Handover Repairs in Dubai: Fixing Snag List Damage
Most surface items on a Dubai snag report can be repaired on site rather than replaced: chipped and cracked tiles, scratched doors and frames, chipped worktops and marble, and scratches on floors. A specialist repairer works through the list in one or two visits, so the property is ready for handover or move-in without waiting weeks for replacement materials.
Whether you're receiving a new apartment from a developer or finishing a renovation, the snag list usually contains the same kinds of damage. Some of it is the developer's or contractor's responsibility to fix. Some appears after their teams have left. This guide explains which snagging damage can be repaired, how handover repairs work and how to get them done quickly.
Snag inspection vs snag repair
A snagging company inspects the property and produces a report listing defects. Pro Surface Magic is the team that fixes the surface items on that report. If you already have a snag report, send it to us with photos and we'll price every surface item on it.
Common surface items on Dubai snag lists
Tiles: chips from tools, cracked tiles and hollow tiles. See cracked tiles and hollow tiles.
Doors and frames: scratches, dents and chipped paint from deliveries and fit-out work.
Worktops and vanities: chips on quartz and marble edges, cracks around cut-outs.
Marble floors and stairs: chipped edges, cracks and scratches from site traffic.
Wood and laminate floors: scratches and dents from ladders and equipment.
Baths and wall panels: chips in acrylic and enamel, damaged panel edges.
Damage repair after renovation
Renovations in occupied homes often leave a trail of small damage behind: a chipped tile where a ladder slipped, a gouge in a door frame, a scratch across a new floor. Repair after renovation works the same way as a handover snag list. Photograph each item, send the list and have everything fixed in one visit rather than calling the contractor back several times.
Apartment and villa handover repairs
For apartment handovers, the list is usually short and focused on finishes: tiles, doors, worktops and bathrooms. Villa handovers tend to be longer, with stairs, larger marble areas, external doors and more joinery. In both cases we work room by room, matching each repair to the original finish so nothing stands out at handover.
How handover repairs work
Send the snag list or photos. We review each surface item and confirm which can be repaired.
Get a fixed price. One price for the agreed list, before any work starts.
Repairs on site. Items are repaired and colour matched in place. Most lists are done in one or two visits.
Before and after photos. You get a record of each item for your handover file or the developer.
For developers and contractors who need snag damage cleared across several units before handover, see our page for construction and developers.
What we fix, and what we don't
Pro Surface Magic repairs hard surfaces: tiles, marble and stone, worktops, doors and frames, wood and laminate floors, baths, shower trays and wall panels. Snag items such as electrical faults, plumbing leaks, air conditioning, glazing seals and structural issues belong with the developer or the relevant contractor. If your snag report mixes both, we'll price the surface items and leave the rest clearly marked.
Timing your handover repairs
Before signing the handover: make sure the snag report is complete and photographed.
After the developer's fixes: re-check the list, as some items get missed or new damage appears during the developer's repairs.
Before furniture arrives: repair floors, doors and tiles while the rooms are empty and easy to work in.
After renovation: book repairs once trades have finished, so new damage doesn't follow the repair.
What affects the cost of handover repairs
Length of the snag list: the more surface items repaired in one visit, the lower the cost per item.
Property size: villas with stairs and large marble areas take longer than apartments.
Materials: marble, quartz and high-gloss finishes need more time to match than tiles or painted doors.
We price the whole list from photos or your snag report, so you have a fixed cost before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Should the developer fix snagging damage?
Defects listed before handover are normally the developer's responsibility under your purchase terms. Damage that appears later, or items you want fixed faster, can be repaired by a specialist like us.
Can you repair items from my snag report?
Yes. Send us the report and photos, and we'll price every surface item we can repair: tiles, marble, worktops, doors, floors, baths and panels.
Do you work on villas in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, we handle apartment and villa handover repairs across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Send your snag list or photos on WhatsApp and we'll come back the same day with a fixed price. Prefer to talk first? Contact Pro Surface Magic.
Need a repair? Contact Pro Surface Magic today for a same-day assessment across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
