Home Handover Checklist for Construction SMEs

Inspect each room

Walls

• Plaster: no cracks, uneven spots or moisture stains
• Paint: even coverage, no splatters or streaks
• Tiles: firmly fixed, clean joints, no broken pieces

Floor

• Tiles, parquet or laminate: no loose sections, scratches or height differences at transitions
• Skirting boards: securely attached, no gaps, neat corner joints

Ceiling

• Smoothly plastered or painted
• No cracks where wall meets ceiling
• Spotlights and other lighting fixtures operate

Windows and doors

• Open and close smoothly, no resistance
• Locks function correctly
• Frames free of damage
• Rubber seals correctly positioned
• No condensation between double‑glazing panes

Electrical

• All sockets work (test with a charger)
• Switches control the intended lights
• Test the residual‑current device (press the test button)
• No visible loose cables

Sanitary fittings

• No leaks at taps, drains or connections
• Hot and cold water run correctly
• Toilet flushes properly and is stable
• Silicone around shower, bathtub and washbasin is complete and tidy

General site clean‑up

• All construction waste removed
• Surfaces cleaned (dust, cement residues, paint splatters)
• Protective films removed from windows and sanitary items
• Wall holes from scaffolding or drilling filled
• Door handles tightened
• Ventilation grilles installed and open

Exterior work (if applicable)

• Facade: no cracks, joints fully finished
• Gutters: securely fixed, no leaks
• Driveway or terrace: no subsidence
• Rainwater drainage directs water away from the building

Prepare documentation

• Handover report template, ready to be filled in
• Warranty documents for equipment (boiler, furnace, air‑conditioning)
• Electrical safety certificate (if electrical work was carried out)
• User manuals for technical installations
• Relevant certificates (e.g., energy performance)

After the client walkthrough

• Record any punch‑list items with photos
• Assign a responsible person to each item
• Agree on a deadline for remedial work
• Have the client sign the handover report
• Prepare the final invoice

Using the checklist

The checklist can be kept on paper or in a digital task list. Attach photos to each item and link the record to the project file. This creates a clear audit trail for both the builder and the client and helps ensure that all issues are addressed before the final handover.

Prepare before the customer arrives

Walk the property internally and compare completed work with the accepted quote, approved changes, drawings and product choices. Gather manuals, certificates, keys, access codes and maintenance information that belong in the handover package. Check that each document has a recognisable name and current version.

Assign one person to lead the inspection and one place to record observations. Charge devices, confirm safe access to technical areas and schedule a specialist when an installation needs an explanation.

Classify observations consistently

Use simple categories such as open work, defect, customer instruction and information only. Record the exact room or element, a concise description, photo and responsible person. Avoid labels such as “finish later” that cannot be verified.

Before closing the appointment, read back the open list and distinguish acceptance of the handover record from confirmation that every point is complete. After remedial work, attach new evidence and record who verified it and when.