In off-plan sales, the drawing is not just a technical document; it is a promise to the buyer. The implementing regulations oblige the developer to build the project according to the specifications agreed in the contracts and feasibility study, and prohibit modifying approved construction drawings without the approval of the authority and the buyers. So reviewing the engineering file before licensing is an investment in avoiding problems: an error found on the drawing is corrected in hours, while an error found after sale needs the consent of dozens of buyers or turns into compensation. This guide sets out the review points, why duration and cost matter in engineering terms, who reviews the file, and how to benefit from an independent review.
Review Points
| Item | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | Compliance with building permits and the code, ahead of the Etmam or permit authority letter |
| Drawing consistency | Architectural with structural, MEP and the sorting plan. Read: Clashes between drawings |
| Unit areas | Consistency between the drawings, the sorting record and the contract templates |
| Specifications | Clarity and buildability within the budget |
| Common parts | Defined according to the unit ownership and sorting system. Read: A unit's share of the common parts |
| Construction data in the feasibility study | Realistic cost and duration |
| Schedule | Buildability, because delay incurs compensation |
Why Do Duration and Cost Matter in Engineering Terms?
The regulations provide for compensating the buyer when the developer is late without a cause beyond their control: for developed land, at least 2% of the sale value per year, and for units, at least the market rent set by an accredited valuer. An unrealistic schedule means a later financial obligation. Read: A delayed off-plan project.
What Does the Review Usually Reveal?
- An apartment with a different area between the architectural drawing and the sorting plan.
- A structural column inside a parking space or reducing a room's area.
- HVAC or drainage routes clashing with the stated ceilings.
- Finishing specifications above the feasibility study's budget.
- A schedule that does not account for holiday seasons or approval periods.
Read: The most common engineering file comments.
When Is the Review Carried Out?
- After the design is complete and before requesting the compliance letter.
- Before preparing the sale contract templates.
- On any proposed modification, before presenting it to the authority and the buyers.
Also read: Engineering documents for the Wafi file and The sorting plan before sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who reviews the file?
An independent engineering office before submission, then the building permit authority and the real estate authority, each within its scope.
Are the drawings available to buyers?
The authority makes the approved drawing and the consulting office's reports public in the projects database.
Why an independent review if the designer is accredited?
An independent eye catches clashes the design team has grown used to, and reduces later comments.
Does the review cover the feasibility study?
It covers its construction data, such as cost and duration, from an engineering perspective.
How long does the review take?
It depends on the project's size and how complete the drawings are, and it is far shorter than the delay caused by comments after submission.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that carries out an independent review of your off-plan project's engineering file, from regulatory compliance and drawing consistency to areas, specifications and the schedule, before submission to Wafi. See our Wafi engineering file review service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.