Finishing, handover and looking after your building

The end of a project is not just the day the builders leave. How you check, accept and look after the work decides how long it lasts.

By the end, you will be able to inspect finished work and list defects. You will also know which documents to collect and how to plan maintenance.

Check the finished work

Before you accept the building, walk through every room with your builder. Check doors, windows, taps, toilets, switches, sockets and lights. Look for cracks, leaks, uneven floors and poor paintwork.

Write down every problem you find. This list is often called a snagging list or punch list. A snag is a small defect that the builder should fix before the work is complete.

If you are unsure what to look for, pay a surveyor or engineer to inspect with you. A fresh, expert eye often spots problems you would miss.

Final approvals and handover

In many places, a new or changed building needs a final inspection or certificate before it can be used. Common names include a completion certificate or occupancy permit. Ask your designer, a local lawyer or the relevant government office what applies to you.

Handover is the moment the builder formally gives the finished building back to you. Do not accept handover until the snagging list is fixed, or a date for fixing it is agreed in writing. Make the final payment only when you are satisfied.

Collect your documents

Ask the builder and professionals for a full set of papers. These may include:

• Final drawings showing what was actually built.
• Approvals and inspection records.
• Guarantees or warranties for the work, materials and appliances.
• Manuals for water heaters, pumps, solar panels and other equipment.
• Details of where hidden pipes, cables, valves and switches are.

Store them safely on paper and digitally. You will need them for repairs, insurance, renting or selling.

Plan regular maintenance

Maintenance means regular care that keeps a building safe and working. Small checks now prevent large repair bills later.

A simple plan might include:

• Clearing gutters and drains before the rainy season.
• Checking the roof and walls for cracks and damp.
• Servicing water heaters, pumps and electrical systems.
• Repainting outside walls and treating timber when needed.

Keep a record of each check and repair. A good record also helps when you sell or rent the property. Our repairs and maintenance page has more practical guides.

If you own property from far away

Many owners build or renovate in a place where they do not live. Looking after a building from a distance needs a trusted local contact.

Choose someone who can visit, send you photos and arrange repairs. Where HagerLand operates, owners abroad can use our property care service for regular checks and repairs.

Common mistakes

• Making the final payment before defects are fixed. Agree a snagging list and pay only when it is done.
• Losing guarantees and manuals. Collect every document at handover and store copies safely.
• Waiting for something to break. Follow a simple maintenance plan and record every check.

Key points

• Inspect finished work carefully and agree a written list of defects before handover.
• Collect drawings, approvals, guarantees and manuals, and keep them safe.
• Regular maintenance protects your building and saves money over time.