ᐅ Final Inspection: What Special Considerations Should You Keep in Mind?

Hi,

lastdrop schrieb:
Are the windows clean enough to see scratches or inclusions? Or have they already been checked?

The windows are still dirty and covered with protective film (the outer plaster is currently being applied). I have already informed the general contractor that the windows will in any case only be inspected after the plaster is fully completed and the scaffolding is removed. Otherwise, I risk the scaffolders scratching the windows during dismantling.

But thanks for the tip!

Best regards,

Andreas

From personal experience: Take the time to check whether the individual room controls are actually operating the correct valves/heating circuits. For example, we wanted to heat the bathroom, but the playroom for our little one always got nice and warm because the heating circuit was on while the temperature was being measured in the bathroom by the individual room control. The opposite happened as well: the playroom was turned down because it was too warm, but the bathroom stayed cold.

Otus11 schrieb:
(2) If the client accepts a defective work according to paragraph 1 sentence 1, even though they are aware of the defect, their rights specified in § 634 numbers 1 to 3 only apply if they reserve their rights regarding the defect at the time of acceptance.

This is the most important point!

Otherwise, aside from what has already been mentioned:
- Is the construction site cleaned up?
- Record meter readings and meter numbers clearly
- Which documents should be handed over? Instruction manuals? Certificates?
- Keys?

What else we encountered:
- Some circuit breaker labels were incorrect (not immediately obvious)

Mike29 schrieb:
From my own experience: Take the time to check whether the individual room controls are actually operating the correct valves/heating circuits. For example, we wanted to heat the bathroom, but the playroom for our little one stayed nice and warm because the heating circuit was open, while the individual room control was measuring in the bathroom. The opposite happened as well: the playroom was turned down because it was too warm, but the bathroom stayed cold.

We had the same issue. You really have to figure this out first, especially with underfloor heating. At first, we thought individual rooms wouldn’t work until I discovered the problem. This was already 2–3 weeks after handover because before handover, when all the thermostats were turned up, all rooms warmed up. The electrician came by, corrected the mistake made by the plumber, swapped the valves in the distribution cabinet, and that was the solution.

Getting the windows accepted during the spring handover will be difficult, because in the meantime a lot can happen to the windows. If it doesn’t work out, check the windows for defects, and when the tradespeople come back in spring, have them confirm that the windows are free of defects beforehand. If anything happens after that, the tradespeople will be responsible again. You can only formally accept the windows if the protective films have been removed first. Be sure to also check from the outside for scratches. The front door frame is also very important since it is exposed to a lot (the door leaf often comes last) and in the end is the first thing visitors see.

With many defects, repairs are often not cost-effective. Think in advance about what kind of compensation/extras or similar you would want for minor cosmetic issues. Properties are usually more valuable "in kind" than cash, since companies can provide them much cheaper themselves and their own employees don’t cost $100 per hour (which is what you would otherwise be charged). Examples of extras to negotiate during handover include: window blinds, entrance steps, shower doors, contributions towards garden/paving work, or small things like “having all the windows professionally cleaned.” Of course, this depends on what the construction company or their subcontractors can do.

What do you have on your long list for the electrician that you could already write a story about it?! Our neighbors had issues with the radio-controlled roller shutters. Our electrician knew how to connect them. At our handover, one socket was missing (a blank cover was unscrewed) and one switch controlling a roller shutter was stuck. Both were replaced within five minutes. We also had two switches changed so that different lights turn on when activated (our request, not a defect). The chief electrician was very satisfied since he hadn’t received much praise from the company boss on previous sites.

Another thing to watch out for: silicone! Check everywhere where silicone has been applied. If it’s like in our case and everywhere, make sure you get a proper explanation on how to have it removed and, ideally, get the cleaning agent for it right away. You don’t want to end up with harsh chemicals that damage the new tiles.

A big thank you to all of you from Gabriele, who has greatly benefited from this thread since the final inspection is today. I have printed Otus11’s message and will take it with me.

Hi,

Payday schrieb:
You will have a hard time getting those windows approved in the spring.

The issue will now be resolved, the exterior plaster is finished, the windows are without protective film, and they will be cleaned as well. It seems the warning had an effect. Honestly, I would have accepted it regardless of whether the general contractor agrees or not. During an inspection, the client calls the shots, not the supplier. The supplier must prove that everything was done correctly. If they can’t do that because the windows simply aren’t in an inspectable condition, there is no approval for them. Period, end of story. Would you accept a completely dirty car still covered in transport films? Why would I do that with a house?

Payday schrieb:
What long list do you have for the electrician?

Quite simple, the guys are not quite finished yet. All outstanding issues formed a long list last week. But it is slowly progressing...

Thanks to everyone, and if you have any more tips, please share them.
I will compile a list and make it available to the forum.

Best regards,

Andreas