You’ve finally reached the anticipated moment, your new home is ready and it’s time for the Pre-Handover Inspection. Inspecting your new home before moving in or commencing interior work is very crucial.
At this juncture, your builder will reach out to you to embark on this step together, ensuring every detail aligns with your expectations before you claim your new residence. I faced some issues before I could move into the apartment, hence I thought of putting out a guide for all new home buyers in India.
So, let’s delve deeper into understanding this crucial phase!
What is Pre-Handover Inspection
A pre-handover inspection, represents your final opportunity to ensure your new house is up to par and also meets the specifics of the contract. This step is crucial, with experts conducting thorough examinations to guarantee everything is in its place, functioning correctly, and adhering to the highest quality standards, allowing you to confirm your dream home is in impeccable condition and ready for you.
Inspection Matters
Needless to say it is paramount to scrutinise every detail meticulously. You should verify essential safety measures such as fire safety, termite protection, and the waterproofing of wet areas. It’s also the time to inspect the finishing touches, like tiles for damage, gaps between walls and windows or wet area slope etc, to secure peace of mind knowing your home is in an immaculate state. This inspection serves as a reassurance for buyers, that the new home complies with all agreed standards and quality of material or finish.
I would suggest that these inspections are carried out with the representative of builder, followed by a comprehensive report, which facilitates a seamless handover process, allowing buyers to claim their new residences with confidence.
Inspection Itself
With careful planning, or taking services of professional inspector helps in the process. I decided to do it on my own. And if you feel confident, may elect to do so. The guide will further help you incase you decide to go solo.
- Request the builder for check list
- Agree with builder on the scope of inspection.
- Carry copy of contract which covers quality and standard of material used.
- Prepare your list of questions thay you may have and discuss them with the builder representative before the meeting.
Areas in the Building
Inspectors and property owners have to check every part of the building during inspections. Having a handy digital or paper checklist streamlines this process and makes sure they don’t miss any spots.
Here’s a list of the necessary places to include in a building inspection checklist:
- Start from Garage/Parking slot- Check the flooring and ceiling for any dampness or water leakage. Check for electrical charging points if applicable. Check floor, pillars and walls are of agreed quality and painting is done to required standard.
- Exterior Walls – Check exterior walls for quality and standard of work, paint and electrical fitting including any cracks or holes or unfinished work which is exposed.
- Each Room including kitchen, bathrooms and balcony for-
- Walls and Ceilings-
- Scratches, holes or dampness.
- Quality of work and painting. The surface should be smooth and with no undulations.
- Quality of trim tiles. Look out for and hollow gaps between walls and tiles.
- Quality of electrical fittings and furnishings.
- Windows and Doors- Confirm all exterior doors and windows open, close, lock, and seal properly. Check alignment of security latches. Confirm no gap between wall and doors/window on both sides.
- Flooring – Inspect all flooring for damage or imperfections.
- Lighting and Electrical –
- Confirm all light fixtures, switches, and power outlets are operational.
- Check for any exposed wiring or electrical hazards.
- Plumbing – Check all faucets, pipes, and plumbing fixtures for leaks or issues.
- Bathrooms –
- Inspect tiles and seals for damage, proper installation, and watertight sealing.
- Inspect floor for proper slope for water outlet.
- Air Conditioning vents – Check conditions of installed units for quality and standard. Ensure vents are free from blockages and debris.
- Drainage Lines – Check them for free flow and absence of any debris.
- Walls and Ceilings-
Pre Handover Inspection may take only few hours, but it will save you from later headache as well as costly maintenance. Post inspection always follow up with a observation letter along with photographs and videos where applicable.
Congratulations on your new home!
Be Safe, Be happy.
Pic Courtesy: houspetc.com.au
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