New-build apartment handover inspection: a checklist
Handover is the first stage of a renovation, and it goes in this order: an inspection, a list of defects, handing the list to the developer, a follow-up inspection, and only then the certificate and the keys. Defects found later can still be claimed under the warranty, but then it's harder to prove they didn't appear during your renovation. That's why you check everything: windows, walls, screed, utilities and meters, and photograph whatever you find.
The checklist below has 17 items from the “Apartment handover” stage in the Doma app.
Handover checklist
- Check the front door. Inspect the door for scratches and dents, check the locks and how easily it opens. If there are defects, photograph them.
- Check the windows. Check that the sashes open properly, the glass units, the seals and that there are no scratches. Inspect the installation joint from inside: it must be covered with vapor barrier tape. Photograph every defect you find.
- Check the balcony door. Check that it opens easily, isn't warped and the handles work. Make sure there are no drafts.
- Check the walls. Inspect the walls for cracks, chips and deviations from flatness. Photograph all the flaws.
- Check the floor. Inspect the screed and make sure there are no cracks or big level differences. If you have a long level, check that the floor is even.
- Check the ceiling. Inspect the ceiling for cracks, damp stains and damage. Record every issue.
- Check the ventilation. Hold a sheet of paper to the vent grille and make sure there's airflow. If there's no airflow, add it to the defect list.
- Check the radiators. Inspect the radiators for damage and signs of leaks. Check that the mounts are secure.
- Check the water supply. Inspect the water and sewer outlets and make sure they aren't damaged. If you can, check the joints for leaks.
- Check the electrical panel. Make sure the breakers are labeled, the panel is undamaged and all components are in place. Take a photo of the panel. It will come in handy later.
- Check the meters. Record the readings of all meters. Photograph the readings.
- Check the floor area. If needed, compare the actual dimensions with the documents or floor plan. If there are significant discrepancies, clarify them with the developer.
- Make a defect list. Write down every defect you found in a single list. The more detailed the description, the easier it is to track the fixes.
- Submit the defect list to the developer. Hand over the defect list and get confirmation that it has been accepted. Keep a copy of the document or take a photo of it.
- Do a follow-up inspection. When the developer reports the fixes, inspect the apartment again and check every item on the defect list. Photograph what has been fixed; leave anything not fixed in the certificate.
- Sign the certificate and get the keys. Sign the handover certificate once the defects are fixed or listed in it, and get all sets of keys. Save the handover certificate in the app.
- Complete the handover. Once all items are checked, complete the stage in the app. Congratulations! Now you can move on to planning the renovation.