While the world slumps, Dubai seems to build, build and then build. During 2017, there was an estimated 13,800 apartments and 7,800 villas handed over. In 2018, this figure is set to increase to 15,600 apartments and 4,400 villas.
If you are one of those lucky people to have one of these properties, how do you check it’s being handed over properly?
Brandnewhomes.co.uk have a great guide on how to snag your newly built property http://www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/new_home_diy_snagging_guidance.htm
They advise that you should look at 2 areas:
- Functionality – does everything in your new home work as it should and
- Aesthetic – is the quality of finish to an acceptable standard.
Being in the Middle East, I would argue that there is a 3rd part – the AC system. During my time here, I have seen everything inside ducts; from rats to birds and from food to shoes – unfortunately no diamonds though. It is funny that the AC system plays such a big role in our lives, however, it is not looked at in the same light as a dirty floor would be during the snagging process.
The background to this, is that although the municipality have great duct cleanliness codes, not many check them or enforce them. There are international cleanliness handover standards, however, they are not locally known and the developers do not specify them in their construction standards. This means that contractors or sub-contractors do not have to abide by any code and thus, hand them over as they have been made.
But if you suspect that your system may be dirty, how do you check inside an AC system? How do you check if its dirty/ clean? Well we have 3 different methods:
- Visual Inspections
- Surface Comparison
- Vacuum Testing
The above inspection methods are all prescribed by NADCA.
The easy way to inspect you AC is to look at the supply grills and inside the ceiling voids. If they seem to be dirty, then the probably are. If you have any doubts, then please call us on 04 361 7949 – we do not charge for any inspections and give free, impartial advice.