Fit-out Contractor Says “Work is Done” –What Should Owners Verify?
The long journey of excitement and construction seems to have reached its end when the contractor says, “Work is Done". But at this stage, owners have to verify whether the work is completely done or meet the standards of the contractual agreement. Owners must ensure that any necessary repairs are completed before celebrating this exciting moment. This is where fit-out quality inspection really matters.
Clients often feel their project is finished as per the words of builders, but hidden issues can cause difficulties later. The inspection process before sign-off helps to perform a detailed verification of your new house, villa, or office. In this process, your property finishes, doors, windows, waterproofing, painting, tiling, air conditioning, MEP, and HVAC systems are being checked.
Clients who hire inspection companies to gain fit-out completion approval can avoid later costly repairs, stress, and disappointment. Contractors often make mistakes or leave some sides unfinished because of the rush to move to new projects. In this blog, we’ll thoroughly explore what owners should check when contractors announce the completion of a project and why the inspection is essential before final payment for fit-out.
Mistakes Owners Often Make After Contractors Say Done
Owners often make many mistakes after the contractor's announcement about the completion of the project because of the hurry to occupy their space. These mistakes can be:
- Rush to make the final payment without inspection.
- Ignore small defects, considering minor issues don't matter a lot.
- Forgot to take the safety certificate and ask for the repairs if defects are found.
Clients have to keep in mind that a few days of inspection keep you away from years of regret. The main goal of the project is more than completion, so don't compromise on minor or major defects.
Why does Fit-out Quality Inspection matter before sign off?
Fit-out Quality Inspection before sign-off can save your time, money, and regrets. Inspection matters a lot because it makes sure that each and every detail matches the contract design and safety standards. It also ensures:
- Whether the system or property is prepared for use and final approval.
- All the construction work is finished as per the owner's approved drawings, design, and standards.
- All quality requirements and standards are fully met.
- All crucial documentation is submitted, verified, and approved.
What happens if owners skip inspection?
Hidden flaws, poor finishing and unfinished work can result in a lower property value. If owners skip verification, they risk
- Paying for Incomplete Work
- Facing Safety Hazards
- Spending Extra on Repairs Later
- Legal and Compliance Issues
- Lower Property Value
- Loose of Leverage to Ask for Corrections
So, owners have to hire an independent inspector for unbiased review, ask for document issues with photos and keep all records safe for future reference.
Which Areas fit out Inspection covers before final handover?
The inspection team checks the completion of the project in depth by using digital technology to verify the quality in construction and development projects. Some of the critical areas under inspection include:
- Finishes and Aesthetics: During inspection, cracks in ceilings, walls, painting, loose tiles, rough finishes, and uneven flooring are tested.
- HVAC and Security System: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are also inspected to maintain the air flow in the property. The fire and electric security systems are also verified.
- Structure and Design: Inspection also confirms that walls, room sizes, corridor width, and ceiling heights are according to the owner’s demand.
- Electrical, Doors, and Windows Quality: Switches, lighting, sockets, fire alarms, and wiring are also checked to avoid future disappointments. Your doors and window locks, and smoothness are also inspected.
- Plumbing and Sanitation: Home inspection matters a lot because it also tests all the pipelines, taps, showers, toilets, sinks, and water pressure for any type of leakage.
- Kitchen finishes: Every cabinet and drawer handles are also being checked during inspection.
Professional home inspectors will provide clients with detailed snagging results reports, photographs, defect lists, and follow up verification. So the owners can ask for corrections from contractors with proof.
What Questions Can You Ask Before Booking An Inspection?
Here is the list of some important questions which you can ask before booking an inspection.
- How much time does inspection usually take?
- Which areas will you cover in the inspection?
- How much will you charge?
- Will you provide me with a detailed report with proofs?
- Will you offer re-inspection if needed later?
FAQs
What should owners do immediately after contractors say work is done?
Property owners have to book an inspection so they can find unfinished and hidden issues timely to ask for repairs before it's too late.
Can the owners do the inspection on their own?
Yes, but hiring professional inspectors can avoid costly hidden repairs which can't be seen by the naked eye.
What is inspection before sign-off?
An inspection before sign-off is the final overview of the project for checking its quality, safety, and compliance.
Why should you make the final payment after the inspection?
Because it provides you with the permit to ask for repairs from the contractor if needed.
What if defects are found after the contractor's handover?
If defects are found after the handover, and you still have the contractor's warranty and responsibility, then there's no need to worry. But if the contractors don’t take the responsibility, then repairs can cost you extra.
Is Inspection after post handover risky?
Yes, skipping inspection after handover can be risky because defects, safety issues, and repairs cost becomes the owners responsibility.
Conclusion
A fit-out quality inspection is more important than getting the keys, manuals, and making the final payment, because it provides owners with leverage to demand repairs. After the correction of all problems, the clients have to issue formal approval to avoid later disputes. Don't rush to make the final handover, because inspection protects your investment and ensures safety.
As the Dubai real estate market is fast-paced so skipping inspection can be risky and results in lower property value. After inspection, the contractor's handover becomes smooth, easy, and professional. Before approving fit-out handover or releasing final payment, book a third-party fit-out quality inspection with Technomore Inspection.