
Not sure where you are? The selector below suggests a service without asking for any personal details.
Answer up to three questions to see a suggested starting point. Nothing you select is sent or stored, and no personal details are asked for.
Suggested starting points by stage
- New handover: Pre-Handover Snagging
- Buying resale: Resale Property Inspection
- Warranty ending: DLP / Warranty Inspection
- Renovation completed: Renovation Inspection
- Repairs completed: Reinspection
A suggestion only, not a professional selection. The inspection provider confirms the actual scope in your written quote.
How far ahead should you enquire?
As early as you can. A written scope and quote, the owner's consent, building or community access and the developer's own arrangements all need to be confirmed before a visit. Starting when you receive the handover notice, even a provisional one, leaves room for those steps without rushing the inspection itself. The booking is confirmed once a date is known.
What must be in place on the day?
- Services: water and electricity connected, and cooling running in every room or zone.
- Access: every room, wardrobe, balcony, terrace and outdoor area in scope open, with any building or community registration completed.
- A clean property: construction debris cleared and, where the developer allows, protective film removed from glass and worktops.
- Daylight for outdoor areas: terraces, roofs and external works are best seen in daylight.
If any of these are missing, the inspection can still go ahead, but the limitation is recorded and some checks may need a later visit.
What if you have already moved in?
An inspection is still worthwhile, but it changes character. Furniture, rugs and belongings limit what can be seen, and it becomes harder to show whether an item existed at handover or arose from use. If a Defects Liability Period (DLP) or warranty period applies, note its end date and inspect well before it, so there is time to submit items formally. Our guide to DLP and warranties explains the difference between contractual, statutory and product periods.
Which timing mistakes should you avoid?
- Inspecting with services off. Drains, cooling and electrical fittings cannot be checked in use.
- Leaving it to the last days. A deadline can pass before findings are submitted properly.
- Booking a reinspection too early. If repairs are still in progress, most items will simply be recorded as open.
- Moving in, or letting a tenant move in, first. Repairs become harder to arrange around furniture and occupants. See snagging before renting.
- Signing without reading. Check what the handover documents say about outstanding items before you sign.
A five-question timing check
- Do I have a handover notice or an expected access date? If yes, enquire now.
- Will water, power and cooling be running on the day? If not, ask when they will be.
- Does the developer allow an independent inspection, and on which visit? Get the answer in writing.
- Is there a deadline for reporting defects? Note it, and inspect early enough to meet it.
- How will I check repairs? Decide now whether you will check them yourself or arrange a reinspection.
If you can answer all five, you are ready to book. The Dubai handover checklist covers what to bring and how to submit your snag list.
Where does SnagRight fit in?
SnagRight coordinates the scope, written quote, consent and booking. The inspection is performed, and the report signed, by an appropriately licensed inspection provider, subject to verification and confirmed in your agreement. No inspection can find every defect, and the timing of any developer response depends on your contract and the developer's process.
Common questions
How far ahead should I enquire?
As soon as you have a handover notice or an expected access date, even a provisional one. That leaves time to confirm the developer's process, access and utilities before a date is fixed.
My handover date keeps moving. Should I wait?
You can enquire now and confirm the booking once the date is firm. The scope and quote do not depend on the exact date.
I have already collected the keys. Is it too late?
No. An inspection before you move in still records the property while it is empty. Items are then raised through the developer's process for reporting defects after handover.
Should I inspect before or after signing the handover documents?
Where the developer's process allows, before. Whether to sign with items outstanding is a contractual decision, so read the documents and take independent advice if you are unsure.
When should a reinspection be booked?
After the developer tells you, ideally in writing, that the repairs are complete, and with services running. Booking too early can mean most items are recorded as still open.
Request an Inspection Quote
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