9 Things to Check Yourself Before the House Handover
Inspecting a house or condo before the transfer of ownership is a crucial step for buyers.
This process involves checking the condition and construction quality—such as walls, flooring, plumbing, and electrical systems—before signing the transfer documents, ensuring the developer rectifies any defects.
Let’s look at the methods for inspecting a condo or house yourself and what specific items need to be checked.
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1. Electrical System
This is a vital part of the pre-transfer inspection. To ensure safety against electric shock or current leakage, the inspector should wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes, which serve as effective electrical insulators.
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2. Lighting
Check whether every installed light fixture functions correctly. Beyond simply turning on, verify that the light output is sufficient for the intended use of each area.
If the lighting is inadequate, you might need to switch to higher-wattage bulbs, change the type of fixture, or plan for additional lighting installation later. Also, for outdoor fixtures, check if they are positioned where rain might reach them, as this could cause short circuits in the future.
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3. Power Outlets
Inspect these similarly to the lighting. Use a voltage tester screwdriver or a small electrical device (like a small lamp) to test each outlet for power. Verify that outlets are located according to the room specifications and that they are three-prong outlets capable of supporting grounded appliances. Additionally, ensure that outlets on balconies or in bathrooms are positioned away from direct water exposure and are equipped with waterproof covers.
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4. Wiring and Grounding
If the project has not pre-installed air conditioners or water heaters... Wiring should be pre-installed for future use; the setup should consist of three-wire cables, including a ground wire.
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5. Electricity Meter and Protection System
Before the final handover, ensure that circuit breakers are installed for essential appliances such as air conditioners and water heaters. Verify that the electricity meter stops spinning when all lights and appliances are turned off.
If the meter continues to spin, there may be incorrect wiring connections leading to other rooms. Also, check that the meter's capacity is sufficient for the number of essential appliances in the unit.
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6. Telephone
Test the telephone wiring by connecting two handsets and speaking to each other; this is a preliminary check to perform before an actual phone number is activated.
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7. Water System
Key aspects of the water system inspection cover both the fresh water supply and the wastewater drainage systems. Points to check include:
– Water Leaks
Check for any water leaks within the unit. This can be done by turning off all faucets and observing whether the water meter is moving. If the meter shows movement, it indicates a leak—such as a burst or leaking pipe inside the wall, or a leak within the sanitary fixtures.
– Fresh Water Flow
This step is performed in conjunction with the drainage system check. Plug the drains of the washbasin, bathtub, and bathroom floor. Then, turn on every faucet to verify that water flows and to assess the water pressure.
– Overflow Drainage
Continuing from the previous step, keep the water running to fill the basins; you can turn on all faucets simultaneously. Next, observe the function of the overflow outlets found on washbasins and bathtubs. Wait until the water level reaches the overflow outlet and check whether the water drains through it effectively and without obstruction.
The rate of drainage through the overflow should exceed the rate of water flowing from the faucet. If the water level rises high enough to spill over the rim of the washbasin or bathtub, it indicates a potential blockage or inadequate drainage capacity in the overflow system.
– Standard Drainage
This test evaluates drainage through the standard outlets of sanitary fixtures and bathroom floor drains. Ideally, have an assistant help open all plugged drains simultaneously to see if the system can handle the simultaneous flow. Observe whether water backs up or overflows at other points—for instance, checking if water from the washbasin or bathtub surges up through the bathroom floor drain.
– Sanitary Fixture Drainage
Test the toilet's flushing performance by using 3–4 torn pieces of bread to simulate waste, then flush the toilet. A proper flush should clear all the waste in a single attempt. Failure to clear everything completely may indicate a pipe blockage or non-standard pipe sizing. Additionally, if air bubbles up when flushing, it suggests a lack of proper venting.
Apply these same testing principles to the kitchen sink and balcony areas when inspecting the water supply and drainage systems.
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8. Flooring and Wall Work
Another crucial aspect to inspect before the house handover is ensuring that the materials used for both flooring and walls meet the specified standards. Ensure proper, high-quality installation. Floors should be level and even; there should be no hollow sounds when tapped. This applies to tile and parquet flooring, while laminate flooring should not feel spongy or give way when walked upon. Check walls for cracks or separations, and inspect wallpaper for wrinkles.
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9. Doors and Windows
Check that they close tightly, are sturdy, and lock securely. Ensure they operate smoothly with their keys and that padlocks can be properly attached.
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As you can see, inspecting a house yourself before the transfer of ownership is straightforward. However, for greater peace of mind, you might choose to hire a professional inspector to ensure there are no issues after the property is handed over.
If, after the transfer, the property does not match what was advertised, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB).
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Thanks to DD Property for the useful information.
