Hello everyone!
I’ve started making a checklist of things to inspect and check in a new house before the final handover. I’ve come up with a few points, but with your collective knowledge, I’m sure we can add many more.
What I have so far:
- Check the electrical panel – test whether the rooms are protected as they should be (if possible at this stage)
- Verify that all roller shutters work
- Check that all power outlets function
- Test that all windows open and close properly
- Verify that toilets and sanitary fittings work
- Inspect windows and window frames for damage
- Check window sills for damage
Now it’s your turn. What else should be added?
(Sorry if there is already an existing thread on this that I missed – please feel free to share a link)
I’ve started making a checklist of things to inspect and check in a new house before the final handover. I’ve come up with a few points, but with your collective knowledge, I’m sure we can add many more.
What I have so far:
- Check the electrical panel – test whether the rooms are protected as they should be (if possible at this stage)
- Verify that all roller shutters work
- Check that all power outlets function
- Test that all windows open and close properly
- Verify that toilets and sanitary fittings work
- Inspect windows and window frames for damage
- Check window sills for damage
Now it’s your turn. What else should be added?
(Sorry if there is already an existing thread on this that I missed – please feel free to share a link)
Vicky Pedia schrieb:
Hold on a moment! There is unfortunately a lot of misinformation going around! It is important, actually essential, to carry out a thorough handover. For this, you should consult a qualified professional. There are civil engineers who are professionally capable of doing this, and some even work as expert assessors on top of that.
I have been managing construction projects for years and also conduct handovers for my clients. I charge by the hour. My hourly rate is certainly not low, but as already mentioned here, it is definitely worth it. If you hire me (the same engineer) as an expert assessor, you will pay significantly more for this service.
In other words: There are firms with building surveyors or civil engineers who bill by the hour, are good, and affordable! Please stop using the term “expert assessor” indiscriminately! Thanks!
Where can I find someone like that, and what exactly should I ask for? A civil engineer instead of an expert assessor?
So far, I have been searching for “building surveyors.”
I found someone, thank you very much.
Just a week before the final inspection, I quickly joined the Association of Private Homeowners, and an expert is now accompanying us.
Normally, they prefer to do this before the actual final inspection and only in the presence of the homeowners (to avoid disputes with the other party). But when he heard who we are building with and who the site manager is, he agreed to accompany us on the final inspection day as well. However, he made it clear that there is a risk of overlooking things since there might still be tradespeople working on site. Because everything here is a bit rushed and not well organized.
The expert also confirmed my impression over the phone that our building contract is fundamentally a good contract. Still, I’m glad he’s coming along, just to have that peace of mind and not sign anything as a layperson.
Just a week before the final inspection, I quickly joined the Association of Private Homeowners, and an expert is now accompanying us.
Normally, they prefer to do this before the actual final inspection and only in the presence of the homeowners (to avoid disputes with the other party). But when he heard who we are building with and who the site manager is, he agreed to accompany us on the final inspection day as well. However, he made it clear that there is a risk of overlooking things since there might still be tradespeople working on site. Because everything here is a bit rushed and not well organized.
The expert also confirmed my impression over the phone that our building contract is fundamentally a good contract. Still, I’m glad he’s coming along, just to have that peace of mind and not sign anything as a layperson.
kati1337 schrieb:
However, with the reservation that it is possible to overlook things while craftsmen are still working. Because in our case, everything is a bit thrown together carelessly.Does that mean the "to be inspected" construction is actually still in progress?https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
11ant schrieb:
So the "final inspection" of the building is actually still ongoing? Sort of.
Up until the day before, yes. But from what I know of the company, they will manage it. I’ve said many times, “There’s no way they can finish that fast,” and so far, I’ve always been proven wrong.
On the day of the final inspection, the schedule still includes the “blower door test,” “adjusting the interior doors” (whatever that means), and “sealing.” For example, my painter has already started sealing the tile edges. Not because the general contractor forgot, but because he doesn’t mind and says it helps him work better. He’s the kind of guy who just goes the extra mile. I’ve often gotten a “I’ll just help out with that” attitude from him, really great guy.
So there shouldn’t be much left to seal during the inspection, and the construction manager said the painter will definitely be there to fix small issues directly. But it’s not like there will still be a lot of workers running around the house on that day.
However, the interior doors are only installed the day before. That makes me a bit curious how that will work out. We’ll see.
One more thing on the topic of final inspection:
Does anyone know if it is allowed to carry out or have the final cleaning done before the official handover?
Or should I clarify this with the builder?
At the moment, the windows are still technically "their" responsibility, and they should be liable for any scratches. Am I allowed to start cleaning them already? Theoretically, something could get damaged during cleaning—but is that likely?
On the other hand, if the surfaces are dirty, some defects might not be visible.
Does anyone know if it is allowed to carry out or have the final cleaning done before the official handover?
Or should I clarify this with the builder?
At the moment, the windows are still technically "their" responsibility, and they should be liable for any scratches. Am I allowed to start cleaning them already? Theoretically, something could get damaged during cleaning—but is that likely?
On the other hand, if the surfaces are dirty, some defects might not be visible.
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