Checklist: handover of the building

Handover is the moment the building passes from the contractor’s responsibility to yours. After it, defects are harder to prove and the right to the retention is harder to exercise, so it is worth preparing for.

1. Before handover

The works are complete in accordance with the design and the contract, or deviations are documented

You have compared the as-built condition with the design and recorded the deviations

The necessary tests and trials have been carried out (water supply and drainage, ventilation, heating and cooling, electrical installations, waterproofing)

Quality records for the materials and products incorporated have been collected

You have inspected the building with the supervising engineer, room by room, preferably in daylight

2. Technical inspection and use permit

You know who applies for the technical inspection and when

The documentation the inspection requires has been prepared, for example the supervising engineer’s final report, the contractor’s statements and proof of testing

The survey report of the as-built condition has been prepared

Deviations from the main design (glavni projekt) have been dealt with in an as-built design, where one is required

After the inspection, you have checked whether the defects identified have been corrected

The use permit (uporabna dozvola) has been issued, or you know what is still missing for it to be issued

You know your own costs (utility contribution, charges, registration in the cadastre and the land register)

3. Handover record and defects

A written record has been drawn up and signed by both parties

The record lists every defect noted, with its location and description, preferably with a photograph

A deadline for correction has been set for each defect

It is set out what happens if defects are not corrected within the deadline

The retention is not released before the defects are corrected, in accordance with the contract

A defect noticed after signing is reported in writing and without delay

4. Warranty periods

The date from which the warranty periods run is recorded

You know the warranty periods of the contractor and of the equipment manufacturers

You know how and to whom a defect is reported

The warranty certificates for the equipment have been handed over

You know until when the retention or guarantee remains valid

5. Documentation the investor must receive

The main design and the as-built design

The use permit and proof of registration in the cadastre and the land register, once issued

Quality records for the materials incorporated, declarations of performance and certificates

Records of the tests and trials of the installations

Operating and maintenance instructions for the installations and equipment

The energy performance certificate, if the regulations require it for your building

The handover record with all its annexes

The final statement, the final account and proof of payment

6. Keys and day-to-day matters

Keys, codes and remote controls have been collected and listed

Meter readings (water, electricity, gas) have been taken and recorded

Contracts with the utility suppliers have been transferred into your name

You know where the stop valves, distribution boards and safety devices are

You know whom to call if something fails during the warranty period

This is a general checklist, not legal advice. It does not replace a professional assessment. For your specific case, consult a designer, lawyer, notary or another suitable professional.

Bastion dizajn d.o.o.