The handover inspection is your one real chance to catch defects before signing the acceptance protocol. Once you sign, the developer is under no obligation to fix anything for free. So come prepared.
What to bring
- A spirit level (at least 1.5 m) and a set square
- A torch — for alcoves, built-in wardrobes, dark corners
- A socket tester or phone charger
- A smartphone to photograph every defect
- This checklist
Walls, floors and ceilings
Use the spirit level to check walls are plumb and floors are level. Hairline cracks where the wall meets the ceiling are normal settlement; cracks running the full length of a wall are not. The floor should not creak. Tile grout should be even and free of voids. Pay extra attention to corners — that is where uneven plaster hides most often.
Windows and doors
Open and close every window and door several times. The leaf should not drop on its own or stick. Check the seals — there should be no draught. Handles, hinges, locks — any play is grounds for a complaint.
Electrics and plumbing
Safety note: never test sockets with bare hands — use a proper socket tester. Improvised methods or wet hands are dangerous.
Test every socket and switch, and count them against the project drawings. Run every tap — water should flow steadily with no gurgling or smell. Inspect traps and pipe joints for rust stains or moisture; document anything you find.
Ventilation and damp
Hold a sheet of paper against the ventilation grille — it should cling if airflow is adequate. Check bathroom and kitchen corners for dark patches or a musty smell. In new Warsaw developments, blocked ventilation shafts at handover are more common than you’d expect and are fully claimable.
Completing the protocol and next steps
Log every defect in the handover protocol with a photo and an exact location. The developer is legally required to fix them within the timeframe in your contract — usually 30 days. If you want an independent technical assessment before signing, leave a request through the form and we will come and help you evaluate the flat on the spot.