Fahison
Widely Spaced or Weak Props
High- Cause:
- Cost-cutting or rushed installation.
- Impact:
- Slab sagging during the pour.
Stage 1: Formwork & RebarSlab Inspection
Slab Inspection
Before the Slab Pour
The slab combines rebar, beams and services in a single pour, after which nothing can be fixed without breaking out. We take handover of the formwork, then the rebar, then the cover spacers and cleanliness before the pour. And if you are dealing with the contractor directly, we sit down with them before work starts and set the plan.
From 700 AED
2–3Hours per Inspection
3+1Inspections + Pre-Planning
- Specialised Engineers
- Photo Report
- All Emirates
Slab ChecksIllustration
Rebar hidden after pourServices and cover spacers
What Is Slab Inspection?
The concrete slab is poured together with the beams in a single pour, and carries the floor above or the roof. The slab inspection is an engineering visit before the pour, in which our engineers check the rebar, formwork, props and services within the slab.
The inspection matters because the slab is the largest pour in the house, and its mistakes are costly: sagging top reinforcement causes cracks, weak props cause sagging, and forgotten electrical conduits mean breaking into the slab after the pour.
Pre-Planning and the Three Inspections
Start by planning with the contractor before work begins, then the inspections before the pour. Each service can be booked on its own.
Before the Formwork & Rebar Contractor
Pre-Planning with the Formwork & Rebar Contractor
For: Owners who deal directly with subcontractors (owner-builders).
When: Before the Formwork & Rebar Contractor starts work.
Our engineers meet the formwork and rebar contractor on site before work begins to align standards, explain quality requirements and agree on the correct method of execution, so you avoid common mistakes and guesswork from the start.
What Do We Agree on with the Contractor?
Acceptance Criteria
We explain to the contractor how their work will be accepted, before they start.
Structural Drawing
Slab thickness, beam dimensions and bar diameters.
Top and Bottom Reinforcement
Spacing, and the chairs that support the top reinforcement.
Props
Prop spacing and stability under the slab.
Services
Coordinating electrical conduits and openings before the pour.
Inspection Schedule
When we come back for handover before each step, and before the pour.
What Does Pre-Planning Prevent?
Guesswork
Every contractor does things their own way if you haven't agreed on standards.
Breaking Out After the Pour
A structural mistake after the pour means costly breaking out or strengthening.
Disputes With the Contractor
Requirements are clear and agreed before work starts, not after.
Inspection 1 of 3
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Formwork Handover
When: After the slab formwork, beams and props are installed.
The formwork and props carry the weight of the concrete while it is wet. Any weakness in them causes the slab to sag or deform.
Key Items We Inspect
Levels
Slab level and underside of beams.
Beam Dimensions
Width and depth according to the drawing.
Props
Spacing, stability and bases.
Tight Joints
No gaps between the panels.
Openings
Slab openings (stairs, light wells) in the right place.
Edges
Slab edges and projections.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Incorrect Level
Medium- Cause:
- Not set before the pour.
- Impact:
- Uneven slab and problems with finishes.
Gaps Between Panels
Medium- Cause:
- Damaged panels.
- Impact:
- Mix leakage and honeycombing.
Inspection 2 of 3
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Rebar Handover
When: After the slab reinforcement is laid and the beam rebar installed.
The slab and beam rebar disappear in a single pour. We check diameters, spacing and the position of the top reinforcement before the pour.
Key Items We Inspect
Bar Diameters
Slab and beam rebar according to the drawing.
Spacing
Spacing between bars in both directions.
Top Reinforcement
Its position over beams and columns, and its length.
Chairs
Chairs in place to support the top reinforcement.
Beam Stirrups
Diameters, spacing and closer spacing zones.
Laps
Lap lengths and locations.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Sagging Top Reinforcement
High- Cause:
- Missing chairs or walking on the rebar.
- Impact:
- Cracks above beams and a weaker slab.
Spacing Wider Than the Drawing
High- Cause:
- Saving on steel.
- Impact:
- Weaker slab and cracks.
Widely Spaced Beam Stirrups
High- Cause:
- Drawing not followed.
- Impact:
- Weak beam at the columns.
Inspection 3 of 3
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Cover Spacers and Cleanliness
When: Immediately before the slab pour.
The last chance before the pour. Cover spacers maintain the concrete cover beneath the rebar, the slab must be clean, and the services complete.
Key Items We Inspect
Cover Spacers Under Rebar
Their distribution under the slab and beam rebar.
Slab Cleanliness
Free of dust, debris, wood offcuts and wires.
Electrical Conduits
Complete and secured before the pour.
Drain Openings and Services
Sleeves and openings in their positions.
Rebar Stability
Rebar tied and not moving.
Previous Observations
Confirming that rebar and formwork observations have been rectified.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Rebar Without Cover Spacers
High- Cause:
- Negligence or shortage of spacers.
- Impact:
- Rebar close to the surface rusts and stains appear.
Forgotten Services
High- Cause:
- No coordination with the electrician.
- Impact:
- Breaking into the slab after the pour.
Debris on the Slab
Medium- Cause:
- Not cleaned before the pour.
- Impact:
- Weaker concrete in those areas.
Equipment We Use
From the Fahison equipment featured on our home page.
Tape MeasureSpirit Level
Tips Before the Inspection
To help you get more out of the visit.
Do
- Make sure the electrician has finished the services before requesting the last inspection.
- Book all three inspections if you want full coverage before the pour.
- Have the structural drawing ready on site.
Avoid
- Walking on the rebar without boards after it has been accepted.
- Removing props before the time set by the engineer.
- Pouring before the rebar and formwork are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Slab Inspection.
Why does the top reinforcement matter?
The top reinforcement over beams and columns resists tension at the top of the slab. If it sags because chairs are missing, the slab is weakened and cracks appear above the beams.
What is pre-planning?
An on-site session with the formwork and rebar contractor before they start, where we agree on quality standards, method of execution and inspection dates. Suitable for owners dealing with subcontractors directly, from AED 500.
Do I have to book all three inspections?
No, you can book any one of them on its own. But all three together cover the whole item before the pour.
How long does the inspection take?
2 to 3 hours.
How much does a slab inspection cost?
From AED 700.
Inspections in the Same Stage
Formwork & Rebar.
Has the Contractor Started the Slab?
Book the inspection before the pour, and we will arrange a visit time with you.