Taking over an apartment from the developer: a checklist before you sign

Before you go

Take the contract and the approved plan, a tape, a spirit level or straight edge, a torch and your phone for photos. Better still, take an engineer.

The inspection

1. Area and dimensions match the plan and the contract.
2. Clear height from floor to ceiling in several places, and any dropped beams.
3. Flatness of walls and floors with a straight edge.
4. Cracks in walls and ceilings, especially at beams and columns.
5. Signs of damp or leaks in ceilings, especially under the bathrooms above.
6. Drainage: pour water into each drain and check it runs away.
7. Windows and doors if fitted: opening, closing and sealing.
8. Where the meters, the electrical panel and the main pipes are.
9. Ventilation in bathrooms and the kitchen.

After the inspection

Write every note into the handover report with photos before you sign, and ask for a written date to fix them. A defect left out of the report is hard to claim later.