A pre-handover inspection is your final opportunity to identify defects before taking ownership of your new build home. Proper preparation ensures you make the most of this critical step in the buying process.
Before the Inspection Day
1. Review Your Contract and Specifications
Before the inspection, gather all relevant documents:
- Purchase contract — Note the agreed specifications and any upgrades
- Floor plans — Understand the layout and intended room sizes
- Specification sheets — What finishes, appliances, and fixtures were promised?
- Change orders — Any modifications you requested during construction
These documents are your reference point. If something doesn't match the specification, it's a snag.
2. Create Your Own Checklist
While your professional snagger will have their own methodology, creating your own checklist helps you:
- Remember specific concerns or questions
- Track areas that are personally important to you
- Ensure nothing you care about is overlooked
Focus on:
- Items you specifically paid extra for (upgrades)
- Areas where you had concerns during construction visits
- Finishes that were important in your buying decision
3. Check the Weather Forecast
Weather matters more than you might think:
- Rainy day — Good for spotting window leaks, drainage issues, and damp problems
- Dry day — Better for external inspections, paint visibility
- Windy day — Tests window and door seals
If possible, schedule your inspection for after recent rainfall to catch any water ingress issues.
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What to Bring
A well-prepared inspector brings the right tools. Pack:
Essential Items:
- Smartphone or camera (fully charged)
- Notebook and pen
- Your specification documents
- Comfortable shoes
- A torch/flashlight
Helpful Extras:
- Spirit level (for checking surfaces)
- Tape measure
- Post-it notes or painters tape (for marking issues)
- A small ball or marble (for checking floor levels)
During the Inspection
Work Systematically
Don't bounce randomly between rooms. Work methodically:
- Start at the front door and work clockwise
- Complete each room before moving to the next
- Check every room including utility areas, attic access, and outdoor spaces
- Save the roof/attic space for last (it's often the most uncomfortable)
Document Everything
For each defect:
- Take clear photographs (wide shot for context, close-up for detail)
- Note the location precisely (e.g., "Master bedroom, south wall, 1.5m from door")
- Describe the issue clearly
- Rate the severity (cosmetic, functional, structural)
Common Areas to Check
Every Room:
- Walls — cracks, uneven plaster, paint quality
- Floors — level, finish quality, squeaks
- Ceilings — stains, cracks, light fitting positions
- Doors — operation, gaps, lock function
- Windows — seals, operation, glass quality
- Sockets and switches — position, function, levelness
Kitchen:
- Worktop joins and edges
- Cabinet alignment and door operation
- Appliance installation and function
- Plumbing connections for leaks
- Extractor fan operation
Bathrooms:
- Silicone sealing around bath, shower, sink
- Tile grouting completeness
- Toilet stability and flush mechanism
- Hot water operation
- Drainage speed
External:
- Roof condition (look for missing tiles or flashing)
- Gutter and downpipe installation
- External walls (cracks, mortar quality)
- Driveways and paths
- Landscaping completion
After the Inspection
Compile Your Report
Organize your findings into a clear, professional report:
- Summary — Total number of defects, severity breakdown
- Room-by-room listing — Each defect with photos and locations
- Priority items — Issues needing immediate attention
- Timeline expectations — When you expect resolution
Submit Promptly
Don't delay submitting your snag list:
- Send within 48 hours of the inspection
- Use email for a clear paper trail
- Keep copies of everything
- Request written acknowledgment of receipt
Follow Up
Set calendar reminders to:
- Check on progress after one week
- Request status updates every 7-10 days
- Schedule reinspection once builder confirms completion
Tips for a Successful Inspection
- Take your time — Don't let anyone rush you
- Trust your instincts — If something looks wrong, note it
- Ask questions — The builder's site manager can clarify concerns
- Be thorough — Check everything, even if it seems unlikely to have issues
- Stay objective — Separate "I don't like it" from "This is a defect"
When Things Go Wrong
If the builder disputes your snag list or fails to address issues:
- Escalate within their organization (site manager → construction director)
- Document all communications
- Seek independent professional advice if needed
- Know your consumer rights (HomeBond warranty, NHBC in UK)
- Consider withholding final payment until resolution (check contract terms)
Conclusion
Proper preparation transforms your pre-handover inspection from stressful to straightforward. Take the time to prepare, and you'll have a comprehensive record of any issues that need attention before you take ownership.
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