Taking possession of a newly built property is a major milestone, but a polished appearance can hide unfinished work and construction faults. Once the handover form is signed, buyers often have less leverage to secure prompt repairs. According to GTA Inspectors, based in Dubai, many common defects – from misaligned doors to concealed moisture – can be identified before handover through a careful review and the right diagnostic tools. A clear checklist helps buyers approach this stage methodically.
Prepare Before the Walkthrough
Request the floor plan, specification sheet, and finishing schedule from the developer before the inspection date. These documents show what was promised, including fixtures, flooring materials and appliance models, making substitutions or missing items easier to spot. Schedule the visit in daylight where possible, and confirm that water and electricity are connected so systems can be tested rather than simply viewed. Bring a torch, a spirit level and a phone for photos, and allow enough time to review every room without rushing.
Doors, Windows, Walls and Floors
Open and close every door and window. Each should align properly, latch securely, and seal without gaps. Look for cracked or chipped tiles, and tap across the floor to find hollow-sounding areas, which can indicate poor adhesion. Run a hand along walls to detect uneven plaster, and examine paintwork under different lighting angles for patchiness, drips or missed areas. Skirting, grout lines and joinery should be finished consistently, without visible gaps.
Kitchen, Cabinetry and Appliances
Open every cabinet door and drawer to check hinges, runners and alignment. Countertops should be level, free of chips and properly sealed where they meet walls and sinks. Switch on each supplied appliance, including the hob, oven and extractor, to confirm it works and matches the specification. Look inside cabinets beneath sinks for signs of water or damp.
Plumbing and Wet Areas
Run taps, showers and toilets to test water pressure and drainage. Watch for slow drains, leaking joints under basins and loose fittings. Bathroom floors should slope toward the drain so that water does not pool. Sealant around basins, tubs and shower trays must be continuous, since gaps allow water to reach surfaces behind the finishes.
Electrical Systems and Air Conditioning
Test every switch and socket, ideally with a plug-in tester that confirms correct wiring and earthing. The distribution board should be clearly labelled, with no signs of scorching or loose covers. Run each air conditioning unit long enough to confirm consistent cooling, and check vents and ducts for air leaks or condensation, which can lead to water stains and mould over time.
Defects That Are Not Visible
Some of the most costly issues sit behind walls and ceilings. Concealed moisture, insulation gaps and overheating electrical connections rarely show obvious signs during a standard walkthrough. Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences that point to these problems, while moisture meters confirm whether damp is present. Buyers without access to this equipment may want specialist support for this part of the review.
Recording and Reporting Findings
Photograph each defect, note its exact location, and number every item in a single list. An organised record is easier for the developer to act on and simpler to verify once repairs are complete. Submit the list in writing, keep a copy, and request a timeline for rectification. A follow-up visit should confirm that each item has been resolved before final acceptance documents are signed.
Protecting the Property After Handover
Inspection does not need to end at handover. Most new properties carry a defect liability period, commonly around 12 months, during which the developer remains responsible for repairing construction faults. Some issues, such as hairline cracks, seal failures or drainage problems, only appear after months of occupancy. A second inspection shortly before this period expires gives owners an opportunity to raise new defects while repairs are still covered. Readers who want more detail on pre-handover and 11th-month inspections can visit GTA Inspectors for further information.
GTA Inspectors
Dubai
Iredium Building, Al Barsha 1
Dubai
Dubai
20191
United Arab Emirates
