What should I check for when carrying out a pre-handover inspection?

Structural Integrity

The first thing to check when conducting a pre-handover inspection is the structural integrity of your home. Ensuring there are no cracks or other signs of structural damage is vital, as these issues can lead to more significant problems over time if not addressed immediately. Pay close attention to walls for any cracks or unevenness and look at floorboards for warping or other damage.

Fittings and Fixtures

A thorough inspection should include checking all fittings and fixtures throughout your house. Test taps for water pressure and temperature control; ensure sinks drain correctly without leaks from pipes underneath them; confirm toilets flush properly without overflowing; make sure doors open smoothly with no squeaks – the list goes on! It's also worth testing locks on windows and doors for security purposes.

Kitchen Appliances & Cabinets

In addition to examining fittings such as taps and drains in kitchens, don't forget about appliances like ovens, cooktops, range hoods – they should be functioning correctly before handover takes place. Also check cabinets' alignment: they must close squarely against their frames with no gaps visible between adjacent surfaces once shut.

Bathroom Fixtures & Tiles

Your bathroom checks shouldn't stop at just plumbing fixtures – take note if all tiles have been laid evenly, and grout joints are filled correctly. This is particularly important in wet areas like showers where any gaps can cause water damage over time if not addressed promptly.

Electrical Systems

Ensuring your new home's electrical systems are in good working order is another essential aspect of a pre-handover inspection. Test every light switch to ensure it turns the corresponding lights on and off as expected, and make sure power points are functioning by testing with a small appliance or device charger. If you have ceiling fans or air conditioning installed, verify their proper operation as well. 

Circuit Breaker & Safety Switches

Determining if circuit breakers function adequately (including safety switches, also known as residual current devices) can help prevent potential hazards down the line due to faulty wiring or other electrical issues that may require costly repairs later on.

Paintwork & Finishes

A well-executed paint job should leave no visible brush marks, drips or unevenness on surfaces – so inspect walls and ceilings carefully for such imperfections during your pre-handover walkthrough. Ensure colour consistency across rooms too; sometimes different batches of paint can result in minor variations even though they appear identical when viewed separately.

Floor Coverings & Skirting Boards

In addition to checking paintwork throughout your house, don't forget about floor coverings: look for cuts made precisely around doorjambs without leaving any gaps exposed beneath them; confirm carpet edges have been tucked under skirting boards neatly instead of being left frayed at edges where they meet wall surfaces; examine tiled areas like bathrooms closely since improperly sealed grout lines could lead to moisture problems later on if not resolved before handover occurs. 

Conclusion

The pre-handover inspection is a crucial step in the home ownership process. By taking the time to conduct a thorough examination of your new property, you can ensure any potential issues are addressed before they escalate into costly repairs or major structural problems. Be sure to check structural integrity, fittings and fixtures, electrical systems, paintwork and finishes as part of your walkthrough – doing so will give you peace of mind knowing that, when it's finally time for handover day to arrive, you're ready for a smooth transition into life as a proud homeowner!