Flat handover from a developer

What a technical handover is

A technical handover is a meeting during which the buyer checks the condition of the flat being delivered by the developer. It is a right arising from the developer act and the contract. The aim is to catch any defects and discrepancies with the standard described in the contract before ownership is transferred.

During the handover a report is drawn up in which the discovered defects are recorded. It is the most important document of the whole process, because on its basis the developer commits to repairing the defects within a set deadline.

How to prepare

It is worth bringing to the handover the developer contract along with the description of the finishing standard and a floor plan of the flat with dimensions. A spirit level, tape measure, set square, moisture meter and a simple socket tester come in handy. It is also good to have a phone for photographing every defect.

It is best to schedule the handover during the day, in natural light, which makes it easier to spot imperfections in walls and floors. Do not rush; a calm, methodical check of every room usually takes from one to several hours.

What exactly to check

Pay attention to the evenness and plumb of the walls, the quality of the plaster, the condition of windows and doors, and the tightness of the joinery. Check that the windows work, that the windowsills are correctly fitted, and check the installations: sockets, electrical outlets, water and sewage connections. Verify the floor area, because differences between the actual state and the contract can have financial consequences.

It is worth measuring wall moisture, checking the slopes on the balcony and the operation of the ventilation. Record every defect, even a minor one, in the report, because only documented defects are subject to repair.

The report and remedying defects

The handover report is a document signed by both parties. It should contain a precise description of every defect. The developer has a set time to respond to the reported issues and to remedy them. After the repairs it is worth carrying out a follow-up handover to confirm that the defects have actually been fixed.

If there are many defects or they are serious, the handover can be carried out with a professional. A handover specialist has measuring equipment and experience, and so catches defects that are easy to overlook.

Summary: a handover without haste

Taking over a flat from a developer is the buyer's right, which is worth using to the full. Good preparation, a methodical check of every room and a thorough defects report guarantee that the developer will remedy the defects at their own expense. On larger investments the involvement of a specialist often pays for itself many times over.