Need Dubai Municipality approval for structural crack inspection?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai Municipality's (DM) building regulations, you generally do not require pre-approval from them to hire a certified structural engineer for an initial inspection and assessment of a suspected crack. The process is designed for you to first obtain a professional evaluation to determine the severity of the issue.

For a villa in Al Barsha, your immediate step is to engage a DM-approved structural engineering consultancy. The engineer will conduct a thorough visual inspection, potentially involving crack monitoring gauges and, if necessary, non-destructive testing to diagnose the cause—whether it's minor settlement, thermal expansion, or something more significant like foundational subsidence, especially given the history of seismic activity you mentioned.

The typical cost for a professional structural assessment for a residential villa can range from AED 1,500 to AED 4,000+, depending on the complexity and extent of the investigation required.

It is only if the engineer's report concludes that structural repairs or underpinning are necessary that you must then submit their findings and proposed remedial method statement to Dubai Municipality's Building Permits Department for approval before any corrective work can commence. Do not proceed with major repairs without this approval, as it is a legal requirement.

Given your concern about the foundation, this is not a matter to delay. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to ensure your family's safety. For a certified assessment, you can call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a consultation with our structural specialists.