New home handover checklist (snagging list)

Before you accept the keys to a new home, check every room, list each defect with its location, and give the list to the developer with a repair deadline. Then tick items off at the follow-up visit.

Open the interactive checklist

No sign-up. Your notes stay on your device. Make the report in English or Chinese.

Download the printable PDF (A4, English + Chinese)

Before you start

1. Bring your contract, floor plan and specification list.
2. Pack a torch, a coin, a plug-in socket tester, tape measure, masking tape and a bucket.
3. Go in daylight and allow at least two hours.
4. Write each defect with room, position and size, e.g. “bedroom 1 window frame, bottom-left: sealant cracked ~10 cm”.
5. Structure, waterproofing, wiring and gas need a qualified professional if you have doubts.

The checklist, room by room

Tick each item OK, issue or not applicable. Grey text explains how to check.

Entrance

• Front door opens and closes smoothly, no rubbing
  Open and close it fully 3 times and listen for rubbing. The gap around a closed door should look roughly even.
• Every key, card or code opens the lock
  Try each key or card yourself, not just one. A door closer should shut the door gently, not slam it.
• No cracks where the door frame meets the wall
  Look along all four sides of the frame for cracks or gaps in the sealant. Tools: Torch
• Door and frame free of scratches and dents
  Shine a torch at a low angle across the surface — scratches show up much more clearly. Tools: Torch
• Doorbell / intercom works
  Ask someone to ring from outside or from the lobby; check sound, video and the door-release button.

Living / dining room

• Walls have no cracks, holes or stains; paint is even
  Shine a torch along the wall at a low angle; patches and dents become visible. Tools: Torch
• Ceiling has no water stains or cracks
  Pay attention near windows and outside walls.
• Floor not cracked, chipped, scratched or hollow-sounding
  Tap tiles with a coin; photograph scratches on wooden floors with something for scale. Tools: Coin
• A marble doesn't roll away fast (rough level check)
  Only a rough hint — ask a professional to measure if in doubt. Tools: Marble
• Room door, handle and lock work
  Open, close and lock it a few times.
• Windows open, close and lock; screens and blinds OK
  Slide or open each window fully.
• No leak marks or mould around window frames
  The bottom corners are the most common spots. Tools: Torch
• Sockets are live and wired correctly
  Use a plug-in socket tester; note any abnormal light pattern. Tools: Socket tester
• Skirting boards and trims intact
  Walk around the room once.
• Lights and switches work
  Switch each one on and off.

Bedroom (each)

• Walls have no cracks, holes or stains; paint is even
  Shine a torch along the wall at a low angle; patches and dents become visible. Tools: Torch
• Ceiling has no water stains or cracks
  Pay attention near windows and outside walls.
• Floor not cracked, chipped, scratched or hollow-sounding
  Tap tiles with a coin; photograph scratches on wooden floors with something for scale. Tools: Coin
• A marble doesn't roll away fast (rough level check)
  Only a rough hint — ask a professional to measure if in doubt. Tools: Marble
• Room door, handle and lock work
  Open, close and lock it a few times.
• Windows open, close and lock; screens and blinds OK
  Slide or open each window fully.
• No leak marks or mould around window frames
  The bottom corners are the most common spots. Tools: Torch
• Sockets are live and wired correctly
  Use a plug-in socket tester; note any abnormal light pattern. Tools: Socket tester
• Skirting boards and trims intact
  Walk around the room once.
• Lights and switches work
  Switch each one on and off.

Kitchen

• Sink drains well, no leaks underneath
  Fill the sink halfway, let it drain, then wipe the joints underneath with a tissue to see if they are damp. Tools: Tissue
• Hot and cold water both work at the tap
  Run both. Hot water may take a while if the heater has to start first.
• Worktop has no chips, cracks or burn marks; sealant is continuous
  Use a torch at a low angle along the worktop and the joint with the wall. Tools: Torch
• Cupboard doors, hinges and drawers work and line up
  Open and close every door and drawer once.
• Cooker hood / extractor works
  Try every speed; hold a tissue near it to feel suction. Tools: Tissue
• Hob and oven switch on
  If gas or power is not connected yet, mark N/A and note it for a follow-up visit.
• Kitchen sockets are live
  Use a plug-in socket tester on each socket. Tools: Socket tester
• Appliances and fittings match the specification list
  Compare each model plate with the specification attached to your contract. Tools: Spec list

Bathroom (each)

• Floor drains well, no standing water
  Pour a bucket of water and watch where it goes; photograph any puddle left behind. Tools: Bucket
• No drain smells
  Check that floor drains have a water trap or anti-odour cover.
• Toilet flushes, refills and is firmly fixed
  Flush twice and watch the cistern refill; push gently to make sure it doesn't rock.
• Basin drains well, no leaks underneath
  Run water, then wipe the joints underneath. Tools: Tissue
• Shower / bath: hot and cold water and pressure OK
  Try hot and cold and switch between tap and shower head.
• Tiles not cracked, chipped, loose or hollow
  Tap tiles lightly with a coin; a clearly hollow sound can mean poor adhesion. Mark spots with masking tape and photograph. Tools: Coin, masking tape
• Silicone sealant intact, no mould
  Check around the bath, shower tray, basin and toilet base.
• Extractor fan works
  Switch it on and hold a tissue near the grille. Tools: Tissue
• Shower screen or door closes properly, seals in place
  Open and close it a few times; look for missing or loose seals.
• Ceiling access hatch opens; no water marks inside
  Open it and look at pipes and the slab above with a torch. Tools: Torch

Balcony / utility area (each)

• Floor drains, no standing water
  Pour water and watch it flow to the drain. Tools: Bucket
• Railings are firm
  Push firmly by hand. If height or strength looks doubtful, ask a professional. Tools: Tape measure
• Washing-machine water supply and drain are in place
  Check there is a tap and a drain and enough space for a machine.
• Balcony door or window slides and locks
  Slide it all the way and lock it.
• Water heater / boiler looks properly installed and vented
  It should be fixed firmly and vent to open air. Gas appliances should be checked by a qualified technician.
• No damp stains or white salt marks on walls or ceiling
  White powdery deposits (efflorescence) often point to moisture. Photograph the location.

Whole home

• Breaker panel is labelled; RCD / GFCI test button trips
  Press the test button, confirm it trips, then reset. If you are not comfortable doing this, ask the person handing over.
• Smoke alarms (and CO alarms where required) present and working
  Press each test button. Note any missing or painted-over alarm.
• Meter readings photographed (electricity, water, gas)
  Take a clear photo showing the numbers. This sets who pays for what from today.
• Keys, fobs and remotes counted and tested
  Write the number of each in the note, e.g. "3 keys, 2 fobs, 1 garage remote".
• Heating / air-conditioning works
  Switch each unit on for a few minutes. For new homes, check the pipe holes, drains and sockets are in the right places.
• All lights and switches work
  Switch each one on and off.
• No construction debris or strong odours left
  Include inside cupboards and around access hatches.

Parking, storage & mailbox

• Parking space number and location match the contract or lease
  Compare with the plan or lease.
• No leaks or standing water around the space
  Look at the ceiling and walls nearby.
• Mailbox and storage unit are accessible with your keys
  Try each key.

Paperwork & handover

• Specification list compared item by item
  Your contract attachment is the reference. If a model differs, note it and ask whether it is an approved equivalent. Tools: Spec list
• Defects written onto the developer's handover form with a repair deadline
  Keep a copy. Use this report as your attachment.
• You know whether your contract lets you hold back part of the payment until defects are fixed
  This depends on your country and contract. Example: Taiwan's pre-sale contract rules let buyers retain 5% of the price until repairs pass a joint re-inspection.
• Warranty card and user manuals received
  Check what is covered and for how long.
• Backup or printed copy saved
  Use Export backup on the report page, or print to PDF.

General checkpoints only — not a legal standard, a professional inspection or legal advice.

Open the interactive checklist

No sign-up. Your notes stay on your device. Make the report in English or Chinese.

Download the printable PDF (A4, English + Chinese)

Taiwan example: 5% handover retention

Questions

Other checklists

• Rental move-in inspection checklist
• Move-out inspection checklist