What to Check Before Approving Fit-Out Handover From Your Contractor

A fit out Handover inspection is a key component of the completion of a project. It is the formal handover of a successfully finished physical asset as well as its accompanying documentation from the constructing team to the buyer. The fit out handover is the moment when a buyer takes the responsibility for the constructed project. 

So it is essential to check whether the building is safe, meeting requirements, and ready to use. Approving a fit-out handover inspection from your contractor without a proper checklist can lead owners to the hidden faults, missing documentation, loss of money and future headaches. It can be helpful for you to deal with the detected faults before approving a Fit-Out Handover, so take your time to inspect every corner. 

Usually owners want to check that surfaces, fittings, floors and fixtures are free of damage, sinking, cracks, and that the main gate, doors and windows open and shut effortlessly. You also need to check that all electrics, power points and switches are functioning properly. To get a more extensive guide on quality check before handover, read the blog fully.

Full checklist of what to check before approving a fit-out handover

The full checklist of what an owner needs to check before approving a fit-out handover is listed below.

Documentation

An important part of handing over a construction project is collecting all the crucial records and documents. This may include a compliance certificate, engineering plans, up to date drawings, permits, maintenance records, contracts and all other relevant documents that the owner can need to keep up the facilities in the future. Here the full list of the important documents that a person should check before approving fit out handover inspection:

1. Architectural Drawings: An up-to-date architectural drawing that confirms that the structure of the constructed building is actually what was needed.
2. Warranties: A set of all warranties of materials, appliances, furniture and equipment. 
3. Operations & Maintenance Manuals: Collect comprehensive details of O&M manuals for every installed building equipment.
4. Health & Safety Certificates: A file that contains all health and safety related details and certificates of the constructed building can be very helpful for future servicing, renovation as well as demolition.

Exterior 

In the exterior checklist an owner needs to ensure that whether the exterior cladding and Brickworks are free from any type of damage or not. Here is the list of things that you need to mark prior to approving a Fit-Out handover from your contractor.

1. Is the paint on all walls free from any cracks or damages?
2. Are all the required accessories installed such as the letterbox, street and house number?
3. Verify that all pipes and vents are securely covered.
4. Are fences appropriately installed and free from defects?
5. Verify that retaining walls are located safely and securely.

Electrical & Mechanical Systems

The full list of electrical & mechanical systems that a client or an owner needs to check before approving a Fit-Out handover inspection from your contractor includes the following.

1. Check the electricity meter box to ensure that it works appropriately.
2. Do each light switch, light fitting, and power point function properly and safely?
3. Are water tanks securely setted up?
4. Do access control systems and security cameras be installed?
5. Is the TV antenna fitted?
6. Check that cooling and heating systems are working properly?
7. Verify that the smoke detectors as well as fire alarms are installed and working properly.

Windows and doors 

Here is the full list of windows and doors quality check before handover.

1. Do all windows and doors open and shut smoothly?
2. Check whether the door handles and knobs are working properly or not.
3. Do locks and keys work appropriately?
4. Collect all sets of door keys, access cards as well as key code.
5. Check that window frames are properly fixed.
6. Are windows and doors clean and waterproof? 
7. Are windowsills painted neatly?

Plumbing, Toilets and Wet Areas

The plumbing, toilets and wet areas are very crucial to check before fit out handover inspection. We highlighted the main areas below.

1. Check that the sink and shower are free from leaks.
2. Open all the taps to verify water pressure, water temperature and drainage.
3. Verify that the shower screen is sealed.
4. Do bathrooms flush working appropriately?
5. Check that the water drain is working.
6. Verify that all the towel stands and the toilet paper holder are installed?
7. Are all fans and ventilation functioning properly?
8. Are you able to open and close cabinet doors properly?

Kitchen and Flooring 

The kitchen and the floor of a building matters a lot for every owner. So to be safe from future worries check the following before fitting out handover inspection.

1. Check that the flooring is safe from gaps, scratches, cracks, or any damages. 
2. Verify that the carpet joins are neat.
3. Are tiles free from cracks?
4. Are all tiles balanced?
5. Check whether the exhaust is working.
6. Verify that the oven, stove, refrigerator and other large appliances are working.
7. Are gas lines safely and securely installed?
8. Check that the sink is free from leaks and any defects.
9. Are cabinet doors open and shut easily?

Paints and Ceiling 

The neat paints make a building more beautiful and look worthy. So, it's important to check the wall and ceiling paints before handover. Following are the things you need to check before handover.

1. Check that the wall paints are smooth.
2. Check that paint is free from scratches, bubbles, dents, and marks.
3. Check the ceiling level.
4. Is the ceiling free from any cracks and damages?
5. Verify that the cornices and skirting are free from defects and gaps.

FAQS 

What is the main benefit of a fit out handover inspection?

The main benefit of a building handover is that a person can find out incomplete or defective work such as undone installations or any inoperative systems. 

What are the documents that you need to check before approving a fit out handover from your contractor?

The documents that you need to check during a fit out handover are project contracts, plans, permits, certificates, warranties, updated drawings and any construction project related documents.

What will be the duration of approving a fit out handover inspection from your contractor?

The exact duration of approving a fit-out handover inspection from a contractor is not fixed. Usually, it depends on the project size, local regulations, and the clients and owner's demands . When your contractor declares that the work is completed, a handover inspection can be scheduled. Usually, it takes six to seven days.

Conclusion 

A fit out handover is a process of transferring ownership of a building from the contractor to the owner. In this process the contractor conducts the final handover inspections to verify that the building satisfies all the pre-discussed requirements and standards.

The full checklist of what a client or owner needs to check before approving a Fit-Out Handover from your contractor is discussed above. 

If an owner found out any defect or damages during the inspection then the contractors will be able to fix them earlier to save a person from future worries. Before approving fit-out handover or releasing final payment, book a third-party fit-out quality inspection with Technomore Inspection.