Prepare Before the Handover
Bring the tools: a tape measure, a spirit level (or a phone app), a torch, a socket tester, and paper or a phone for notes. If the unit is not yet powered, a rechargeable work light helps a lot.
Book the inspection in daylight with good lighting. Hairline cracks and damp traces vanish under strong spot light but show best under raking natural light.
If time is tight or the unit is large, consider an independent inspector — but walking through it yourself first still catches most obvious issues.
Structure, Walls and Floors
Check walls and ceilings for cracks, exposed rebar, water stains or mould. Hairline cracks are usually surface plaster, but through-cracks, diagonal cracks, or cracks with flaking must be logged and followed up.
Tap walls and floors lightly with a knuckle: a hollow sound suggests debonding. On floors look for uneven levels and loose tiles.
Water, Electricity and Drainage
Open every tap fully and watch whether pressure holds; at the same time check that water drains freely without backflow or smells. Test the floor drains in the bathroom, kitchen and balcony one by one.
Use a socket tester on every outlet for power and correct wiring; open the distribution board and look for abnormal labels or signs of tampering.
Look for damp traces under the washbasin, around the toilet base and near the washing-machine point. Leaks there typically affect the flat below and carry serious consequences.
Doors, Windows and Layout
Open and close every door and window: smooth action, full closure, and sound locks. On windows check the rubber gaskets for ageing, the glass for cracks, and whether the closed window lets draughts through.
Check the partition walls against the approved plan. Unauthorised alterations may have to be reverted later — easy to overlook at handover, expensive to ignore.
Kitchen, Bathroom and Fittings
Check fittings against the handover standard one by one: cabinet hinges, countertop, extractor hood, sanitary ware, mirror cabinet, drying rack — present and working.
In the bathroom, test the extractor fan, confirm the floor falls towards the drain, and check the sliding shower screen runs smoothly.
Records and Follow-up
Photograph or video problems on the spot, and list the location and description on paper or a form. Verbal reports all too often evaporate after handover.
Deliver the list to the counterparty or developer in writing, keep a copy and a record of delivery, then track each item to completion — do not sign off until everything is confirmed done.